Repair Gigabyte Laptop for ~ $1k, or Buy a New Laptop?

jc123 on 07/04/2021 - 10:33
Last edited 07/04/2021 - 10:55 by 1 other user

Hi,

My Gigabyte Aero 15 has carked it.
Specs wise it's got an Intel Core i7-7700HQ CPU, 32GB of RAM (2 x 16GB), Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 GPU, a 512GB and 1 TB SSD.
Note that I bought it in 2017 for ~$2,550 (was $3000 RRP), and thus it's out of warranty.

It no longer powers on anymore. There's no status LED indicator when plugged in, and even with battery removed.
Two separate computer repair stores who have inspected it state its a motherboard issue (Charger has been tested working and the motherboard is getting voltage input)
Spare parts are limited and they're unable/unwilling to obtain it.
I can only find one German store that has the part (GA-RP 65W) and offers repair for ~$400 AUD, but looking at the shipping fees for a 2.1kg laptop doesn't seem viable.

I have called Gigabyte to enquire about their out of warranty repair service, and they've stated just freight ($88) and inspection ($36) fee would cost ~$120, and if it is a suspected motherboard issue, it will likely be an additional rough estimate of $1000 on top.

Thus, I would like some advice on whether I should
a) Send it off to Gigabyte for inspection and repair
b) Buy a new laptop (I'd like something of at least similar level of power/display at minimum as I do frequently render, game, and use graphic applications on the side, whilst also needing portability due to work)
c) Or come up with some other plan. I'd also be open to other ideas of possibly harvesting the remaining parts for something else, but given these are laptop parts. I'm not sure what is actually feasible

Computing Computer Laptop

Comments

  • notdealbot on 07/04/2021 - 10:40
    +15

    Sell the working parts i.e. - RAM, SSD, HDD, Charger even wifi module and other stuffs (fb market place and ebay) and buy a new laptop later. I don't think it is worth the repair at that cost.

    • jc123 on 07/04/2021 - 11:05

      Hi, thanks for your advice. That makes sense.
      I hate the idea of trying to resell the working parts via eBay (would rather sell whole, and working out a price to sell stuff at is annoying), but if that's the only way to recoup the losses, then I guess that's how it is.

      • bazingaa on 07/04/2021 - 11:59
        +1

        You can try to sell it for parts as a whole system with " Condition:For parts or not working" (enable bidding with a minimum reserve price). I usually like to buy such items for a lower price and fix it/use parts in other systems. So, there will be buyers for even for such items.

  • Noblejoker on 07/04/2021 - 10:42
    +2

    You have this machine specc'd out pretty well with ram and GPU and 2 x ssd
    That said the GPU is older now and so is the CPU so equivalent power or an upgrade possible
    I would have thought a machine in the $1200-$1500 range is possible - plus extra to upgrade ram etc.
    note you can probably salvage ram and ssd from current machine and sell the broken unit on ebay

    TLDR a replacement machine of similar or better specs might be $2,000 or so

    I would not pay $1100 or more to fix a machine out of warranty with no guarantee of success
    Buy a new one and get extended warranty :)

    • jc123 on 07/04/2021 - 10:56

      Hi thanks, for your response, any suggestions of a good laptop that offers upgradeable options to utilise my extra Ram and SSD?
      I think you're right. Paying $1k to fix a machine out of warranty doesn't seem like a smart decision.

      • smashman42 on 07/04/2021 - 14:00

        Any chance your current RAM and SSDs could fit in a new unit - like spec one with big CPU and GPU but bugger all/cheap storage and RAM, then swap in your current gear

        I think that's safer than trying to part out the old one, and you can still sell the bare shell for parts - just keep the new units stock parts for warranty claims

        • jc123 on 07/04/2021 - 14:04

          Yeah, that's what I'm thinking might be the best option.
          Although I prefer the build of Dell, I think the Metabox series seem to offer the best option for getting a new laptop where I can go super cheap on storage/ram.

    • jc123 on 07/04/2021 - 11:10

      Any rough idea what would a broken unit approximately sell for? (if I only salvage the extra RAM/SSD)

  • pharkurnell on 07/04/2021 - 10:45

    $400 AUD, but looking at the shipping fees for a 2.1kg laptop doesn't seem viable

    How much is the shipping? 400 doesnt sound too bad certainly cheaper than a new laptop.
    Can you afford a new $2-3000 lappy?

