Chances are, you haven't even heard about a "re-ball." (Some still think it has to do with paintball matches.) But for a growing lot of computer users, a "re-ball" may be a way of saving your computing investment.
WHAT IS A LOGIC BOARD?
Your computer, whether it's a Mac or not, is composed of circuit board (also called a logic board) and interconnected circuits. For most computer users, concerns are few and far between - aside from occasional slow-downs and such. The components on your computer work together, almost synergistically.
However, with use (or overuse), a computer user might encounter any of an array of problems. Among the most serious relate to the logic board. Logic board problems may manifest in different ways, dependent on the computer. An affected computer might exhibit any or all of these issues:
- The computer displays unwanted graphics that don't go away.
- The screen turns dark, or there's a notable decline in video quality.
- The unit refuses to boot, or refuses to budge from the startup screen.
- The fans rev to high speed, and/or the computer grinds down to a near halt.
The following links refer to MacBook logic board problems, but the information is still useful:
Logic Board Problems
Logic Board Diagnosis
Why Do Logic Boards Fail?
The main problem diagnosing a logic board problem is that the signs may mirror another fault. For example, your computer may suddenly shut off, without warning. This can happen with a logic board fault...but it can also happen with a power supply failure (which isn't as serious). It's important to carefully research a computer problem before drawing premature conclusions. Even professionals can get confused when a fault looks like one thing, but turns out to be another. That's why relying on trusted professional is a good idea.
There's some controversy about what causes logic board problems. Certainly, some vintages of machines are more vulnerable to the issue than others; it pays to research specific computer models and their relative risks. Some users put their machines through lots of wear and tear, or run them at high temperatures for long periods of time. Not using your fans enough can stress your machine. Gaming exposes your machine to high levels of heat for long periods of time.
For most affected users, logic/graphic board problems are a combination of weakness of design (graphic chips that go bad too soon, for example) and usage. (There's scant evidence for this conclusion. However, the affected problems seem to work fine. say, for the first few years; then, after extended use and successive upgrades, a small proportion of MacBooks and iMacs suffer from logic/graphics board problems.)
The results aren't in yet, but the fundamental problem may come down to a degradation of solder over time. When the solder/flux weakens, logic board problems begin. Logic/graphic board problems don't seem to happen to users whose solder isn't allowed to weaken over time.
The kind of solder used in most computers has a melting point of around 225•F. Some computing temperatures can hit 215•F - just long enough to potentially cause damage.
The graphics board is the one particular part of the logic board that's earned a lot of attention over the years. Apple has recalled several machines for problems with graphics chips. The following might fill you in on the details:
Apple Logic Board Repair Program
Macworld Graphics Board Recall
HOW DO YOU FIX A LOGIC BOARD?
If you conclude that the logic board is at fault, you have several options. Predictably, some work better than others.
1. The Apple fix. Apple has a pretty solid record, all in all, at finding and fixing problems with their devices. If a computer or device has a repeatable problem during the first year of ownership, Applecare will try to fix it. This is probably the best option for users, since you're still under warranty. However, the issue must be repeatable. If an employee at the Apple Store doesn't detect any problems, or if the machine doesn't act up when you're there, it's unreasonable to expect Apple to fix the machine without verification.
Even if your machine isn't under warranty anymore, Apple has a respectable service record. But this record is more ambiguous when it come to the logic or graphics board. Logic board problems have an annoying habit of getting unfixed after only a few months - or even days - after being "fixed.".
2. External repair. Many cities (and an increasing quantity of countries) offer repair services. However, their reputation for success and credibility are extremely important. Before repairing your machine, check and recheck the company's references. If the price is too good to be true - it probably is. Before paying for a repair, do your research and demand a warranty.
3. DIY repair. You've seen the YouTube videos, or read articles online on how to fix troubled machines. One of the more popular home repair options is to "cook the books." Some intrepid users have taken apart machines, and subjected the logic boards to high temperatures until the solder "reflows." Remarkably, this actually works with some machines.
At least, it works for a while. The solder/flux, already weakened, usually ends up with more logic board problems several months down the line.
