This might sound like a pessimistic thread but I've got to get my GRX5P and GRX315MP in great condition for 6 months of continuous work on dive boats from November onwards.

To start with I'm going to get the RAM slots soldered properly. I know all about that fault and I have it on one of my RAM slots right now. I'm also going to get a spare hard drive at the ready.

My question is...

1. What are the next most likely failure modes of these models?
2. Are there any preventative measures I can take to keep these laptops running as long as possible?
3. Within reason, what spare parts should I keep in stock?

Thanks

Hello,

You asked..

"My question is... "

"1. What are the next most likely failure modes of these models?"
---- The AC power jack at the rear of the system, take special care when AC power is applied. That jack will break, and require reworking and repair of the through hole eyelet that the AC Jack lead solders to. To avoid problems, avoid unnecessary force to the jack and AC Plug.

"2. Are there any preventative measures I can take to keep these laptops running as long as possible?"
---- Only run the original operating system. These system's cooling system cannot handle "other" OSes that run the CPU at full speed all the time. You will end up with a damaged CPU. Every 6 months or so, clean the CPU cooling system. The only correct way to do this is to remove the power button bar and used compressed air to remove the debris buildup between the CPU fan and the heat sink. You MUST "unplug" the cooling fan to avoid reverse voltage generation that happens when the fan spins from the air you're blowing in the system. Also clean the GPU and Northbridge fan (smaller fan) Same thing applies, either unplug the fan or stop the fan from spinning when the air is applied. If you're going to perform the fan and cooling system cleaning, make sure you get spare power button cables should the originals fray and become unusable.

"3. Within reason, what spare parts should I keep in stock?"
---- If you ask me, a backup CPU (if you don't plan on cleaning as stated above), replacement power button and flash memory slot cables (if you plan on doing the maintenence above). We are going to start offering enhanced (better built) cables for the GRX line in the next week or so. If you're careful, you don't need to dis-connect the cables, but the power button bar tends to get in the way.

The maintenance issues stated above really only need to be performed about every 4 - 6 months depending on the condition and surroundings of the laptop.



Joe Kabalan
AQS Computer Services
2572 Sheridan Drive
Tonawanda, NY 14150

Toll Free: 1-866-204-4677
Local: 716-832-2473
Email: aqs12@adelphia.net

http://www.aqstech.com
http://www.laptopbios.com

Thank you very much for the advice Joe. That is exactly what I was looking for.

As I have 2 x GRX computers and one "apparently-dead-according-to-Sony-but-hopefully-repairable-for-use-as-a-spare" motherboard I expect to do some business in the future with you to get them fixed/maintained. However for the time being I have some questions for you:

1. If the AC jack failed, can it be repaired, albeit temporarily, on site without specialised tools?

2. If the notebook went for repair to the RAM slots, is there any strengthening that can be done to the AC jack to prevent future failure?

3. If I get a new CPU and keep the current one as a spare, should I just get another one the same (2MHz Intel Northwood I think) or is there a faster alternative these days? If so do you know the model number? And can it safely go in either my GRX5P or my GRX315MP?

4. How expensive is a power button, what's the spec/part number, and is it available only from Sony?

Thanks again

Hello,

You asked,

1. If the AC jack failed, can it be repaired, albeit temporarily, on site without specialized tools?
--- probably not, the AC jack failure on the GRX line is a little different than "normal" AC Jack issues. You may have luck simply re-flowing the solder on-site if needed, but don't be surprised if it does not work. Try and be careful with the power jack when in use.

2. If the notebook went for repair to the RAM slots, is there any strengthening that can be done to the AC jack to prevent future failure?
--- Yes, if we do the work and you state you would like the AC re-enforced for support we can add lead to through hole eyelet support to minimize the chance of a problem. BUT please be aware, we are not re-inventing the wheel here, there are "by design" limitations and even though we'll do this support rework, precaution should still be made.

3. If I get a new CPU and keep the current one as a spare, should I just get another one the same (2MHz Intel Northwood I think) or is there a faster alternative these days? If so do you know the model number? And can it safely go in either my GRX5P or my GRX315MP?
--- I think you'll be able to run up to a 2Ghz P4 Mobile CPU in that model without updating or altering the BIOS. Both models should be able to use the CPU. Don't forget the thermal grease. Having a backup CPU all really depends on how long the system will be "in service" and to what degree the systems will be used.

4. How expensive is a power button, what's the spec/part number, and is it available only from Sony
--- Power button cables, these are handy to have extras because they damage easily, we can sell them to you, we have them in stock. They run from $6 to $9 each.



Joe Kabalan
AQS Computer Services
2572 Sheridan Drive
Tonawanda, NY 14150

Toll Free: 1-866-204-4677
Local: 716-832-2473
Email: aqs12@adelphia.net

http://www.aqstech.com
http://www.laptopbios.com

Help anyone!Sony Vaio PCG-GRZ610
Tried the Shrink-wrap paper soln,under the RAM module.Actually put there aluminium foil,fine becoz a plastic separator btn mbd and memory module,i thought.Well actually now,my PCG-GRZ610 just still doesn't boot, but now no sign of life!The Power LED doesn't light up and no sign of life at all.Is this what happens when the memory gets fried?Or is it something else.THANK YOU SONY for all this disturbance.
Pse anyone help if you even gotten into this kinda situation

Had the same problem on my GRX5P. Totally dead. No light, no noise. It "woke up" when I took it to a repair shop, and then died again when I got it home. Sony replaced the motherboard, and that's all as far as I know.

But WHAT EXACTLY on the motherboard or elsewhere is likely to have gone wrong to cause "total death"? I don't believe it was just a faulty power button because it died while I was typing and email.

