Techsurvivors

Archives => 2008 => Topic started by: GfxGuy on August 19, 2008, 09:42:40 AM

Title: Dead Titanium Powerbook
Post by: GfxGuy on August 19, 2008, 09:42:40 AM
My old friend just died.

The IS guy at work said that the cooling fan failed and that either the motherboard or the processor is fried, but he wasn't sure which. The hard drive was OK and he removed it for me and I loaded all of the info onto the new MacBook Pro the Co. bought for me, BUT I'm still wondering about fixing the old gal and giving her to one of the kids. So, can I fix this thing myself? I know nothing of computers. Or can anyone recommend a good place to get it fixed and give me a guestimate of what it may cost to fix it (if the problem is indeed as described)?

Beyond knowing it's a Titanium, I do not know specifics on the model.

Thanks,

Steve
Title: Dead Titanium Powerbook
Post by: Paddy on August 19, 2008, 10:08:15 AM
Steve, you will need to know which processor was in the Ti to begin with - as far as I know, they're not completely interchangeable (though some may be within model class). The logic board (motherboard + processor) will set you back anywhere from $249 to $499, depending on which Ti this is.

http://www.ifixit.com/Products/Titanium-DV...gic-Boards/9/33

(there are three Ti categories - see menu on left)

They offer very good guides at iFixit - http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Mac/PowerBook-...gic-Board/25/9/ is for one model of the Tibooks.

If you're careful and take it slowly, (keep those screws in little bowls, in order!) you should be able to do this. I've done various take-aparts on Powerbooks, iMacs etc. It's usually not particularly difficult if you follow the directions!! smile.gif

Of course, you have to decide whether this worth the $$$ and the effort. Logic boards turn up on eBay too - often for a lot less. Of course, you don't have the same guarantees there. Also - if you look on eBay, you may be able to get a replacement Ti for the same price or less than you'd pay for a replacement logic board at iFixit. Just depends which model you're looking for!
Title: Dead Titanium Powerbook
Post by: GfxGuy on August 19, 2008, 10:45:47 AM
Great site.
Interesting quandary though...how do I go about figuring out which one I've got if I can't go to "about this mac" since the mac is not working?
Title: Dead Titanium Powerbook
Post by: chriskleeman on August 19, 2008, 11:15:01 AM
QUOTE(GfxGuy @ Aug 19 2008, 11:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Great site.
Interesting quandary though...how do I go about figuring out which one I've got if I can't go to "about this mac" since the mac is not working?


Can you find a physical serial number on the Powerbook? Apple should be able to tell you from that which one you've got. Not sure where the serial # is though on a TI Powerbook, Paddy might know if you can't find it.

You also might be able to find a similar Powerbook cheap without a working drive on eBay?

HTH,

Chris K
Title: Dead Titanium Powerbook
Post by: Paddy on August 19, 2008, 08:09:05 PM
Here's how to find the info, Steve:

http://reviews.ebay.com/Apple-Powerbook-Ti...000000000088471
Title: Dead Titanium Powerbook
Post by: GfxGuy on August 21, 2008, 12:21:17 PM
Great site Paddy.

The more I look into this, the more I wonder if I shouldn't just part it out and be done with it. I don't know...

But thanks to everyone for the help. You guys are great.

Steve