    • jc123 on 07/04/2021 - 10:54

      From looking at shipping Auspost is ~$100 one way [ https://auspost.com.au/parcels-mail/calculate-postage-delivery-times/#/option/international/AU/DE?fromPostcode=2000]. Another courier site quoted $200 one way.
      However the store specifies I'd have to declare the good under value of $20 for them to accept due to the logistics of customs/shipping
      (https://www.electronicloop.de/GigaByte-Aero-15-15X-Mainboard…).

      I can afford a new $2-3000 lappy, but would rather find options to avoid this, as I was expecting my current one to at least hold out for another 2 years. And given that it's literally only one part (albeit the most crucial element) that doesn't work, I'm reluctant to just scrap the rest.

  • fafsdfadfabcfbc on 07/04/2021 - 10:58
    -3

    Don't focus on what you paid for it, that was 4 years ago. What do you think it's worth now? Try selling it in perfect condition on Facebook marketplace or Ebay. I think less than $500. That's how you arrive at your answer.

    • jc123 on 07/04/2021 - 11:03
      +2

      From browsing laptops with equivalent specs (and other gigabyte aero 15s on secondhand market), if it was repaired, it would still be worth ~equivalent to $1- 1.5k in value. But I could be wrong.

    • FireRunner on 07/04/2021 - 11:37
      -3

      $500? Lol, you're way off.
      I'd say around $1200, maybe a bit more if you find the right buyer.

  • brendanm on 07/04/2021 - 11:13
    +1

    Can you not get the German place to send you just the motherboard, and have someone here fit it? Seems like a waste to bin it if it can be fixed by them that cheaply.

    • jc123 on 07/04/2021 - 19:46

      I sent them a message based on your suggestion, but they said they do not have spares they're willing to send.
      They suggested either finding a local repair store that does motherboard repairs (I've sent a few emails now) or trying to find a used part in China (which they've done with about 60% success rate; this doesn't sound like a fun idea)

      • brendanm on 08/04/2021 - 13:47

        I agree, that doesn't sound fun at all.

      • Zachary on 13/04/2021 - 16:56

        if they dont have spare board to send how are they gonna fix your laptop then which requires a new board when you spend your whole unit over just for the board to be replaced?

        • jc123 on 15/04/2021 - 00:00

          I think they're going to just hold on to the parts they have, for their purposes of repair services. If they sold me the part only, they would again have to source another part if someone asked for a repair.

          • Zachary on 24/04/2021 - 12:22

            @jc123: Then you would be getting a second hand part, not a brand new part…

  • Drakesy on 07/04/2021 - 11:17
    +1

    Get a new laptop.
    Laptops and graphics cards in particular have come so far in the past few years, given yours is only running a quad core would be a good enough reason to upgrade.
    The money you'd sink into it would be dead money, as mentioned before, chuck it on gumtree or sell the parts off individually, you'd be surprised you could get for a non-working laptop.

    *Having said that I replaced my Lenovo Yoga's motherboard from Aliexpress for ~$300 (i did install it myself), turned out to be maybe a 20-30 minute job. Sold it for $500 the next day, much better than selling it as a burnt out laptop for $50/100.

  • FireRunner on 07/04/2021 - 11:43
    +1

    Definitely not worth sinking that much into it.
    Put the $1K towards a new laptop. You can probably re-use the storage. RAM is probably going to be on the slow side, probably best to sell. Sell the rest together, the time and effort required to sell parts individually will not be worth the effort

    Alternatively, try source the part yourself then fix it yourself or bring it to a computer repair shop.

  • Croc2 on 07/04/2021 - 11:51
    +1

    find somewhere that does proper repairs to motherboards (not a local tech store that tells you it's stuffed and you need a new board) and get a quote, probably just gunk/corrosion build up across contacts or a single component/trace failure.

    • jc123 on 07/04/2021 - 11:55

      Do you have any recommendations of any in Sydney? I've asked a local computer repairer, and SafeMode (https://safemode.com.au/) thus far

      • Croc2 on 07/04/2021 - 12:03
        +1

        I don't sorry. Have a look around for motherboard/logic board repair specific places, I found this one from a quick search.

