Question Motherboard short-circuiting with case

[mr_empee]

Heya guys, my PC currently has a problem where if it gets bumped even slightly it freezes and the only way to unlock it is hard rebooting.

I think that smth is short-circuiting the MO but I'm not sure I've tried to disassemble it and touch every piece to see what was causing the issue but couldn't figure it out. The problem arises only when it's mounted inside the case so I think that's a case problem.

My laptop is a Inspiron 5406 2-in-1 (i5)
Out of warranty bought from DELL (EU)

I would prefer not to replace it given that it works, but I don't know if I should buy a new case and hope that was the cause or buy a new MO.

 

[Grobe]

I think that smth

smth?

In general, why are you assuming there is a short cut?

What happens before the issue started, have it being dropped onto the floor ?

Is the casing bent/damaged and when you mount the motherboard, does it fit good or do you have to bend it or force it into place to fit in some manner ?

 

[mr_empee]

No, the motherboard fit without issues, I don't remember what caused this issue (it happened some time ago).
I'm assuming that there is a shortcut cause when it gets bumped the screen flicker and dots appears on the screen also on a corner of the screen there is a little square of dots.

The case is damaged in two places where you should put some screws.
Img 1: Missing plastic piece around the golden thing

Img 2: Missing golden thing and entire plastic wrapper for screwing

Basically, when you move the lid it isn't attached very well to the case

 

[Grobe]

I don't remember what caused this issue (it happened some time ago).

Well, from what you write later on, seems it have being subjected to a drop or similar.

I'm assuming that there is a shortcut cause when it gets bumped the screen flicker and dots appears on the screen also on a corner of the screen there is a little square of dots.

that is not a typical symptom on shortcut. But some sort of electrical failure such as a faulty contact point somewhere.

The case is damaged in two places where you should put some screws.

Ok, so that means the motherboard have a freedom of movement it's not supposed to have. This may well explain all the trouble as the root cause itself. Or - more probably, a drop in the past caused damage both to screw holes and the motherboard.

 

[mr_empee]

The motherboard doesn't move the screws attach the display to the case.
I don't think it's from a drop (I've dropped it max 2 times in its life span), it's probabòy is a design issue given that the display can be opened 360 and that put too much stress on the plastic joints where the screws housing are placed.

that is not a typical symptom on shortcut. But some sort of electrical failure such as a faulty contact point somewhere.

So is there a way to identify which part is causing the failure?
Do you think if I send it to the dell tech support they will be able to find the issue and fix it with a reasonable price < 200$?

 

[Grobe]

I don't think it's from a drop (I've dropped it max 2 times in its life span),

One drop is enough to cause it to malfunction - unless it is a model that the manufacturer guarantee can withstand a drop from a certain height. Your model probably haven't such guarantee.

So is there a way to identify which part is causing the failure?

Sure. But it may not be a "part" per se - like, you cannot rule out bad solder spot, a break in a pcb track within the motherboard.

Do you think if I send it to the dell tech support they will be able to find the issue and fix it with a reasonable price < 200$?

It cannot hurt to ask, but I advice you to be honest about the dropping episodes because I strongly suspect those incidents is at least part in the reason why you experience the issues.

 

[stonecarver]

My question where did the broken off pieces end up ? If you still have if you trust yourself epoxy them back to where they go. KEEP epoxy off the threads and the screw. Button it all back up and see if your fixed.