Hello everyone,
I have an N5010 laptop gone bad. When I try to start it, I get the famous 8 beeps, in a loop.
The VGA output is very corrupted, but I do make out the Dell logo and that's it. Looks kinda' like this: http://lekernel.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/unrefreshed_dram.jpg
I've tried keeping D pressed while booting and the laptop display shows the normal full screen colors. After it goes through that, 8 beeps in a loop and nothing else.
Since it's own display shows the proper colors for the diagnostic, my guess is that the LCD is fine. Given the VGA graphics corruption, I think the video memory is damaged.
I know everyone's going to say "replace the mainboard", but how can I tell if the LCD is fine or not? I could replace one of the parts, but if two need to be replaced, I'd rather trash the laptop and get a new one... Just doesn't seem to be worth the effort [and I hate patch jobs].
Thanks!