• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Dell Precision won't boot, no POST. Nvidia issue?

L

Lifted

Diamond Member
I have a Precision M2300 here that won't boot. The laptop powers up, and the LCD turns on (blank), but I can't get a POST on the LCD or an external display. This leads me to believe this could be the infamous Nvidia GPU issue. Of course the warranty expired 2 months ago (inclusive of the extra 1 year due to the GPU issue).

If I hold down Fn key I hear the diagnostic running, and the status lights blink/chirp during the test.

Is there any way to confirm that this is in fact a GPU issue, and not something else which can be repaired without major expense?
 
The nvidia gpu is easy to get to according to the service manual at support.dell.com. Here is what I would do: Remove the keyboard following the directions in the service manual. Press down on the gpu heatsink with your thumb and then power up. If the video works then it's the gpu problem. When you release your thumb the video won't last long. You might want to search youtube. There are several laptop repair shops that specialize in this type of repair and have a special device to reheat the motherboard to reball the solder on the gpu.
 
I tried pushing on what I believe is the GPU - chip in the middle of the board, below the DIMM (in image below). Didn't help. It still turns on, and allows me to turn it off with the power button, but nothing on the display (internal and external).

k-swiss_.jpg
 
That should be the GPU next to the RAM slot so you're in the right place. Check the heatsink hold down screws to make sure they are tight. If it is the gpu issue you could try the home grown method which is applying heat like from a blow torch or hair blower just to see if that temporarily fixes it. If that does not work then it may be a bad motherboard.
 
I got to all the screws while trying to get it booting the other day with the thumb pressure on the GPU heatsink, but they made no difference.

I think I'll just offer it up for free on craigslist as a possbile fixer-up, or trash it. It's just not worth the time it would take to get a 4 year old laptop running.

Thanks for the suggestions Lanyap.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top