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INSPIRON N5010 Laptop Black Screen Issue
Hi,
I own a Dell Inspiron N5010 laptop which is 20 months old (out of warranty).
System specs:
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i5 CPU, M 480 @ 2.67GHz,
Graphics: ATI Mobility Radeon HD 550v, Driver Version 8.742.0.0
BIOS version: A15
The laptop itself is functioning smoothly expect for intermittent black screen issue which usually occurs when I play a game. The problem first appeared around 5 months back which I suspected to be caused by overheating of the system when gaming. The temperatures used to hover around a blistering 105+ degrees when a game was running. Subsequently, I took apart the system, dusted it out thoroughly and replaced the manufacturer’s thermal paste (which was all dried up) with Arctic Silver 5 thermal paste. This expectedly brought down the idle (from 65/70 – mid 40s) and gaming temperatures (from 105+ to mid 70s-CPU & low 80s- GPU) by a significant margin. I could continue gaming for the next two or so months without the temperatures going through the roof or random monitor- black screen.
The black screen issue has surfaced again even though the temperatures are still within reasonable limits (compared to 100+), and is seemingly triggered when I’m a few minutes into a game. The system itself runs fine even though the screen turns black. Apparently, I can still make out the desktop by flashing a torch light onto the screen. I believe the LCD screen itself is properly functional since there is nothing to point in that direction.
As recommended on the dell website, I ran the Pre Boot system assessment test at start up (3 times) and every single test passed, although the test itself takes a lot longer than the 30 minutes as notified on the test screen ( it took me an hour and 25 mins appx. for the test to finish every single time). Notably the screen came back on precisely on completion of the final test (XMATS32) all three times and I could continue as normal but randomly turns off again when I load a game( not necessarily every time). I think it is safe to rule out any hardware related issues since all tests were a pass. I tried reinstalling the graphics driver (from the dell website) a few times to no avail.
I ran the LCD screen test (D+power button test) and the screen comes on if it was black at start up & also tried the static electricity dissipation test by pressing and holding down the power button for a minute or so with the battery and AC power disconnected again to no avail.
It seems I’ve exhausted all options suggested on various forums (including this community) and I’m still unable to narrow down the root cause. I would appreciate if someone could point me in the right direction with a solution.
Note: I didn’t try switching the monitor to an external monitor because I don’t own a spare monitor
Thank you
MicroTest
934 Posts
0
November 6th, 2012 10:00
You can try reseating the cable (if you haven't already) a second or third time in case it wasn't properly reconnected the first time.If this doesn't help you will have to contact Dell.Since you are out of warranty a computer repair shop might be an alternative as I already mentioned.Replacing a display or mainboard(if necessary) can be quite expensive so ask how much it will cost......
Rihab008
2 Posts
0
November 6th, 2012 17:00
OP, I have had this exact same issue with my DELL for the last couple of months. The only thing that has prevented me from buying a new laptop is the fact it runs perfectly while plugged into an external display (HDMI in my case). This in itself is annoying though because I often game at a friends place and carrying around a monitor can be a nightmare.
I have gone to the point of completely formatting my laptop and doing fresh windows installs, updating BIOS etc etc. I have tried using the dell standard display drivers, to using the AMD graphics drivers and there is no difference. However, given the performance is fine on an external display it would have to be assumed it is something to do with the screen or the connection to the screen. Like you, I have little experience in terms of electronics, but taking that leap of faith and paying for a fix without surity of results is daunting, especially when you could buy a new working laptop. If someone does have a proven answer to this issue I would very much like to hear it.
Brachifer
12 Posts
0
November 7th, 2012 04:00
Hi Rihab008,
I understand your plight, being going through one myself. May be you should try reseating the cable and see if it works for you. You never know. Stripping down the LCD assembly is bit of a task when you do it the first time ( if you haven't done it before). The dell manual can help you with that.
I'm still mulling what to do next.
Brachifer
12 Posts
0
November 7th, 2012 04:00
Hi,
I'm afraid i tried reseating the cable a couple of times to no avail. The first time i booted after reseating, the system gave out
8 beeps indicating display failure. i knew hadn't gotten it right the first time and had to strip down the LCD assembly a second time and redo it.
This time it worked since the system booted as normal only for the screen to remain black. It hasn't lit up since and i'm still waiting(hoping).
I'm rather critical of the connector mechanism because its more of a hit and miss the first time you do it. The connector is actually locked in place by a cello tape and the adhesive on the under side of the cable itself. Beats me why the designers would come up with such a lax design for a critical part in the assembly. Fundamentals get over looked when you are dealing in complex designs i suppose.
Anyway,would replacing just the display cable be of any help at all. I'm wondering if i should try that before i call in the experts. I just hope it has nothing to do with the mother board because that would mean a deal breaker to me for sometime to come. Also, a replacement LCD costs an awful lot .
Thank you
N5010.User
5 Posts
0
January 25th, 2013 09:00
Catzalin
3 Posts
0
February 10th, 2013 03:00
Hello,
I also have a Dell 5010, i7@740qm, ati radeon 5650
I have the same problem as you guys, the screen gets dimmed; if there is something white on the background i can still see it, but barely. I tried connecting the laptop to an external display and the problem only manifests on the laptop's display. If any of you guys find the solution to this problem please post it.
Thank you.
N5010.User
5 Posts
0
February 10th, 2013 23:00
Hi CATZALIN,
It seems that there is some manufacturing problem with this N5010 model having ATI Radeon Graphics. The most disappointing thing is that this problem has been here on this forum since last 15 days but none of Dell technical staff has noticed it and tried to post any suggestion.
I'll definitely let you know if I find any solution. However I would like to tell you that after BIOS update problem has only reoccurred once. But after that I never have used heavy graphical application like HD video or game. So I would suggest you to update BIOS if you haven't updated it.
Thank you.
Catzalin
3 Posts
0
April 15th, 2013 01:00
So, none of you found the problem?
N5010.User
5 Posts
0
April 15th, 2013 11:00
Did you find solution?
Catzalin
3 Posts
0
April 16th, 2013 02:00
No. I didn't get an opportunity to take it to a service. but someone working there said that it might be from the chipset, not the display. I think ill go in the next couple of days. ill keep you posted.
vedula.k95
1 Message
0
May 30th, 2013 13:00
Hello Brachifier the problem is with your Graphics card overheating Change the place of laptop and try to clean the dust accumulated in the fan and download gpu-z latest and monitor the temp of card it should not exceed 80..
Ishu.Sharma.Dar
7 Posts
0
July 16th, 2013 04:00
I have the exact same problem and the same laptop model....
Dell - Harish M
1.3K Posts
0
July 30th, 2013 00:00
Hi Ishu.Sharma.Darkaura,
This appears to be a hardware issue. Please contact the spares team on 1-800-999-3355 (US only).Please let me know in case if you are from a different region.
Also connect an external monitor and let me know the outcome.
jldiaz87
6 Posts
0
May 26th, 2014 20:00