Razer Blade 15 GPU Failure - BGA Reballing Repair
Content creator's Razer Blade RTX 3070 died - no display output. BGA reballing of GPU chip restored graphics. Complex micro-soldering repair saved RM 8,000 motherboard replacement.
The Transformation
Before & After Results
Laptop boots but no display output. External monitor also shows nothing. Device Manager shows 'Code 43' error for RTX 3070. Video rendering projects frozen. GPU failed due to thermal stress from intensive 3D rendering work.
Complete GPU failure - no display output on laptop or external monitor
Windows Device Manager showing 'Code 43' graphics error
Laptop usable only via integrated Intel graphics (extremely slow)
RM 25,000 worth of video editing work paralyzed
Razer quoted RM 8,499 for motherboard replacement (no repair option)
Diagnosed failed BGA (Ball Grid Array) connections on RTX 3070 GPU chip. Performed professional GPU reballing: removed GPU, cleaned old solder balls, applied new lead-free solder balls, reflowed with precision BGA rework station. GPU restored to full functionality.
RTX 3070 GPU fully restored via BGA reballing
3DMark Time Spy score back to 9,850 (normal for RTX 3070)
DaVinci Resolve GPU rendering working perfectly
External monitor output functional - 4K @ 120Hz
Repair cost RM 1,999 vs Razer's RM 8,499 motherboard replacement
Repair Process
Step-by-Step Timeline
GPU Failure Diagnosis
Connected to external monitor - no output confirmed GPU death, not display issue. Booted to BIOS - RTX 3070 not detected. Connected DC power supply to test voltages - GPU receiving power but not initializing. Confirmed BGA failure.
Motherboard Extraction
Razer Blade 15 disassembly is complex - removed bottom panel, battery, SSD, RAM, WiFi card, fans, and heatsink. Disconnected 12 flex cables. Carefully lifted motherboard from chassis without damaging ports.
GPU Chip Removal
Placed motherboard in professional BGA rework station (Gordak 863). Preheated board to 150°C. Applied hot air to RTX 3070 chip at 380°C using temperature-controlled nozzle. Lifted GPU with vacuum pickup tool.
Solder Ball Cleaning
Removed all old solder balls from GPU chip and motherboard pads using solder wick and flux. Cleaned both surfaces with isopropyl alcohol. Inspected pads under microscope at 40x - all 576 pads intact.
New Solder Ball Application
Applied flux to GPU chip pads. Placed BGA reballing stencil (0.6mm ball size) over chip. Deposited lead-free solder balls into stencil holes. Heated to 245°C to reflow balls onto chip pads.
GPU Chip Reflow & Reattachment
Applied tacky flux to motherboard pads. Carefully aligned GPU chip using alignment marks. Preheated board to 180°C. Reflowed at 240°C for 90 seconds following lead-free solder profile. Cooled gradually to prevent thermal shock.
X-Ray Inspection
Used X-ray machine to inspect BGA solder joints. All 576 balls showing proper wetting and no bridging. Critical step to ensure long-term reliability - can't visually inspect BGA joints.
Motherboard Reinstallation
Reinstalled motherboard into Razer Blade chassis. Reconnected all flex cables, installed RAM, SSD, WiFi, heatsink assembly. Applied new thermal paste to GPU and CPU.
Power-On Test & Driver Installation
Connected power and pressed power button - Windows boot successful! RTX 3070 detected in Device Manager. Installed latest NVIDIA drivers (version 546.33). GPU-Z confirmed RTX 3070 running at correct speeds.
GPU Stress Testing
Ran FurMark GPU stress test for 1 hour - temps stable at 78°C, no artifacts. Ran 3DMark Time Spy - scored 9,850 (normal for RTX 3070 mobile). Customer tested DaVinci Resolve GPU rendering - working perfectly.
Dr. Chen Wei Ming
Lead BGA Rework Specialist
Certifications
Specialties
"Every repair I complete is done with the same care and precision I'd want for my own device. Your trust is my responsibility."
— Dr. Chen Wei Ming
Jason Liew
Kuala Lumpur
"I'm a freelance video editor and my Razer Blade's RTX 3070 died mid-project. No display at all. Razer wanted RM 8,499 to replace the entire motherboard. Dr. Chen explained he could reball the GPU chip for RM 1,999. I was skeptical but desperate. Three days later, my laptop is working perfectly. GPU rendering in DaVinci Resolve is back to full speed. This repair literally saved my business. Best RM 1,999 I've ever spent."
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