Swede Loc: Trail, BC Canada

I’m having issues with a Dell Latitude D520, it’s over 10 years old but it is perfect for what I use it for, 99% photo stuff. I put a new hard drive in it 6-8 months ago, now I have power issues, I was getting battery warnings, started with 50% battery remaining, I would get “battery connected- but not charging” So I had another adapter that I knew worked, plugged it in same thing is happening. Now it is down to 7% battery remaining yet the laptop still works, all be it a little sluggish. I thought it might have been the battery so I phoned Dell Support and after a couple hours getting transferred from one person I can’t understand to someone who is worse they said it was the motherboard,( the only motherboard I know of was when I was first born till 4 months, I don’t think that’s the same thing).
When I put the new hard drive they installed Windows 10 but I never activated it, don’t need it.
Okay the question is would it be worth putting a new motherboard in it?
Thanks All, and Merry Christmas,
Swede

Tomorrow days start getting longer, well days are just as long just a little more light

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

The "Mother Board" is the main circuit board of your computer. It is where the micro processor, and memory reside along with all the other control system chips are mounted. When it dies, your computer dies. I would take it to a local repair shop, and get a estimate on the repairs. I'm sure you will be able to buy a entire new laptop, with modern operating system, and more up to date systems.

B

happy sailor Loc: Ontario, Canada

Quick answer and short "No"

Just buy a new laptop, cheaper, faster and much better than what you have, computers have come a long way in ten years.

letmedance Loc: Walnut, Ca.

Just remove the battery and continue using the laptop.

alandg46 Loc: Boerne, Texas

Yup, and then purchase an enclosure for your hard drive in your current laptop and connect it to your new laptop. You will then have all your stuff.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I bet the cost of installing a new mobo would be high in comparison to the cost of a new laptop. Getting ten years out of a laptop is an accomplishment. I have a Dell Vostro 1500 laptop from 2008 that still works, but it's tooo slooow! Get a new laptop and enjoy it.

"John’s wife’s laptop died, and his local Geek Squad wants $800 total to replace the motherboard. John says he found the motherboard for $150, and he wants to know why Geek Squad thinks it will require $650 in labor."
https://consumerist.com/2009/06/08/how-much-should-it-cost-to-replace-the-motherboard-on-a-laptop/

finnmap Loc: N Illinois

Definately try this first.
I have had bad batteries cause similar problems. If it works fine with no battery then buy a new battery ($40-$60 probably) or just use it without.

I would not put in a motherboard unless you can do it yourself. New laptop would be a better choice.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I've gotten batteries from Amazon that are less expensive and worked well.

Big Bill Loc: Phoenix, AZ

Batteries + Bulbs (batteriesplus.com) has batteries (or can get them) locally, and at far lower cost than Dell.
If the laptop works without the battery, and you use it tethered all the time, just take the battery out, and use it that way.
Motherboard? No. Someone is looking for more Christmas party money.

But others may have a point - a ten year old laptop is old; but if it still does what you need, old is good.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I had the same issue with a Dell battery, in an old laptop. I simply purchased a new battery. Problem solved.
--Bob

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

I have an old laptop of 8 years as a backup. If my motherboard conked out on me, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one. Sell via EBay for parts. You should get a small fee for it, since it would be useless to you. Get a Dell. My next laptop.

EdJ0307 Loc: out west someplace

The wife uses my old HP desktop computer with Windows XP on it. A couple years ago the computer crapped out on her. I took it to the local computer repair shop to see what was wrong with it. They diagnosed a bad motherboard and wanted almost $500 to replace it. I could buy another computer for that amount so I paid their $35 diagnostic fee and took it home. Went on-line to Ebay and found and exact replacement for it - same manufacturer and model number and came out of an HP of the same model. Paid $75 for the MB. Took a couple hours to replace it, taking numerous photos along the way to be sure to get the wires and cables back in the same place. Fired it up and everything worked great, just the way it was before. I was surprised it went so well. And it's still working.

Swede Loc: Trail, BC Canada

letmedance (Id bet there's a story behind that handle ) the computer runs, all be it a little slower, with the battery installed, when I took the battery out it still worked but very slow. With the battery in all functions that I use work fine, just slower. I'm kinda thinking that the techs from Dell didn't know the problem so just said change the motherboard for something to say, and get me out of their hair. I'm going to get a new battery and see if that helps.

This dance thing is there a pole involved Just kidding. Thanks Pal

Swede

Swede Loc: Trail, BC Canada

Thank you Sir

Swede

Swede Loc: Trail, BC Canada

Thanks All for your replies, very much appreciated!

And I'd like to wish you and your families a Very Merry Christmas and I hope you have a Great 2017

Swede