VIDEO Can I Fix These Broken Lenovo Mini PCs?

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Can I Fix These Broken Lenovo Mini PCs? In the latest YouTube video titled "Can I Fix These Broken Lenovo Mini PCs?", the creator embarks on an engaging repair journey, aiming to restore functionality to three Lenovo M715q mini PCs, which were purchased on eBay for a bargain price of around $175. The excitement about the possibility of fixing these units is evident, even though they were sold as non-working.

Overview of the Repair Process​

The video kicks off with an introduction to the PCs, listing the components involved, including an AMD Ryzen 5 2400GE processor and DDR4 RAM. The narrator emphasizes their amateur status in the tech repair scene, setting a relatable tone for viewers who might also be enthusiasts or hobbyists.

Initial Attempts​

Starting with the first mini PC, the repair attempts focused first on basic connectivity. Despite powering on with fans spinning, there was no display output. The narrator concluded that there was no "POST" (Power-On Self-Test), indicating potential hardware issues. Similar failure was noted in the subsequent units as well.

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting​

Realizing the RAM might be a factor, the creator methodically opens the machines to troubleshoot each individually. By removing the RAM, the narrator eventually obtains beeping sounds signifying a motherboard that was at least partially functional. This was a good sign compared to the prior scenario where nothing occurred at all.

Key Discoveries​

As they swapped around components, particularly RAM modules, it became clear that:

1. One of the machines posted successfully after identifying a faulty RAM dimm.
2. The remaining units seemed to suffer from either motherboard or CPU issues. The repair effort was underscored by a meticulous process of elimination: confirming the functionality of each component by using a known working setup. Furthermore, all three units were cleaned and organized after the trial-and-error procedure, showcasing good preventive maintenance practices commonly emphasized in PC repair videos.
   

   UEFI and BIOS Reprogramming​

   A significant moment arrived when the creator utilized a BIOS programmer on the second machine. By flashing a fresh BIOS image, they successfully booted it up, transforming what initially appeared to be a motherboard failure into a functioning mini PC. The enthusiasm was palpable as the previously unresponsive hardware sprang to life.
   

   Conclusion and Recommendations​

   By the end of the video, the creator had managed to get two out of the three PCs operational by replacing the faulty RAM and reprogramming the BIOS of the non-responding units. The exciting revelation that they could potentially profit from their repair labor adds a tangible incentive to the endeavor. The repairer's journey highlights the importance of patience and thorough troubleshooting in tech repairs, a valuable lesson for anyone in the DIY PC community.
   

   Community Engagement​

   What are your thoughts on buying used PCs for repair? Have you ever had a similar experience fixing up old hardware? Share your stories or tips below!
   

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   This video serves as an excellent reminder of how rewarding restoring tech can be, and it encourages viewers to dive into tech repair, even if they are just hobbyists. Whether it’s BIOS reprogramming or simply swapping out RAM, there’s plenty of knowledge to gain from such experiences!