        • jc123 on 07/04/2021 - 14:05

          Thanks for suggestion, I called and they don't do PCs :(, will slowly search

      • mini2 on 07/04/2021 - 13:09

        Monitor and Laptop Hospital in West Ryde - don't know if they're still good, the last laptop I got them repaired was 10 years ago (if not more).

        Sounded like some solders gone pretty dry and need someone to re-flow them which would be their specialty.

        • jc123 on 07/04/2021 - 14:05

          Thanks, I'll shoot them a message

    • AndyC1 on 07/04/2021 - 14:03
      +1

      Agree local tech stores do NOT fix mother boards. You need a board level repair shop. Unfortunately they can only usually be found if you are in the know, which I know for poker machine parts but not PC.

      • jc123 on 07/04/2021 - 14:06

        Ah okay thank you for the clarity

    • Zachary on 13/04/2021 - 16:53
      -1

      how do you fix a dead motherboard if everything is integrated? you'd have to physically chop parts of the board up if one of the part needs replacing that can't be taken out without cutting the board up….which would leave a dead board unless you can somehow rejoin all those tiny wires and solder joints inbetween those layers of pcb that isnt visible from the outside….so you may as well just get a new board at that rate…. I bet the price they charge to fix this would be the same price as getting a completely new board!

      • Croc2 on 14/04/2021 - 14:17
        +1

        Integrated components don't make a whole board unrepairable. If it's a component with a lot of connections (e.g. CPU or memory), it can be very difficult to de-solder all the points and attach a new one (usually requires a BGA reflow machine). You see this issue a lot on graphics cards.

        A lot of the time with dead motherboards, it's not these components that are broken (and when it is, it's usually the actual BGA solder joints), it's something smaller like a SMC or even a single resistor. These smaller components can be replaced with off the shelf parts in some cases, or for more complex components, repairers may have other dead "donor" boards on hand that they can transfer parts from. A little heat gun will bring them right off the board.

        If OP had a macbook, it would be undoubtedly cheaper to repair with a board specialist than get a new motherboard form apple, established repairers have a lot of schematics and donors for macbooks. Unfortunately, OP isn't in this situation, but IMO there's still a good chance he could get a significantly cheaper repair than buying a new mb.

        • Zachary on 24/04/2021 - 12:24

          I would like to see someone fix a dead motherboard. I have a hard time believing it is possible to restore a dead motherboard or graphics card to life.

          • Croc2 on 27/04/2021 - 07:56

            @Zachary: watch this guy's repair videos

            • Zachary on 03/05/2021 - 20:19

              @Croc2: So he fixes dead macbooks with…..expensive tools…so basically don't even bother trying at home unless you're gonna be using said expensive tool every day to warranty the expensive purchase instead of a one off.

              I don't see any videos titled fixing dead graphics cards or any of the sorts….

              Do you know any board level repair shops in Perth? I have a few graphics cards and other bobs that I would like checked out, that are dead or in the process of dying….and see if they can be revived back to brand new status…

              • Croc2 on 04/05/2021 - 08:23

                @Zachary: Most of the repairs you see him do only involve a rework station, soldering iron and basic implements. But as you said, these sort of repairs are really not something you should do at home.

                GPU's aren't commonly repaired, usually it's the solder under the chip that is stuffed - the old oven method might get it working for another couple of weeks or months but a proper fix using a BGA re-balling device would be very expensive - usage of these are typically reserved for expensive specialised equipment. If you've just dropped it though and chipped some surface mount components off, it can probably be fixed.

                I can't recommend any places sorry - Unless you have very expensive or very common devices, it's probably not worth it. Most board repairs will start at a couple of hundred $$ and you might not get a no-fix no-fee guarantee if the device in question isn't a macbook or something very common.

                • Zachary on 17/05/2021 - 17:33

                  @Croc2:

                  GPU's aren't commonly repaired, usually it's the solder under the chip that is stuffed - the old oven method might get it working for another couple of weeks or months but a proper fix using a BGA re-balling device would be very expensive - usage of these are typically reserved for expensive specialised equipment. If you've just dropped it though and chipped some surface mount components off, it can probably be fixed.

