Sony VAIO VGN-SZ740 - Potential Motherboard Issues

[MarcNJ]

Hi All,

I have a client who has a Sony VAIO VGN-SZ740 (N7) laptop, and recently they had some catastrophic issues with their machine. At first, it seemed as if their hard drive was dying, and it was replaced (I was able to back it up first). However, it seems as if that isn't the issue, but rather something more problematic. After replacing the hard drive, it worked fine for a short while, and then started booting up with no hard drive found. Going into the BIOS showed that the system wasn't detecting any hard drive. I tried swapping in another hard drive but it wouldn't see that one either. I then attempted to replace the SATA cable between the motherboard and the hard drive, but that didn't solve the problem.

At present, it seems as if the motherboard is damaged. Unfortuntaely, the unit is just out of warranty, and Sony wants $800 + to repair it. Even to buy a motherboard and replace it myself would be $500 or more. Anyone have any suggestions about anything I can do so that this machine can work again without spending an exorbitant amount?

Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[BadBigBen]

eBay comes to mind, e.g. getting an exact same model with display busted or something along those lines...

though you still would not know if the mainboard is good...

other than that, a new laptop would be the only other option that I can think off...

Ben
"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."
How to ask a question, when posting them to a professional forum.
Only ask questions with yes/no answers if you want "yes" or "no"

 

[SkipCox]

I fully agree with Ben. Look for something like "works with external monitor" in the description and check the seller's rating on ebay.

Some patience is required to get the exact same model but it's well worth the wait. After you're done, you can put some of the leftover parts back on ebay.

Skip

 

[FalkirkPCRepairGuy]

I am not convinced this is a motherboard issue to be honest, how long did the replacement hard drive work?

I take it from your post you have already taken the unit apart, I would suggest you look over eveything you did and ensure all ribbon cables are secure in place.

Don't you just love Sony.

http://www.centralpcrepairs.co.uk

 

[kjv1611]

mbressman,

Was the 2nd hard drive you tried after you had replaced the original a known working hard drive? If so, I'd definitely say it's the motherboard. I believe you've done right in trying to eliminate all the possibilities.

I glanced on eBay for your model #, and didn't find any broken/as-is, but you can always create a search, and have eBay email you any time a listing goes up that does match the search criteria. You might want to search for the model number and the phrase, "as is", or else the model number and the word "broken", and then look into the listing details to see whether it sounds like the motherboard is useable or not.

--

"If to err is human, then I must be some kind of human!" -Me