What Is This Laptop Part Called?

Ridiculous Panda on 19/02/2023 - 11:43
Last edited 19/02/2023 - 14:14

So my macbook started to easily overheat lately. I opened it to give it a quick clean hoping that would fix the issue.

Unfortunately, I was a bit clumsy opening the back cover and the part connecting the USB C port as well as the trackpad broke. I think they were very brittle. It is a 7 year old macbook after all.

Although it is old, I don’t need to replace t it yet as it still does a good job for what I use it for.

How can I explain the damage in words when I book an appointment for repair? And how much roughly should I expect to pay?

Thank you.

https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/150123/101773/67494318…

EDIT:
Could only find one listing for a USB C ribbon cable on ebay selling for $167.
My macbook is A1534 mid 2017. If anyone could help me find one at a reasonable price, I would be really grateful.

Computing Apple Computer Laptop

Comments

  • Transient on 19/02/2023 - 12:00
    +5

    Ribbon cables connecting USB C port and trackpad to MBO?

    • Muzeeb on 19/02/2023 - 12:15
      +7

      The technical name is a thingamajig. Often confused with a thingamebob.

      • Transient on 19/02/2023 - 12:26
        +2

        Was going to call it a plastic whatchamacallit that holds laptop halves together but thingy is more catchy - thingamajig / bob are too technical for me.

      • FireRunner on 19/02/2023 - 12:58
        +4

        Actually it’s a doohickey because it’s a Mac.

      • DashCam AKA Rolts on 19/02/2023 - 15:24
        +5

        Genuine Apple replacement part all have prefix :fkn, e.g. fkn- thingamajig1 or fkn-thingamebob2.

  • KSMLJ on 19/02/2023 - 12:01
    +5

    Ribbon cable.

    Edit: Shouldn't be that brittle even if it was 7 years old. Never seen a ribbon cable break off like this as they are usually quite hard to rip. Testament to Apple's quality.

    Unfamiliar with Apple laptops, but they will probably tell you to buy a new one, as it is probably not worth repairing; parts may not be available anymore (from Apple, might have to check resellers or Ebay for 2nd hand parts) as it's a EOL product.

  • Ridiculous Panda on 19/02/2023 - 12:17
    +2

    Thanks guys.. the two cables would cost less than $35 from ebay. will see if I can get it fixed it for cheap otherwise might have a go at it myself with the help of youtube. Worth the gamble!

    • Transient on 19/02/2023 - 12:29
      +3

      Ebay's got a few Macbook ribbon cables. They should be easy enough to pull out and replace as they should have connectors. Just be gentle. Youtube if necessary.

  • pinchies on 19/02/2023 - 12:50
    +2

    You will probaby be told at apple that it needs 1x top case assembly, my guess on price will be ~$480. Not economic to repair. Buy a smashed screen one and swap over if you want a cheaper fix. Better to put towards new laptop.

    Now that it is in two pieces, see if the flex cables can be disconnected at both ends. Would be cheap to fix if so, but I suspect at least one of those is fixed at one end.

    • Ridiculous Panda on 19/02/2023 - 14:17

      Thanks to your reply, I disconnected both cables easily however realised that the ebay listing I looked at earlier won’t fit and is for a slightly different model (actually same model but 2015).
      My macbook is A1534 mid 2017. It is a shame to get rid of it that easily as it really worked fine for my needs :(

        • Ridiculous Panda on 19/02/2023 - 14:52

          Thanks for that.. $85 softens the blow a bit. Seems I can get it fixed myself for under $100 for both cables. Laptop sells for around $400 secondhand so might have to fix it even if I am going to buy a new one.

          • mja65 on 19/02/2023 - 17:25
            +1

            @Ridiculous Panda: It's a bit hard to see from the photos but if you're going to do it yourself take a look at the connectors to see how easy/difficult it is to install so you at least don't waste money if it's beyond your repair skills. If it's like the one that's not broken, then it should just clip in.

            Also, I didn't look too closely, but I'd suggest taking a look at Ali Express. Higher risk you'll get the wrong part and longer shipping but I suspect you'd find cheaper options.

            In terms of youtube, search for Louis Rossman who does a lot of Apple repairs (and rants around the lack of repairability).

            • Ridiculous Panda on 19/02/2023 - 19:32
              +1

              @mja65: Already disconnected and reconnected both cables as a test. Piss easy!
              Ended up buying one on gumtree from interstate as I can’t be without a computer for more than a few day! Hopefully I won’t be scammed but the account had heaps of feedback.

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