                  What if the card has been taken care of physically and the cause of the death is either through OC or components dying causing graphical artifacts?

                  Unless you have very expensive

                  Define expensive.

                  • Croc2 on 18/05/2021 - 13:30

                    @Zachary:

                    What if the card has been taken care of physically and the cause of the death is either through OC or components dying causing graphical artifacts?

                    If the issue can be easily isolated to a component, sure - for example, if you can see a blown cap, part of the power delivery (voltage reg and mosfets) not working or corrosion that bridges traces or components. Artifacting is usually related to the actual dies failing, the BGA joints being one of the most common failure points, even on well looked after cards.

                    Define expensive.

                    By expensive I basically mean non-consumer grade electronics, like boards that go into specialised equipment where getting a replacement part can cost thousands of dollars (e.g. medical devices) and take weeks to arrive. In these cases it makes more sense to have boards repaired like this.

                    • Zachary on 07/08/2021 - 15:35

                      @Croc2: So you're tell me I should simply throw away my old damaged graphics cards, even though they look pristine on the outside and not bother keeping it in the hopes one day I might be able to fix it and re use it on a system?

                      • Croc2 on 09/08/2021 - 15:46

                        @Zachary: I'd probably keep it around for display or try some of the hacky home fixes, especially if it's worth a couple of hundred dollars or more

  • CodeXD on 07/04/2021 - 12:06
    +1

    Definitely do not spend ~$1k to fix this up.

    Take a look at gaming laptop tag and there has been a few deals of 1660TI laptops for sub ~$1k in the past. If you are in the rush, you can still get them for ~$1199 like this (deal is expired but you can still buy it without the discount).

    • jc123 on 07/04/2021 - 12:14

      Thank you for your response. I can see there's many options. Would metabox (i.e. https://www.metabox.com.au/store/Alpha-X-Range/Buy ) would be decent alternative, or should I stick to the bigger brands like MSI etc.

      • CodeXD on 07/04/2021 - 12:23
        +1

        You'll have to do your own research on it, but I previously bought clevo (which I believe is the same as metabox) back in 2011 and it served me very well. I had to replace it in 2017 due to me spilling water on it which caused distortion in the screen. I've given it to my parents who still use it to this day attached to TV.

        Just remember that a lot of them do not come with OS, so that may be an additional cost on top (unless piracy).

        • FireRunner on 07/04/2021 - 12:27

          Might be able to use the Windows key from the broken laptop

      • CodeXD on 07/04/2021 - 16:40
        +1

        Throwing some more ideas for you.

        $1297 - Acer Nitro 5 15.6-inch i5-10300H/8GB/512GB SSD/RTX 2060 6GB Laptop

        While the upgraded model is ~$200 more, it does come with i7, and 8gb more RAM.

        You'll have to do some research as to whether your current RAM will fit, but from a quick google yours should be DDR4 SoDIMM (no idea on channel speed), same as these.

      • RecklessMonkeys on 08/04/2021 - 13:43

        My metabox has served me well. The fan started to die, so I was looking at the Alpha-X too. However, having tracked down a $15 fan, I couldn't justify buying a new laptop :)
        It's six or seven years old now. The GPU died under warranty, which they honoured, so no problem.

        The Dell is mighty tempting too
        [https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/615568]

        I think you should buy them both and let us know which is better :)

    • aveeno bb on 07/04/2021 - 19:31

      $100 off with PSSAVER

  • capslock janitor on 07/04/2021 - 13:06

    issue, it will likely be an additional rough estimate of $1000 on top.

    Not worth it. Cremate it.

  • Kangal on 07/04/2021 - 15:24
    +1

    Do you NEED it to be a GAMING laptop?
    Can you just get a normal laptop, and do your gaming on a console? Or on a desktop?

    You might save yourself some hassles going that way.
    But yeah, don't pay $900-$1200 to get this fixed. Remember back to any quirks or experiences, and try to deduce what it is. It could be a faulty battery, power unit, RAM module, SSD error, display, GPU, CPU, or motherboard. Or even a combination of those things. And see if there's a reputable computer guy who can diagnose it for free, and then give you a quote on fixing it. Because for all you know, it might be a 10min fix (eg/ unseated RAM). You might even be able buy another laptop for cheap that is identical to yours, and frankenstein them together…. I did just that when my Toshiba failed on me.

