Notebook Vaio: How can I be sure it's the motherboard and not the cpu?
Hello everybody from Italy,
I've this old Sony Vaio VGN-NR21ZS (April, 2008) which apparently seems dead.
The screen stays black, there is no post and no beeps, the power led stays on, the hdd led turns on for a few seconds as I attempt to turn the notebook on or whenever I press the power button - which I can still use to power off the notebook by holding it for some seconds.
Moreover the cpu fan is not spinning but the cpu, gfx and northbridge heatsinks do warm up a little.
I've tried to remove ram, hdd, dvd, wifi and modem card but still no beeps and the cpu fan stay still, not spinning. No signs from the screen at all.
I was used to use this notebook with the charger but without battery because it was broken and it wouldn't let the notebook turn on with it. Recently my father tried to turn it on with battery and charger together so it seems that made the mess.
To "repair" it at Sony Assistance I've been asked 500€: 300€ for the motherboard, 100€ for the service, optional 100€ for the battery.
I've been told by them that they don't repair parts but only replace them - this kinda made me furious.
I anyway had to pay 45€ for the poor diagnosis.
So, I would like to ask you all, how can I be sure it's the motherboard and not the cpu?
Eventually I'm willing to buy a refurbished motherboard (A1509920A) for about 90€.
Moreover, I've seen online some mini pci debug card at very cheap prices, can it be of any help?
Thanks!
P.s.
Blank screen also on an external monitor. No Vaio logo.
I've also got the schematic of the mother board but it's still uncertain for me how to do some tests in order to replace the single fried components although I don't have any hot air soldering system or know yet any repair shop who can do it.
Questa è una buona domanda?