Dell E6220 won’t boot after smoke came out

[Mackhack]

Hello ya’ll,

I have a Dell E6220. We plugged it in and smoke came out. Now the laptop won’t work anymore (shocker LOL).

When I press the power button the power light comes on but no video picture.

I would hate to throw away a good piece of engineering. Any idea where and how to start troubleshooting this bad boy?

If you need more information or pictures I’m happy to provide them.

Thank you.

[AirShowNut]

Hi.
It sounds to me like the graphics chip has been fried.
You can replace the motherboard if you can find one. As far as i know this is the only way to repair the laptop unless you have a chip de-soldering station handy as the graphics chips are soldered to the board.

[Mackhack]

I do. Hot air, soldering and reflow. Question is would I be able to get a new graphics Chip if that is the true culprit?

[AirShowNut]

You will have to identify the graphics chip from the legend printed on the surface of it, this will allow you to buy the correct one for the laptop ( if it is still being made ).
The only way to tell if the graphics chip is toast is to replace it and see if it works.
If it still shows no picture then it could be the mother-board that was fried.
To be honest i would personally replace the whole mother-board with a known good one, you can usually find them online both new and used.

[Mackhack]

I think I’ll go that route if I find a replacement board for a reasonable price.

[AirShowNut]

Just google the make and model, loads of results come up.
One thing to notice is the mother-board "serial" number, it will be printed on one side of the board ( you may have to remove it to find it ).
Laptops were sold with the same specs but different numbered mo-bo's and you have to get the same numbered one.

[Mackhack]

Thanks for the hint. I found one for $27 new. Amazing, I thought the graphics processor alone would cost more :)

[AirShowNut]

As long as it's the same number as the old one or the processor might not be recognised.