Has anyone had this problem (probably a common problem) -
ECS G551, Centrino 1.4, 1400 x 1050 (SXGA+) ATI Mobility Radeon 9000 M9P
The LCD works fine but the display only shows random colored character blocks in VGA mode, and lines, dots, and blocks in SXGA+ 1400 x 1050 mode (LCD native mode). No text or legible graphics appear (pixels are shifted and out of phase).
This happens at the very start preboot POST sequence. Connecting a monitor to the VGA port shows the same patterns. System is unusable although Windows XP boots properly and it is possible to blindly login, etc. This started with some gaming, and progressively got worse, in that it was possible to restore the display after a reboot etc. But now the condition is permanent and happens with a cold system.
Tried to flash BIOS with latest "BIOS VGA correction" release 040913. Due to blind operation, was never sure if flash really happened. It made no difference in this problem.
I have seen one more report of such behaviour in a google search. Unfortunately the 1 year warranty just ran out - and am in Canada where shipping charges and border charges and custom clearance charges makes the shipping component just 5 times (yes five times) more costly than if I was shipping in the states to Fremont, Calif.
This laptop already had to be sent in once (on warranty) due to loosening of connectors and intermittency of power and audio jacks. This is a nice laptop (great screen and great case) except for reliability problems, and ECS service does not seem receptive.
How difficult is it to replace the motherboard on a laptop? ECS has a motherboard part for sale.
Will appreciate any comments - xomayni@yahoo.com
ECS G551, Centrino 1.4, 1400 x 1050 (SXGA+) ATI Mobility Radeon 9000 M9P
The LCD works fine but the display only shows random colored character blocks in VGA mode, and lines, dots, and blocks in SXGA+ 1400 x 1050 mode (LCD native mode). No text or legible graphics appear (pixels are shifted and out of phase).
This happens at the very start preboot POST sequence. Connecting a monitor to the VGA port shows the same patterns. System is unusable although Windows XP boots properly and it is possible to blindly login, etc. This started with some gaming, and progressively got worse, in that it was possible to restore the display after a reboot etc. But now the condition is permanent and happens with a cold system.
Tried to flash BIOS with latest "BIOS VGA correction" release 040913. Due to blind operation, was never sure if flash really happened. It made no difference in this problem.
I have seen one more report of such behaviour in a google search. Unfortunately the 1 year warranty just ran out - and am in Canada where shipping charges and border charges and custom clearance charges makes the shipping component just 5 times (yes five times) more costly than if I was shipping in the states to Fremont, Calif.
This laptop already had to be sent in once (on warranty) due to loosening of connectors and intermittency of power and audio jacks. This is a nice laptop (great screen and great case) except for reliability problems, and ECS service does not seem receptive.
How difficult is it to replace the motherboard on a laptop? ECS has a motherboard part for sale.
Will appreciate any comments - xomayni@yahoo.com
