Help repairing ATI R9 290X graphics card - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: RedeviL
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 14, 2015, 01:38:49 am
content: I've had this card for 6 months now and it's been working fine - mainly. There has been maybe 5 times where video output has just stopped and the computer has basically locked up.Powering off and powering back on typically 'fixed' this. But a couple of times powering the computer off and on didn't result in the video outputting anything.No error beeps or the likes - Windows would even load properly.A recent motherboard BIOS upgrade resolved these problems up until a few days ago.The previous owner had it for well over a year - he had occasional issues with it and an identical twin which he assumed was related to power.Similar experience, video would just stop. He replaced his power supply which resolved his issue.He eventually replaced the pair with a single card which was faster and sold the pair on seperately.The other card doesn't have any issues showing.So a couple of days ago, I went to turn the computer on and it didn't output any video.Opened up the computer and everything was seated properly and cables connect. Still no video.Removed the card for a closer look and discovered a component had broken off!I could not find it in the case or anywhere near where I was working. Even scoured the floor.I am hoping someone can help me determine what the component is so I can try to locate a replacement and have it attached.I realise it is possible it may not work, but suspect this repair would be cheaper than a new card which I just can't afford before christmas.The card is a reference design ASUS ATI Radeon R9 290X - the part missing is labeled C301.I assume it is a capacitor?I have removed the card before and checked the board for damage and have never seen this part missing so it has come off recently.I suspect the solder had a fracture which was worsened by one of my children running into the computer case recently giving it quite a decent bang.The case was relocated but it seems the damage was already done.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 14, 2015, 01:51:40 am
content: Quote from: RedeviL on December 14, 2015, 01:38:49 amThis is not solder fracture. Actually terminals of the capacitor are still there, capacitor itself was broken off. I have such graphics card and now measured that C301 and C302 are connected in parallel and visually are exactly the same. You could desolder C302 and measure the required capacitance. Don't want to do this with my working card while you can do it yourself. But IMO problem very likely is somewhere else.

author: Rasz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2015, 02:01:31 am
content: it has the same value as c302 next to it, they are parallel, smoothing buck converter output (l300 q300, u300 on the other side)no idea which voltage this is for, maybe spi bios runs at 2.5v? this wouldnt be something making the card stop working mid flight, only prevent booting

author: RedeviL
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 14, 2015, 02:15:57 am
content: Thanks for the replies and details wraper and Rasz - sounds like I am dealing with 2 separate issues.The mid-flight stop hasn't happened in over a month, since the BIOS update and later on a change in fan configuration (actually using PWM to manage the speed for intake fans).It definitely won't boot so that would line up.I've tested it in a different machine at work with a larger power supply with the same result.So there is a little bit of hope in salvaging it - now to locate someone who can work on it!

author: Rasz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2015, 08:38:00 pm
content: Quote from: RedeviL on December 14, 2015, 02:15:57 amhackerspaceham - this hobby often involves building/fixing radios, a lot of hams have very impressive home labscellphone/laptop repair shop (one that actually does own repairs instead of outsourcing)