Razer Blade 15 Advanced (2019): BIOS Programming gone wrong

Hi all,

my name is Banh and I regretfully fried something on the motherboard of my Razer laptop rz09-02886 when I tried to reflash the BIOS chip.

tl;dr: I'm looking for someone with the same laptop.

At first, it was only bricked because of a bluescreen during the bios update (windows), but after connecting the clip of a ch341a usb programmer to a (this is my big mistake i suppose) powered motherboard, it released a little bit of the smoke next to the clip. Now it won't even turn on the keyboard or fans.

The programming itself worked somehow, as I could read the chip and write it. But I already ordered 2 replacement chips of the same model.

Now, a resistor (R1) next to the chip Vcc input looks fried to me (as it faded in color) and I measure wobbling 1.144-1.160 MΩ resistance across it. The other three (R2-R4) on the right side look ok to me (constant 33Ω).

After I press the power button, I can measure 1.6V on the Vcc pin, coming from a via (α) - not enough for the chip to work I guess (Gigadevice GD25B127D).

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So what happened here?







I think, by connecting basically two power sources (Programmer 3.3V from the left and the original 3.3V rail from the right), I have blown resistor R1 with too much current.

My plan is now (as the last resort), to let someone replace resistor R1 and the bios chip, and maybe the capacitor C1 just to be safe.

(1) But what resistor value is it? I can't find any schematics, even with similar circuit: Most laptops I find online don't have a resistor in between. Could someone with the same laptop measure it in comparison?

(2) Why do I measure 1.6V, if the 3.3V power is open? Or am I completely wrong here in my amateur guess? Could just be more destroyed here, for example behind the via (α), and replacing resistor R1 only would not do it? I mean, even without the programmer, it would be two voltage sources in circuit here (1.6V and 3.3V).
What could possibly need those 1.6V? And why is it connected to the chip?

(3) When does the pain get easier?

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In the last days, I've learned very much what (not) to do. Even without fixing the laptop, I hope to prevent others from doing the same mistake, as many success stories online may lead to people (including myself) underestimating the process.

Things which can go wrong, will go wrong, so please take all safety measures you can think of before touching a motherboard circuit. Additionally, I was in a state of shock after the failed flashing and should have calmed down first. If you're unsure or don't feel well, don't do it.

Thanks for the help and much greetings from Germany!

 

Hello there, sorry to read your post this late.

I own the same notebook and I live in the Munich area, just in case you are nearby, I could just let you measure whatever you need.

I don't own a multi meter at the moment, so I can't help myself.

 

Hi,
thanks a lot for your reply . I already have an idea of the underlying problem, but not yet the time to try to fix it. Since it is no guaranteed success I think, I would gladly stay in contact with you in case I must try further. Although Im in Hamburg, I have some family in Munich to visit, so I would very much appreciate your offer!

Again, thank your very much.