2 replies to this topic

[xxcrashxx]

I just recently picked up a 13" macbook off craigslist.  The seller stated that the only issue was bad ram modules, took it back to the computer repair shop that i work at, popped in some ddr2 ram, all i got was the rapid blinking sleep led on the front.  to my understanding, that signifies bad/no ram.  I have verified the ram I used works in another macbook.  took apart the system to find there was a bit of spill damage on the motherboard.  I went and cleaned up the whole board and ram sockets using MEK(chemical solvent) and a soft fine bristle toothbrush.  Now the board looks like its in perfect condition, except it still won't recognize any ram modules at all.  I have tried just one stick in each slot, and exact pairs and all i get in the blinking sleep light.  After that, I attempted to reflow both the northbridge and southbridge chips with a dark IR reflow station we have at work.  still the same issue.  Im getting the feeling that there might be a dead component somewhere between the ram sockets and the path they follow to the NB.  at this point i feel like im at a loss with this system.

i dont know the exact model(left laptop at work to hide from wife).  I know its a A1181, 2.16ghz core 2 duo, came with a 160gb drive, 13" screen, plastic body.  the number on the board identified it as a 820-2213-A.  If anyone out there with the schematics would be able to tell me what components i should focus on, i would be forever grateful....

EDIT: turns out after another MEK bath in a DIY "ultrasonic cleaner", and using a different type of flux under the chip, and a northbridge reflow has fixed it.  figured id post this for documentation sake.

LONG STORY SHORT:
if a 13" '07 macbook 2.16ghz core 2 duo always has rapid blinking sleep light and doesnt turn on, even though the ram is in fully.... It might need a northbridge reflow.

[jugger18]

xxcrashxx, on Jun 14 2011, 06:20 PM, said:

I just recently picked up a 13" macbook off craigslist.  The seller stated that the only issue was bad ram modules, took it back to the computer repair shop that i work at, popped in some ddr2 ram, all i got was the rapid blinking sleep led on the front.  to my understanding, that signifies bad/no ram.  I have verified the ram I used works in another macbook.  took apart the system to find there was a bit of spill damage on the motherboard.  I went and cleaned up the whole board and ram sockets using MEK(chemical solvent) and a soft fine bristle toothbrush.  Now the board looks like its in perfect condition, except it still won't recognize any ram modules at all.  I have tried just one stick in each slot, and exact pairs and all i get in the blinking sleep light.  After that, I attempted to reflow both the northbridge and southbridge chips with a dark IR reflow station we have at work.  still the same issue.  Im getting the feeling that there might be a dead component somewhere between the ram sockets and the path they follow to the NB.  at this point i feel like im at a loss with this system.

i dont know the exact model(left laptop at work to hide from wife).  I know its a A1181, 2.16ghz core 2 duo, came with a 160gb drive, 13" screen, plastic body.  the number on the board identified it as a 820-2213-A.  If anyone out there with the schematics would be able to tell me what components i should focus on, i would be forever grateful....

EDIT: turns out after another MEK bath in a DIY "ultrasonic cleaner", and using a different type of flux under the chip, and a northbridge reflow has fixed it.  figured id post this for documentation sake.

LONG STORY SHORT:
if a 13" '07 macbook 2.16ghz core 2 duo always has rapid blinking sleep light and doesnt turn on, even though the ram is in fully.... It might need a northbridge reflow.

Is the northbridge the chip located on the backside of the board?

[xxcrashxx]

nope, the one on the back of the board is the southbridge.  best thing to do is type in the numbers on the chip into google. 9 out of 10 times you will be able to identify the chip that way.

btw, with this macbook that i got, the northbridge is the chip directly under the cpu.  I managed to get it working about 3 weeks after i posted this thread.  I had to give it an ultrasonic bath in MEK for about 20 minutes, i did a reflow on the chip once, didn't float it though, it failed about a month after that, the second time, i brought up the temps a bit more, and floated the chip.  it has been fine since then.  my first macbook, and i love it, i prefer it over my acer laptop.