Dell latitude CPx J series: Video

Guys/Gurus,
I have a Dell latitude CPx J series laptop and the problem I have is that the Screen is blank with nothing being displayed right from power on.

The system seems to be working with no display. I tried connecting it to an external moitor and it still doesnt work.

Could this be a video card problem or a motherboard problem?

I got it checked with a technician and he says its the video card and is charging me $130 to replace it.

My questions to the gurus here is:
Is there a separate Video Card for this model?
Is the problem actually video card or could it be something else?
Also, do you think the price quote on the repair is reasonable enough?


thanks in advance.
Warm regards

Welcome to Virtual Dr.:)

I don't think it has a seperate graphics card...is the technician replacing the video card? or the motherboard? because as you can see here: http://www.parts-people.com/index.ph...21&prevstart=0 a replacement motherboard can be picked up for $130 for that particular laptop....is that the full model number?


Liam

Hi,
Thanks for welcoming me to the group.

The model number is what is ini the title.
The technician did mention that he would replace the video card. I happened to find the Video card on the net for $9.99 .


This is what prompted me to ask the questions.
I am not sure if there is a separate video card or if its built into the motherboard.

warm regards
Sadanand

I found a few variations on the model, that's why i asked, as some stated having a "Card" and some where just mentioned as video, so i'd ask the technician what he was planning to do....and how much he was planning to charge for labour.:rolleyes:


Liam

liam,
I think you are right. I will have to ask the techinician what he he is actually going to replace and how much he would charge for labor.

thank you very much for your inputs.

warm regards

You're Welcome.:) Keep us posted.


Liam

I just had the exact same problem with the same model Dell Laptop that you have. It turns out that I had to reseat the processor. Once I did that the thing booted right up. It is a well documented problem with that model laptop.

Ginky,
You brought out an interesting twist to my problem. I will try your fix before I go ahead with anything else.

Did you remove the processor and reseat the processor back in the socket?

Warm regards

Yes, that is all I did. In my case I would hit the power button and the 3 green power lights would come on for a second and then go right back out. After doing some research on the Dell website I found out that with just a little vibration the CPU somehow doesn't make good contact. All I did was take it out and put it right back and bingo this thing fired right up. Please post back if this solves your problem. My hunch is that it will. Here is a link where you can see all the schematics for the Latitude notebook. It will show you what screws you need to remove. The Dell Latitude 810 that you see is the service manual part number. Go here >http://support.dell.com/support/edoc...0/en/index.htm

Ginky,
I think the symptoms for my laptop is different from yours.
For me, the computer startsup ( boots up) with no Display. I tried connecting it to an external monitor, even then, still no display.

Anyway, Thank you very much for the information, hints and the links to service manuals.
I will try to reseat the processor and check if that would would.

I will pot my solution on this site once I get it resolved or even if I could make some progress.

You guys are great.

My laptop
Dell Latitude Cpx
Model No : PPX

Warm regards

Ginky,
I reseated the processor. That didnt work for me.

Could be the video is bad and as I saw it, the video is embedded in the motherboard.
I could not verify if the video card is embedded in the motherboard or its sea[rate.'
I sercehd for Video card for CPx Jseries and I found one on the internet for $9.99.

This is confusing me as to whether the video board is separate or its embedded..

I think I will have to buy a new motheboard.

warm regards

That looks to be the right board i linked to above, a little bit pricey though unfortunately.....are you planning to replace it yourself?


Liam

See if this link helps at all >http://support.dell.com/support/edoc...20.htm#1008685

I talked to the Dell Support Engineer,
He said the video card is integrated in the montherboard and will have to change the motherboard.

The part number is 198FF

Warm regards

Ginky,
I could not open the link you sent.
I dont know if the modle your are refering in your links is similar to mine i.e
CPx J series Model PPX.

warm regards