"Cooking the books" has been done with iMacs, too - but not as often as with MacBooks. It takes quite a bit of expertise to take apart and fix a tightly-engineered machine like an iMac. Needless to say, this kind of manhandling can be dangerous for your machine. And your health; lead solder vapors can be dangerous, when inhaled.
4. BGA Re-ball. This is a specialized technique that requires expensive equipment and considerable expertise. You've probably seen cheap re-ball kits for sale on the net, their claims should be regarded with skepticism.
BGA re-ball is a multi-part procedure that's ideally done with a fully-equipped re-ball station; said station might cost thousands of dollars. The process involves disassembling the computer, removing the graphics chip, heating and removing all the solder, and applying particulate solder to the graphics chip. Then, heat is applied, and the board is reapplied to the computer. For experienced technicians, using a state-of-the-art re-ball station, the whole procedure can take many hours of meticulous, detailed work.
As with the section on "external repair, " check on the reputation of the re-ball vendor. Online re-ball kits are available, but they're more profitable to the seller than useful for the computer user.
A User's Guide to BGA Reballing
Reflow Wiki
Reballing Manual
This isn't meant to be a comprehensive summary of the steps needed for rework on a BGA re-ball. However, any informed computer user should know the basic steps involved:
Instructable: Reball
HOW DO YOU AVOID LOGIC BOARD PROBLEMS?
If you already have a problem with your computer's logic board, it's already too late. However, it's never too late to stop logic board problems before they happen.
First, be informed of potential problems with your machine. For example, the spring 2011 batch of 15 and 17" MacBooks had a higher than normal incidence of graphic board failures. In fact, Apple voluntarily repaired qualifying machines.
Second, treat your machine with care. An iMac or MacBook may look gorgeous on the outside, but excessive heat and overuse can hurt a machine. Some users think that an iMac is an industrial machine, and can be subjected to hours of rendering work with minimal or any fans. It's good advice to keep our computer temperature under 165•F at all times. (This also applies to heavy gaming.) You probably won't generate the same temps on your computer as you would, say, on a Game Station - but it pays to safe in either situation.
Some software will help you to monitor the heat:
iStat Menus
Macs Fan Control
All this doesn't mean that you can't use your computer. There's no reason you should avoid demanding computer work. Just be aware of temperatures during heavy gaming, rendering, or compiling. A Macbook or iMac isn't a Mac Pro; it's a consumer machine with potential vulnerabilities.
However, with use (or overuse), a computer user might encounter any of an array of problems. Among the most serious relate to the logic board. Logic board problems may manifest in different ways, dependent on the computer. An affected computer might exhibit any or all of these issues:
- The computer displays unwanted graphics that don't go away.
- The screen turns dark, or there's a notable decline in video quality.
- The unit refuses to boot, or refuses to budge from the startup screen.
- The fans rev to high speed, and/or the computer grinds down to a near halt.
The following links refer to MacBook logic board problems, but the information is still useful:
Logic Board Problems
Logic Board Diagnosis
Why Do Logic Boards Fail?
The main problem diagnosing a logic board problem is that the signs may mirror another fault. For example, your computer may suddenly shut off, without warning. This can happen with a logic board fault...but it can also happen with a power supply failure (which isn't as serious). It's important to carefully research a computer problem before drawing premature conclusions. Even professionals can get confused when a fault looks like one thing, but turns out to be another. That's why relying on trusted professional is a good idea.
There's some controversy about what causes logic board problems. Certainly, some vintages of machines are more vulnerable to the issue than others; it pays to research specific computer models and their relative risks. Some users put their machines through lots of wear and tear, or run them at high temperatures for long periods of time. Not using your fans enough can stress your machine. Gaming exposes your machine to high levels of heat for long periods of time.
For most affected users, logic/graphic board problems are a combination of weakness of design (graphic chips that go bad too soon, for example) and usage. (There's scant evidence for this conclusion. However, the affected problems seem to work fine. say, for the first few years; then, after extended use and successive upgrades, a small proportion of MacBooks and iMacs suffer from logic/graphics board problems.)
The results aren't in yet, but the fundamental problem may come down to a degradation of solder over time. When the solder/flux weakens, logic board problems begin. Logic/graphic board problems don't seem to happen to users whose solder isn't allowed to weaken over time.
