Acer needs new motherboard - but from panel connectors are wrong

[joydivision]

Got an acer which needs a new motherboard, however on acers the front panel header is a big block so you can't split it and reposition them for the new motherboard.

I can't find any motherboard which has the same front panel pin layout as this one.

Would would you do? I don't really want to start splitting wires and joining them because that will get messy and might be hard to do reliably.

A new case is not an option because it has an OEM COA.

 

[johnrobert]

What about a new computer they are so cheap

If you do manage to install new MB and it does boot into windows, it will not activate and niether Acer , not M$ will help you activating

 

[joydivision]

Never been an issue in the past. As longs as the motherboard is not an 'upgrade' it is ok. E.g providing it is the same or lesser spec, Microsoft are ok with it providing the new board is for a repair.

 

[mraikes]

I'm not sure of the problem. Are you saying you can't locate a compatible motherboard? Or you have one, but can't get it in the case? Or both (or something else?)

What model Acer? What part number is the original MB?

I've disassembled many Acers without undo difficulty, and service manuals are easy to obtain for many of their models. And of course you can replace a motherboard without Windows activation issues - just make sure it's the same as the original.

 

[joydivision]

The problem is the connectors to the motherboard for the power switch/leds etc are in one block. So if I get a different board they will be in a different place.

I can't source the board thats already in there. The customer needs it back for Monday morning.

 

[Jamie]

The problem is the connectors to the motherboard for the power switch/leds etc are in one block. So if I get a different board they will be in a different place.

I can't source the board thats already in there. The customer needs it back for Monday morning.

If they are push fit plugs,then you can lift up the tab and pull the wires out and rearrange them. How I do it anyway!

 

[joydivision]

Just worried about snapping cables.

All I know about the existing board is it appears to made by MSI.

There is a blank too in the header which can make re-arranging hard.

Just checking manuals from MSI now to see if I can find any that match.

 

[joydivision]

Problem solved, suggested that I build her a new computer with a new windows 7 licence, so new case, new hard drive, new motherboard, but I will keep the existing PSU, optical drive etc.

She has a E6500, so it still seems too good to just chuck out.

 

[johnrobert]

I installed an Asus MB in a HP desktop it needed to be activated
I called HP they told me to call
M$ I called M$ and they told me to call HP since its HP OEM
I had to resort to the dark side to get it activated
It was a nightmare

 

[joydivision]

One reason I am going with the new licence solution. It does add £72 to the cost, but the client will gain Windows 7 over Vista and have a nice new Coolermaster case.

 

[mraikes]

I installed an Asus MB in a HP desktop it needed to be activated
I called HP they told me to call
M$ I called M$ and they told me to call HP since its HP OEM
I had to resort to the dark side to get it activated
It was a nightmare

Well, of course you'd have a problem doing that. Didn't you expect it?

 

[ATTech]

You could always get a couple of these:
2-Pin Exension

That was just a quick google, so I'm sure you could find them cheaper.

 

[joydivision]

It is exactly what I need, I've made similar things for home made bodge jobs, but never for a customer. I will order a few to have in.

With the costs of PCs risen recently I suspect I will be repairing a few more desktops.

The main problem I have with this job is the PC needs to be ready for Monday morning, so I am going to be very busy on Sunday!