Do I need a new motherboard?

Memon1 · Apr 20, 2017

I have an ASUS laptop that is about 4 years old. For whatever reason, the unit shut down after a Windows update and booted back up to the BIOS screen and can't get out of it. I contacted ASUS and Microsoft. Microsoft was able to remotely program a disc with the Windows 10 program that it was trying to update, but when I follow the steps it just reverts back to the BIOS. I took it to the Geek Squad and they told me that the motherboard was damaged while everything else was OK. I heard no beeps or clicks prior to the problem, though the battery probably was getting to where it needed replacing. I found i5 motherboards online but can the i7 from mine be put in one of them or is the processor soldered in? I would really like to save this computer if I can, but I can't seem to find the type of motherboard that this particular model uses. Any suggestions? I just want to be sure this is the problem. Thanks!

15.6" ASUS V550CA-DB71T, motherboard#, S550CA, Intel i7-35370 quad core, originally Windows 8 64-bit updated to 10

jwcrellin · Apr 20, 2017

You might be better off buying a new laptop mate.

Mister_MO · Apr 20, 2017

https

/ark.intel.com/products/72054/Intel-Core-i7-3537U-Processor-4M-Cache-up-to-3_10-GHz
Just quick search on google and you find out that this cpu have socket FCBGA1023. It have bga in name so it means soldered cpu.

SBMfromLA · Apr 20, 2017

What you need to ask yourself is... would it be cost effective to replace the motherboard or simply buy a new laptop. Did Best Buy give you a quote for the replacement? Since you didn't have it done ... can I assume you felt it was too high? Another thing to consider... What if you did have the motherboard replaced and you still have the same exact problem? Would you happened to have another 2.5" hard drive that you could swap in... just to verify you don't have a software issue? It just seems highly unlikely it happened during a Windows Update that got hung... still feels like a software issue, which should be easy to fix.

Memon1 · Apr 20, 2017

SBMfromLA :

Thank you for your reply. I did get a quote from Best Buy; it was kind of pricey. They tested the hard drive and said the data on it was still intact and could be transferred. They said the mother board wasn't reading the hard drive. They recommended just buying a new unit, but I'm leary about repair techs because in the past I've been told a PC was totalled and it wasn't; other people who have had the same problem got their PC fixed and lasted them years. I've also contacted ASUS directly. Their repair costs estimate at around $510 but could be more once they actually look at it and determine the cause and repair it. It's a roll of the dice. Would I have to have another hard drive to see if there is a software issue? If I had another hard drive to swap how would I know it is a software issue and what kind? How would I go about fixing it? I still hold out a little bit of hope.
Thank you for your help.

SBMfromLA · Apr 20, 2017

Memon1 :

Desktops are easy to work on... laptops... NOPE... The repair will cost more than what your laptop is worth... and there is no guarantee that's the problem. If you had a spare hard drive to insert.. you could see if you're able to install Windows onto that... About the only other thing you can do is inspect the RAM... perhaps swap places or just use one module of you have two inside... that could possibly cause the same problem.

But I think it's safe to say that you should start looking for a another laptop. A cheaper alternative would be for you to look in Craigslist or eBay for the same exact model you have..

UPDATE.... Another route you could take is to contact ASUS. Even though there isn't a warranty... they would be able to fix it without any problems and probably... since you're a current customer... offer you a much lower price than Best Buy. You should create an ASUS account... and enter your laptop info into your account/Ticket ... they may even give you a quote before you'd have to send it in to them.

Memon1 · Apr 20, 2017

I do have an ASUS account with the laptop info in it. The support person did give me a base estimate for motherboard repair which did include labor parts return shipping etc, around $500; though just sending it in for evaluation is free except for shipping. Repair costs for Best Buy were $600. For that kind of money, I guess I should just go with a new PC. I was going to invest in a new computer soon anyway as I wanted to get a desktop since I'm told they are better for graphic and web design. I had a desktop before, as mentioned above, I just got a laptop for better portability that I don't really need anymore.There are so many to choose from though and I don't want to lay down big bucks on a machine that will peter out or become obsolete within a couple of years. Any suggestions on a reliable desktop with good graphic design capabilities that won't break the bank? I'm not a cheapskate, I'm just trying to be careful. Thanks for any advice.

jsmithepa · Apr 20, 2017

Memon1 :

Am hugely surprise you even attempted.

Desktop PC use interchangeable Motherboards, (All) laptops use CUSTOM made once-off Motherboards. If you want to change a laptop Mobo, you must buy one specifically for it, there are no third-parties or generics. No generic means only one source (expensive), or used (eBay?).

Replacing a laptop's Mobo is not for the faint of heart, there are tinny wires and cables in there, not for the first-timer hobbyist unless you are experimenting and this is not your "working" laptop.

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Do I need a new motherboard?

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