    So that's my $.02 advice

    • jc123 on 07/04/2021 - 15:39

      Thanks for your 2 cents. I do 3d renders as a hobby, and also game (admittedly only league of legends), thus I'm used to a certain level of power.
      I do need the portability as I tend to move every 6 months due to work needs, sometimes with just luggage and a backpack interstate.

      I've tried to self-diagnose by removing the battery, ram and SSD, however regardless of whatever configuration, it will not power on (no light on status LED).
      The frankensteining idea is definitely possible. I found a similar laptop to mine, second-hand, that currently is being sold for $1k…

      • Kangal on 07/04/2021 - 15:42
        +1

        Worse come to worse, you might be able to find a "worse" laptop for say $800… and throw in your RAM, SSD, Charger at it. And sell the broken one for cheap, as I think there are people interested in buying yours for their parts (eg Display, etc etc).

        So there's some choices for you to consider. The danger in all of this, is the time you wasted/lost when trying to fix it.

  • garetz on 07/04/2021 - 15:40
    +1

    Definitely not worth fixing, 1k would go a long way towards a new notebook.

    • jc123 on 14/04/2021 - 23:55

      Thanks for knocking some sense into me. Best to just let go and get something new that has new warranty

  • aveeno bb on 07/04/2021 - 19:32

    Tried finding a used one for 1k?

    • jc123 on 07/04/2021 - 19:43

      I saw one on Gumtree earlier today for 1k, but it's now gone. Everything else is $1700+ from what I can see

  • TilacVIP on 08/04/2021 - 07:48
    +2

    And that's the one massive drawback with Laptops. Once they go and its motherboard related, that usually means its going to cost an arm and a leg to fix [if at all]

    I have two 17in laptops [Dell 7 years old & still going strong - Lenovo 17in 4.5 years old & had to change the display a year ago], so kinda been lucky, but yeah its sometimes a lottery how long they will last.

    I guess you pay a premium for convenience over desktops

    • jc123 on 14/04/2021 - 23:45

      Yes I'm discovering from repair stores that old gen laptop motherboards aren't really something easily replaceable, and usually not worth the cost to repair from those I've spoken to.
      Yeah the convenience/flexibility of mobility/portability comes with multiple caveats
      I'm definitely going to look and pay a bit more for something for longer warranty next time. Though this laptop lasted nearly 2 years longer than the warranty period…

  • azonki on 08/04/2021 - 08:22
    +1

    As a hater of Gigabyte (let down too many times with major failures, including catching on fire) I find your experience is typical of the brand.
    They are hit & miss IMHO.
    But I'm sure you could find an independent repairer who knows how to use a soldering iron as well as a screw driver and give it to them?

    • jc123 on 14/04/2021 - 23:54

      Yeah my mates with Gigabyte Aeros have also had spotty experiences too, whereas I luckily had a smooth sailing experience for close to 4 years before a sudden death. My mates had no issues with getting their 2 yr warranty honoured and their 3ish year old laptops are still alive to this day. I'm just a bit surprised its so hard to find a secondhand motherboard part.
      I'm going to try a bigger established brand (Lenovo) for an alternative run.

  • the1doood on 24/04/2021 - 16:03

    Don't try putting a MoBo in laptop , ever!

  • hikaru78 on 19/05/2021 - 17:20

    i am surprised no one has suggested making a claim against the retailer under acl. This assumes you bought it from someone in aus though

    • jc123 on 20/05/2021 - 20:42

      I did buy it from Aus retailer, but it's past the 2 year manufacturer warranty mark unfortunately. It makes me rethink buying a high end laptop with the view of it lasting 5 years when it can totally die halfway through that lifespan.

      • hikaru78 on 20/05/2021 - 20:44

        manufacturer warranty has no bearing on the requirements under ACL.

        Its a reasonable expectation for a laptop costing 3k to last more than 3 years. Bring it up with the retailer… you have nothing to loose

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