He Broke His Steam Deck so I Bought it for $375 - Let's Fix It!
Fixing a Broken Speaker Connector on a Laptop
In this video, the speaker connector of a laptop is broken while trying to replace the SSD. The video shows how to open up the laptop and assess the damage done.
Opening Up the Laptop
- The seller tried to replace the SSD and broke off the speaker connection.
- The back shell is removed by unscrewing it and pulling it off.
- Clips hold the back shell on.
Assessing the Damage
- The speaker connector causing problems is located.
- The board with the main processor needs to be removed for closer inspection.
- There are torn pads, but they can be repaired. However, if there are missing components, that would be problematic.
Cleaning and Repairing
- Cleaning off debris from damaged area for better visibility.
- Torn pads can be repaired, but rebuilding mounting pads may not be easy.
- A picture from iFixit.com confirms that all components are present except for the broken connector.
Conclusion
The broken connector cannot be reinstalled in good conscience due to a hole in it. A new connector including cable and speakers can be purchased from iFixit.com or another computer motherboard may have a suitable replacement.
Fixing a Broken Connector
In this section, the note-taker is trying to fix a broken connector. They are cleaning up the pins and solder bridges and trying to fit the connector on the board.
Cleaning Up Pins
- The note-taker needs to make sure that the connector can still plug into this fully.
- The note-taker cleans up all of these connections on the bottom so this solder blob we can fix there's a piece of circuit board just stuck to it and then this mounting pin over here.
- The note-taker cleans up all of these pins right here clean up this solder Bridge right here and then also clean up this mounting pin.
Trying to Fit Connector on Board
- The goal is to try and fit this connector on here and push it back just a little bit this way so I can connect the pins right on all these traces.
- If they can get these three pins soldered down and then also one of the mounting pins, that will be enough to keep this connector on here.
Manufacturer Repair vs DIY Repair
In this section, the note-taker discusses whether it's better to have a manufacturer repair or do-it-yourself repair for broken devices.
Cost of Manufacturer Repair
- The seller contacted the manufacturer, who said it would be about $145 dollars to fix this.
Advantages/Disadvantages of DIY Repair
- Note-taker doesn't like doing repairs like this because they don't have confidence that it will last for a long time.
- Sometimes buying parts online takes months to get the right one.
- The note-taker respects the manufacturer for even being willing to take it in because a lot of Manufacturers refuse to even repair devices that are out of their warranties.
Working with Small Connectors
In this section, the note-taker discusses how small the connector is and why it's important to find an exact fit when replacing it.
Size of Connector
- The connector is shorter than a regular-sized grain of rice, which gives you an idea of how small of a component they're working with here.
Importance of Exact Fit
- Not just any connector will work to replace it; it's going to be a pretty exact fit.
Repairing a Broken Steam Deck
In this video, the presenter repairs a broken Steam Deck by replacing a damaged ribbon cable and fixing a loose connector using super glue. The repair process is shown step-by-step, and the final result is tested to ensure that the device works properly.
Repairing the Connector
- The presenter uses super glue to fix a loose connector on the Steam Deck.
- After several days of drying time, the super glue has created a strong connection.
- The repaired connector moves slightly but is overall in good condition.
Installing the Ribbon Cable
- The presenter notes that one of the pins on the ribbon cable is close to a plastic piece but does not think it will be an issue.
- The ribbon cable is installed successfully after applying thermal paste.
Testing the Repaired Device
- After reassembling the device, it does not turn on initially.
- Plugging it into a charger results in some sound and eventually turns on successfully.
- Overall, after repairing both the connector and ribbon cable, the Steam Deck works properly again.
Conclusion
This video demonstrates how to repair a broken Steam Deck by replacing damaged parts and using super glue to fix loose connections. By following these steps, viewers can learn how to repair their own devices if they encounter similar issues in the future.