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We have seen a significant trend in intermittent ATI video chips on laptop motherboards.Most common is the on the Apple iBook G3 failure and G4 Logic Boards.FirstPhase Tech has identified that there are periodic stress fractures on the video BGA that cause video failure.Using X-Ray and our BGA-1000 inspection scope,we have identified that there are inconsistent sized solder joints beneath the device. Inconsistent solder paste volume during the manufacture of the logic board results in stress not being distributed evenly (the smaller, lower mass solder joints take on the majority of the expansion stress which over time causes them to fracture).
This analogy can be likened to a truck towing a car across country with two ropes, one rope is 5ft and the other is 4ft and 10in. Although both ropes handle stress simultaneously most of the time, tension is not evenly distributed and over a long trip, or period of time, the 4ft10in rope will wear out and break first.
To date we have successfully repaired well over 100 of these now for various customers providing our BGA chip reflow service. Our first repaired units have been in operation for over a year with no re-occurence of the problem. It is very unlikely you get any more time out of our repair than you got originally. For example, if it has taken 2 years for the device to have fractured solder joints, you will likely only see another 2 years at best before it re-occurs. For most people this is just fine since they do plan to upgrade to a new computer before that time. The only way to completely repair both the symptom and combat the cause would be to remove the BGA device, reball and re-install it onto the motherboard. The cost for this would be at minimum $75.00 First Phase Technologies offers the basic BGA reflow for $50.00 ($35.00 for 3 or more at one time). You can contact us for more information.
iBook Repairs G3,G4
Instructions:
1) Remove logic board from laptop and ship just the logic board in an ESD safe bag.
2) Make sure logic board is shipped in carton with 2" of protective packaging like bubble wrap.
3) Fill out logic board form (download form) and send with your logic board to address below.
4) Upon receipt, Logic board will be inspected to verify if board has been reworked, or if any other damage is present.
5) Once video chip is reflowed or reballed we will contact you for payment information.
6) First Phase Tech accepts all major credit cards as well as Paypal. Payment by check is also accepte but shipment will be delayed until check is deposited and clears.
7) Return shipping to continental US is free and will be shipped by USPS Flat Rate Priority shipping.
[Editor's note: This looks like a reasonably-priced alternative to scrapping a misbehaving iBook or paying through the nose for a new logic board. The sticking point for most people would be getting the logic board out. iBooks are mean to work on. However, someone reasonably handy and with the assistance of iFixIt's teardown guides should be able to do it with care and patience.
http://www.iFixit.com ]
For more information, visit:
http://www.firstphasetech.com/ibook-repair-g3-g4.html
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