This MacBook Air M2 dead logic board data recovery case study explains how data was recovered from a 2022 MacBook Air M2 that arrived completely dead and would not power on. The device contained important files with no usable backup available.
Quick answer
In this MacBook Air M2 dead logic board data recovery case study, a 2022 MacBook Air M2 showed abnormally high current draw on a DC power supply. Thermal imaging initially pointed to a MOSFET, but freeze spray revealed a shorted capacitor nearby. After replacing the capacitor, the MacBook powered on and data was cloned to an external USB drive.
MacBook Air M2 dead logic board case study overview
When the MacBook Air M2 was connected to a DC power supply, the current draw was already abnormally high. This strongly suggested a short circuit on the logic board. On Apple Silicon MacBooks, a short circuit can prevent the system from powering on and can block access to the soldered storage until the fault is isolated and repaired. This is why professional fault isolation is central to a MacBook Air M2 dead logic board data recovery case study.
Thermal camera diagnosis and why it can mislead
The logic board was removed and tested using an infrared thermal camera while controlled voltage was injected into a power rail. Almost immediately, a primary MOSFET appeared to overheat on the thermal display. In a MacBook Air M2 dead logic board data recovery case study, this is a common trap: the hottest part is not always the failed part.
Glossary: what is a MOSFET?
A MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor) is a power switching component used to regulate voltage and current across a logic board. In short circuit cases, a MOSFET can show heat even when it is not the root cause, because it may sit next to the real failed component.
Freeze spray fault isolation: finding the real short
Instead of replacing the MOSFET, the technician suspected the heat was secondary. To confirm the true fault, freeze spray was applied to a nearby surface mounted capacitor, and voltage injection was repeated. This technique quickly revealed the real culprit: a tiny capacitor next to the MOSFET was shorted and drawing excessive current.
The MOSFET was heating up mainly due to proximity to the shorted capacitor, not because the MOSFET itself had failed. This kind of decision making is the difference between a safe recovery and extra damage in a MacBook Air M2 dead logic board data recovery case study.
Logic board repair and data recovery process
The shorted capacitor was replaced, restoring normal power behaviour. After the repair, the MacBook Air powered on successfully with no further electrical faults detected.
With the device operational, the SSD was accessed normally through the system and all user data was cloned and backed up to an external drive to ensure a complete and safe recovery. That final cloning step is the core outcome of this MacBook Air M2 dead logic board data recovery case study.
Key technical takeaways
- Thermal imaging can be misleading: the hottest component is not always the failed one.
- Small components can cause total failure: a single shorted capacitor can stop the entire logic board from powering on.
- Apple Silicon repairs require precision: incorrect diagnosis can introduce additional faults on a board with soldered storage.
- Experience reduces risk: proper fault isolation prevents unnecessary component replacement.
MacBook models (2018 to 2025): SSD types and recovery impact
Modern MacBooks use different SSD designs that directly affect data recovery methods. Apple Silicon models have storage soldered to the logic board, so board-level repair is often required before data can be accessed.
| Model and year | SSD type | SSD interface | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Air 2018 | Removable NVMe | PCIe 3.0 | Simpler recovery |
| MacBook Air 2020 Intel | Removable NVMe | PCIe 3.0 | Direct access possible |
| MacBook Air M1 and M2 | Soldered NVMe | PCIe 3.0 | Logic board repair often required |
| MacBook Air M3 and later | Soldered NVMe | PCIe 4.0 | Advanced repair needed |
Apple warranty and data recovery considerations
Apple states that using a data recovery provider recommended by Apple does not automatically void warranty coverage. However, data recovery itself is not covered under Apple warranty or AppleCare plans.
For official information, see: Apple data recovery and warranty guidance.
Related case studies
- Dead MacBook Pro data recovery case study
- MacBook Pro data recovery case study
- Liquid damaged MacBook data recovery case study
Get professional help
If your MacBook will not turn on, avoid DIY board work and request a professional assessment.
Email: help@payam.com.au
Phone: 1300 444 800
Video transcript
Hey, it’s Mike and I’m here at Payam Data Recovery watching a data recovery specialist work on a seemingly dead 2022 MacBook Air M2. When he connected it to his DC power supply, the current was already dangerously high, confirming a short circuit somewhere on the motherboard. After removing the motherboard, he used an infrared thermal camera and injected voltage to see what would heat up.
One of the main MOSFETs lit up on the thermal display, suggesting it was the culprit. But experience trumps equipment. He explained that even though the thermal camera pointed to the MOSFET, it was likely not the root cause. Instead, he used freeze spray on a small capacitor near the MOSFET, then injected voltage again.
The real culprit revealed itself: a tiny capacitor had failed and was causing the short circuit, while the MOSFET was heating up because it was next to it. He replaced the capacitor and the MacBook Air came back to life. With the hardware repair complete, the MacBook was then passed to the team to clone and back up all files to a USB external hard drive to return to the customer. Thanks for watching.