Swapping out a MacBook Pro logic board (aka motherboard)
Have a dead MacBook Pro? Convinced it’s the logic board that needs replaced? Then you may want to read on ahead. Keep in mind this isn’t for the non-techie, involves taking apart the whole laptop and will waste a good portion of your day for a procedure that may or may not work.
I have not tested or tried any of the methods described by the tutorial I am about to mention so keep expectations real. If your laptop is completely dead then there isn’t really a reason to not try it but if it’s repairable and dead, the potential is there to make it completely dead.
You’ll also have to know what type of processor you have which would either be a Core Duo or Core 2 Duo. I’m not sure if that will really make a difference when you are essentially replacing the “guts” of the laptop but since the graphics chip is mated to the logic board, you may end up with something different if you don’t know the exact replacement logic board to get.
Be very careful when performing any disassembly of a laptop. There are many tiny screws to take out. Use whatever labeling system you need to make sure all the screws go back in the right spot. Apple likes to use special torx screws so you may need a new screw driver set to take apart the MacBook Pro.
If I haven’t convinced you to shy away from this by now, I’m not going to. If a quick fix is what you are after this is not it. It would also be advisable to make sure that the laptop is out of warranty and that the AppleCare (if applicable) is also expired. Should the laptop be under warranty or still under an AppleCare plan, ask Apple (or a Genius Bar) about repairs that would be covered.
WARNING: Follow the iFixit guide, IF AND ONLY IF having the MacBook Pro repaired by a Mac Genius or an authorized service center IS NOT AN OPTION.
Disassembly instructions can be found courtesy of iFixit. Make sure to select the correct laptop (15” or 17” with Core Duo or Core 2 Duo processors). It’s not clear if there is any difference in the guides between those laptops but select the correct model to be on the safe side.
As far as securing a replacement logic board, check eBay. Do not buy from users with excessive negative feedback. Keep in mind that some of them may have been used and refurbished (but functioning) boards. Prices will range between $150 to $700 on the higher end boards.
If eBay isn’t your thing, PowerBook medic can hook you up with replacement parts but at a slightly higher cost.
Related Posts:
September 30th, 2008
I wouldn’t advise anyone that’s inexperienced in repairing computers to use a laptop as the starting point. It’s incredibly easy to tear thin ribbon cables and the connection points are thin plastic. Electrostatic discharge from your body’s own static electricity can damage components and shorten their life.
Once you buy a board, it’s yours.
If you do decide to go ahead, taking a plastic ice cube tray and putting the screws with any connectors in the compartments keeps them from getting lost and makes reassembly easier, you just start at the last compartment and work backward.