1
Score
colmomollo
23
Asked
Is it possible to replace MacBook logic board with a later version?
My macbook has developed a problem charging, to the extent that it will only run when connected to the mains, and does not charge the battery at all.
This problem developed slowly over time.
I have had the problem diagnosed professionally and tried replacement of battery, magsafe etc etc but these are not the problem.
After carrying out tests, the technician determined that the problem was with a chip on the logic board that controls what the computer does with power; i.e. directing it to the battery etc.
He said that the only way to fix this was to replace the logic board, but that the macbook would continue to work fine connected to mains, which has proved to be true for a number of months.
I am reluctant to spend so much money on repairing a macbook that is now quite old and may need replacement soon anyway. At the same time the macbook is absolutely fine for my uses and I do not need an upgrade yet and as such am reluctant to spend the money until I really need an upgrade.
So, is there a cheaper way to fix this? And if I do replace the logic board can i at least replace it with a later model and get more value for money / a few more years out of my macbook before upgrading?
Thanks!
Colm
If I
2.0GHz (Intel core duo)
Edited by: ABCellars ( ) , colmomolloy ( )
4
Score
ABCellars
13.6k
Answered
Accepted Answer
The specs to your MacBook are here. With the bottom case and the backlight inverter cable you have the best you can go up to is the 2.16 GHz Core 2 Duo. That doesn't buy you much by looking at the numbers. However that processor/board has twice the processor cache 2 MB vs 4 MB which means it can store more repeated subroutines from programs, making it faster on many operations. That board also supports more RAM, memory, than your current board. The 2.16 is also 64 bit architecture and yours is 32 bit. There are enough subtle differences that you would realize better performance. The specs for the 2.16 are here.
Another option you have is to buy the bottom case from the 2008 black MacBook, along with the heatsink and inverter cable to fit that era of MacBook and you can go up to the 2.4 GHz board.
Here is a video explaining the things you need to pay attention to when changing motherboards for the A1181, pre Unibody, MacBooks.
I hope I have helped you more than confused you.
0
Score
Answered
Please give us the last 3 characters of your serial number so we can verify which lower case part you have to determine what boards will fit in it and have the proper connection for your LCD's backlight. The serial number is located in the battery compartment.
ABCellars,
Thank's for your speedy response ABCellars - the last 3 characters of the SN are: VMM Hope you can help! C
colmomolloy,
Very helpful - thank you!
colmomolloy,
ABCellars, I have another little, related question - feel free to shed additional light if you wish! Does the diagnosis of the charging issue (detailed above) make sense to you? The technician said there was no part I could individually replace to remedy the power issue; that the only way to repair the macbook and get the battery charging again was to replace the logic board. I've priced the boards that you helpfully told me would fit my macbook, and I'm having a hard time convincing myself to shell out $500ish just to address an issue with charging. As I said, while more speed/power would be nice, I don't really need this. I am a photographer and find the macbook I have does the job nicely and is fast enough for the files I use. Thanks again for you help! Colm
colmomolloy,
With out looking at the board I really could not answer if the board needs replaced. The A1181 is a 12 layer board with power running through 4 of the layers. I have one that will not charge or run on the battery, but will run off the AC. The area on the Motherboard directly in front of connector for the battery board is chard & the damage is in the sub levels of the board. I plan on attempting to fix that board. I have $25 in it, I can't lose. Most techs would call it unrepairable. I doubt if the Tech you took it to was able to trace the problem and blamed it on the power management chip. Download & install Coconut Battery, it is a free program, from here: http://www.coconut-flavour.com/ Find out what that program has to say about your battery/chargin
ABCellars,
There are reputable places on eBay to buy a good A1181 board for $300 or less with a warranty. Also reputable places to repair your board for $250 or less if it is chip(s) on the board causing the battery/chargin
ABCellars,
...does anyone know is it possible to tell if MacBook takes energy star / non energy star logic board without actually opening it up...
colmomolloy,
Go here: http://www.everymac.com/ultimate-mac-loo... Enter the last 3 characters of your serial number. Click on look up it will take you to a page with all the specs on the laptop.
ABCellars,
Thanks again ABCellars - but the energystar/non-energy star info seems to be the only info NOT on the detailed specs at everymac.com. I gather its critical to get the energy star spec right for the new logic board to work. Looks like I may have to open it up before I buy!
colmomolloy,
If it is an energy star everymac does mention it. If it is not there is no mention. The easiest way to tell an energy star motherboard is by looking at it the #2 RAM slot it says energy star on it. The pins to the battery adapter have a noticeable gap in them.
ABCellars,
Very helpful as always, thank's again. C
colmomolloy,
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