Gateway Model SA8 powers up but no display

Threefeetunder · Jun 5, 2012

Hello...

I get lights no beeps, no display. I checked to make sure it wasnt the memory modules or the slots, nothing. Is there anything else it could be other than the screen being dead?

Thanks

plodr · Jun 5, 2012

Video chip on motherboard; that's why you don't see a thing on the laptop screen.

Unfortunately, very few laptops allow you to change the video so no video means a useless laptop.

Just to be sure, borrow an external monitor and see if the computer boots up with it attached. Something like the Function and F5 keys will toggle to display on an external monitor. If you still don't see anything then the chip is probably dead.

Threefeetunder · Jun 5, 2012

ok, i'll try that out...

Threefeetunder · Jun 10, 2012

I hooked up an external monitor and it boots up just fine. I tried hooking up 2 other panels 1 of which i am positive works, no luck. even switched out the inverter card, no luck. So I'm guessing that the graphics cards may be bad? Need some help...

plodr · Jun 11, 2012

One option is to replace the motherboard. (This isn't something I'd want to do on a laptop).
http://www.laptopaid.com/gateway-sa8-m-series-amd-motherboard-31sa8mb0000-tested-5625.html

Depending on the age of the laptop, it might be cheaper just to get a new laptop.

the mekanic · Jun 11, 2012

Could you post your particular model #?

It seems Gateway has technically abandoned this model. Only a series number could give us a rough age for this laptop.

And, replacing a mobo on a laptop?

Been there, done that. PIA.

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Gateway Model SA8 powers up but no display

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