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The Samsung Galaxy S3 is a multi-touch, slate-format smartphone with eye-tracking ability, increased storage, and a wireless charging option.

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Looks like I need to replace motherboard, yes?

I have a Samsung Galaxy S3 that won't power on. It was my daughter's and got submerged in water. I'm new to this and thought this would be a good exercise, so took out the motherboard in search of the problem, and I think I found it.

Check out the attached images of the motherboard, and especially the first one where I've marked what I think the problem is. Looks like some of the components on the motherboard are fried:

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I didn't see any other obvious areas of damage, but I'm guessing that the whole thing will need to be replaced anyway.

So I think my next move is to order the Samsung S3 Verizon motherboard and install it by reversing the disasembly steps that I took to remove the damaged motherboard. Simple as that, or is there more to it?

Also, dumb question: what about the Android OS? Is it stored somewhere on the damaged motherboard that is going away, or elsewhere on the device? If somewhere else, I would think that there is no problem with swapping out the motherboard. But if it is on the motherboard, I have other questions (such as will it be present on the replacement motherboard, and if so, what version, and so on).

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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The new board would come with a its own android os loaded on it, all the information for the phone is on the board of that phone.

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Thank you for the info!

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Chosen Solution

I would try soaking it in some isopropyl alcohol to remove that corrosion. Let it soak for a few hours up to a day and than brush the board lightly with a toothbrush. I would than let the board dry for a few hours (maybe up to a day) to let the excess alcohol evaporate. I would try the board again after that. If it is still dead at that point I would try a new board. I hope this helps!

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5 Comments:

Ok, thanks, I'll give that a try!

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The alcohol got rid of that corrosion and the board is shiny-clean. But unfortunately, it still won't boot so I guess I'll try a new board.

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Sorry to hear it didnt work! I figured it might be worth a shot!

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It definitely was and it was a good learning experience. I did actually think the chips looked burned; I did not recognize corrosion. Now I know ;)

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Replaced the motherboard and the phone works like a charm! Great experience, looking forward to my next repair job! Thanks for all the advice.

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