Nick,

Did the repair shop say something about a faulty power button or was that Sony?

Joe K

Hi again Joe,

The repair shop said nothing about anything because the notebook worked perfectly there.

Sony just said motherboard... and replaced it.

I got the idea about the power button from your good self, earlier in this thread!

Hi Nick,

I mentioned the power button cable, that may become damaged if you remove it for maintenance reasons, The power button and or the cable does not go bad on it's own..

Sorry for the confusion..

Joe

Oh, my fault. I understand now I've re-read your original post.

Actually I already had a bad experience with the cables you mention. When testing my dead GRX5P I actually swapped over the whole component behind the keyboard that contains the power button and memory stick slot with the same component on my GRX315MP. On replacement one of the white cables got frayed and unusable. So some better quality ones would be well worthwhile.

I'm definitely going to use your services some time. The problem I have is the import duty and tax when the stuff comes back to Thailand. They tend to ignore correct paperwork here and charge duty and taxes even on stuff returned from repair. I'm thinking about how to go about it short of coming there myself with my 2 notebooks and 3rd dead motherboard.

Anyway Joe, as you seem to be the man in the know and I've got your attention in this thread, I have 2 more quick questions

1. As with the AC socket, would you do PRECAUTIONARY extra soldering of RAM slots which have not yet failed? Would that be a wise idea for a "mission-critical" computer like mine?

2. Could the death of my now-fixed GRX5P (i.e. no LED's, no noises) have been caused by RAM slot failure, or is it likely something else? Most posts about RAM slot problems say the computer still has power LED and noises.

Thanks very much for your help. I appreciate it.

Nick,

You asked:

"1. As with the AC socket, would you do PRECAUTIONARY extra soldering of RAM slots which have not yet failed?"

--- I would suggest you take the precautions with the RAM before the AC Jack.

"Would that be a wise idea for a "mission-critical" computer like mine?"

--- The AC jack isn't a high priority just as long as you are aware it's sensitive to pressure or force, the RAM slots should be done regardless if they system is working fine at the present time. If this wasn't a "mission critical" system, I would simply suggest waiting until the problem sufaces for both the DIMM slots and the AC Jack.

"2. Could the death of my now-fixed GRX5P (i.e. no LED's, no noises) have been caused by RAM slot failure, or is it likely something else?"

---- Something else, RAM slot issues will not produce a "no power" condition.

"Most posts about RAM slot problems say the computer still has power LED and noises."

---- Yes, you had a power problem not a RAM slot problem.


Joe Kabalan
AQS Computer Services
2572 Sheridan Drive
Tonawanda, NY 14150

Toll Free: 1-866-204-4677
Local: 716-832-2473
Email: aqs12@adelphia.net

http://www.aqstech.com
http://www.laptopbios.com

With the moels you mention. I have had two in two weeks with display problems. mostly with swithing failures, or just dead. I would say bring a spare, but there a few dollars ($225) so not really a viable part to have.
you could always go reliable and get a capasator, and run a normal PC form the bosts 12 Votts.

Laptop coolers, are a fair idea but i dont think sony have made any.

____________________________

If any one could answer this it would save me some work..

Laptop display back lighting not working, theres some life when the switch closes and opens. I thnk its switch failure. but if any one else can shead some light..

I have a grx550. My ram slots progressivly have gone out. The computer with now not boot and I'm affraid that the CPU may be fried because I had Linex on it for a short time and I ran the CPU hard. It has had the original operating system on it for some time now. It wasnt till I put the original system on it that I started having problems. Now the computer will not boot up. I think that it just needs a need motherboard and if so where can I purchases one?

I have a PCG-GRX570, and I've already had the soldering/RAM problem.
I almost gave up since the local repair shop told it was the motherboard and it would cost $1500 to fix.
Fortunately I came across these threads and I sent it to Joe K and now it works like a charm.

Until last week, when the screen thing started happening. The screen flickers and goes almost black.Works with external monitor no prob. When I play with the screen latch it flickers back on the dies again.
Also the screen gad a weird red tint for a while, sometimes when I was turning it on it would be all red then cool down to normal.

Anybody have a clue how to fix this. I am so broke right now, there's no way I can afford a new laptop.....

Andreas,

Sounds like the backlight is gone on the LCD screen. They usually go Red before they go dead.

Joe K

Thanks Joe

so any ideas on how to fix this?

Andreas

I would imagine you have two choices,

Replaced the backlight within the LCD panel or replace the whole panel. We can take care of this for you if you like?

Should run about $89.00 + return shipping for the replacement of the backlight.

Joe K

Joe -

I have the EXACT same problem with my Sony VAIO GRX-750 LCD (backlight out). Can I order a new backlight directly from you? If not, do you know where I can order one from?

I appreciate any help you can give me....desperate to get the LCD back up and running.

Thank you,

Kevin

Hi,

Email me directly, I'll see what I can do.

aqs12@adelphia.net


Joe K

Dear Joe:

I have a Sony PCG-GRX500P laptop. Recently, the LCD screen occasionally has a lot of noise lines going across the screen. If I push the laptop casing or shake the laptop a little bit, it will go away. But it happens so often, that it is becoming really annoying. Any suggestions how to deal with it?

Thanks!

Dear Joe

Currently, I have a Sony VAIO GRX500 laptop. I've similar problem with the others on this thread. One day, the 16.1 inch screen goes flicker red and turns to black, then used an external monitor no problem, sometimes I tired to tap keyboard it flickers for a moment and it goes off dark again. It has been sitting around here for few months without useage. I sent it to the shop and paid too much for the repairs and the repair shop said it was the motherboard, still they couldn't find the parts. I suspect the problem was not the motherboard. Please help and your assistant is greatly appreciated.

Best Regards