How do I diagnose failing screen vs graphics card?

Hey everyone,

I've been having an issue lately. I have a cleveo wc870 laptop with a ATI mobility 5870 graphics card on board. For the past few months, I have been dealing with on and off the screen not turning on when the laptop powers on. It will random resume working a few weeks later. In the meantime, I am able to use the HDMI output and connect to my tv so the laptop is functioning properly besides this. I have done many rounds of new thermal paste, but the issue continues to be there intermittently. Does anyone have any suggestions so I can see if I need a new graphics card or if my screen/connector is on it's way out? The laptop is almost 10 years old but she still runs like a beauty besides the graphics issues.

Thanks everyone,
Ben

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If HDMI to TV functions without issue, it's your display, probably inverter, short, or circuit breaker. You can usually obtain a new display on Amazon or EBay for aroud $50 US.

Didn't have any luck Googling your particular Clevo model but a plethora of others appear.

Agree with Megahertz07, except regarding the thermal paste.

I've replaced thermal paste that has deteriorated, i.e. dried out, cracked and shrunk to the point that the processor is overheating, albeit, on old machines with many use hours. I don't believe your issue has anything to do with the paste.

You need to read the return policy on electronic components. The overwhelming majority of electronic components are not returnable/refundable ever to anywhere.

Regarding the Clevo screen, I was referring to video on how to replace the screen not availability.

Amazon.com Help: About Our Returns Policies

Computers and Electronics

• New desktop, laptops, or tablets (excluding Kindle E-readers and Fires) purchased from Amazon.com that didn't start when they arrived, arrived in damaged condition, or is still in an unopened box can be returned for a full refund within 30 days of purchase.
• Amazon.com may test computers that are returned because they didn't start when they arrived and impose a customer fee equal to 15 percent of the product sales price if the customer misrepresents the condition of the product.
• Any returned desktop, laptop or tablet that is damaged through customer misuse, is missing parts, or is in unsellable condition due to customer tampering may result in the customer being charged a higher restocking fee based on the condition of the product.
• New, used, and refurbished products purchased from Marketplace vendors are subject to the returns policy of the individual vendor.

Most Amazon vendors will not accept returned opened/used electronics.

Return an item for a refund | eBay

Misuse of returns or the eBay Money Back Guarantee
The eBay Money Back Guarantee is designed to protect both buyers and sellers. If we decide that a member is misusing returns on eBay, or the eBay Money Back Guarantee, they may be subject to a range of actions, including limits on buying and selling privileges and account suspension. Examples of misuse include:

• Selecting an inaccurate reason for returns
• Disregarding item conditions required for returns
• Requesting an excessive number of returns

Most eBay vendors will not accept opened/used electronic components.

I would not either!

johnhoh said:

The only issue I have with this statement is that it is wildly untrue.

Regarding the Clevo screen, I was referring to video on how to replace the screen not availability.

Amazon.com Help: About Our Returns Policies

Computers and Electronics

• New desktop, laptops, or tablets (excluding Kindle E-readers and Fires) purchased from Amazon.com that didn't start when they arrived, arrived in damaged condition, or is still in an unopened box can be returned for a full refund within 30 days of purchase.
• Amazon.com may test computers that are returned because they didn't start when they arrived and impose a customer fee equal to 15 percent of the product sales price if the customer misrepresents the condition of the product.
• Any returned desktop, laptop or tablet that is damaged through customer misuse, is missing parts, or is in unsellable condition due to customer tampering may result in the customer being charged a higher restocking fee based on the condition of the product.
• New, used, and refurbished products purchased from Marketplace vendors are subject to the returns policy of the individual vendor.

Most Amazon vendors will not accept returned opened/used electronics.

Return an item for a refund | eBay

Misuse of returns or the eBay Money Back Guarantee
The eBay Money Back Guarantee is designed to protect both buyers and sellers. If we decide that a member is misusing returns on eBay, or the eBay Money Back Guarantee, they may be subject to a range of actions, including limits on buying and selling privileges and account suspension. Examples of misuse include:

• Selecting an inaccurate reason for returns
• Disregarding item conditions required for returns
• Requesting an excessive number of returns

Most Ebay vendors will not accept opened/used electronic components.

I would not either!

Thanks for the feedback guys!! I will check into the screen replacement!

Ben