The kind of solder used in most computers has a melting point of around 225•F. Some computing temperatures can hit 215•F - just long enough to potentially cause damage.
The graphics board is the one particular part of the logic board that's earned a lot of attention over the years. Apple has recalled several machines for problems with graphics chips. The following might fill you in on the details:
Apple Logic Board Repair Program
Macworld Graphics Board Recall
HOW DO YOU FIX A LOGIC BOARD?
If you conclude that the logic board is at fault, you have several options. Predictably, some work better than others.
1. The Apple fix. Apple has a pretty solid record, all in all, at finding and fixing problems with their devices. If a computer or device has a repeatable problem during the first year of ownership, Applecare will try to fix it. This is probably the best option for users, since you're still under warranty. However, the issue must be repeatable. If an employee at the Apple Store doesn't detect any problems, or if the machine doesn't act up when you're there, it's unreasonable to expect Apple to fix the machine without verification.
Even if your machine isn't under warranty anymore, Apple has a respectable service record. But this record is more ambiguous when it come to the logic or graphics board. Logic board problems have an annoying habit of getting unfixed after only a few months - or even days - after being "fixed.".
2. External repair. Many cities (and an increasing quantity of countries) offer repair services. However, their reputation for success and credibility are extremely important. Before repairing your machine, check and recheck the company's references. If the price is too good to be true - it probably is. Before paying for a repair, do your research and demand a warranty.
3. DIY repair. You've seen the YouTube videos, or read articles online on how to fix troubled machines. One of the more popular home repair options is to "cook the books." Some intrepid users have taken apart machines, and subjected the logic boards to high temperatures until the solder "reflows." Remarkably, this actually works with some machines.
At least, it works for a while. The solder/flux, already weakened, usually ends up with more logic board problems several months down the line.
"Cooking the books" has been done with iMacs, too - but not as often as with MacBooks. It takes quite a bit of expertise to take apart and fix a tightly-engineered machine like an iMac. Needless to say, this kind of manhandling can be dangerous for your machine. And your health; lead solder vapors can be dangerous, when inhaled.
4. BGA Re-ball. This is a specialized technique that requires expensive equipment and considerable expertise. You've probably seen cheap re-ball kits for sale on the net, their claims should be regarded with skepticism.
BGA re-ball is a multi-part procedure that's ideally done with a fully-equipped re-ball station; said station might cost thousands of dollars. The process involves disassembling the computer, removing the graphics chip, heating and removing all the solder, and applying particulate solder to the graphics chip. Then, heat is applied, and the board is reapplied to the computer. For experienced technicians, using a state-of-the-art re-ball station, the whole procedure can take many hours of meticulous, detailed work.
As with the section on "external repair, " check on the reputation of the re-ball vendor. Online re-ball kits are available, but they're more profitable to the seller than useful for the computer user.
A User's Guide to BGA Reballing
Reflow Wiki
Reballing Manual
This isn't meant to be a comprehensive summary of the steps needed for rework on a BGA re-ball. However, any informed computer user should know the basic steps involved:
Instructable: Reball
HOW DO YOU AVOID LOGIC BOARD PROBLEMS?
If you already have a problem with your computer's logic board, it's already too late. However, it's never too late to stop logic board problems before they happen.
First, be informed of potential problems with your machine. For example, the spring 2011 batch of 15 and 17" MacBooks had a higher than normal incidence of graphic board failures. In fact, Apple voluntarily repaired qualifying machines.
Second, treat your machine with care. An iMac or MacBook may look gorgeous on the outside, but excessive heat and overuse can hurt a machine. Some users think that an iMac is an industrial machine, and can be subjected to hours of rendering work with minimal or any fans. It's good advice to keep our computer temperature under 165•F at all times. (This also applies to heavy gaming.) You probably won't generate the same temps on your computer as you would, say, on a Game Station - but it pays to safe in either situation.
Some software will help you to monitor the heat:
iStat Menus
Macs Fan Control
All this doesn't mean that you can't use your computer. There's no reason you should avoid demanding computer work. Just be aware of temperatures during heavy gaming, rendering, or compiling. A Macbook or iMac isn't a Mac Pro; it's a consumer machine with potential vulnerabilities.
