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MacBook Pro Logic Board IC Transplant Case Study: Restoring Power After a Main Power Line Short

29/04/20253 minute read
MacBook Pro with external hard drive on desk

MacBook Logic Board IC Transplant Case Study

  • Client: Private Client (Australia)
  • Specific Fault: Main power line short circuit (Near-zero voltage detected)
  • Diagnostic Method: Advanced thermal camera imaging to isolate overheating IC
  • Technical Solution: Donor IC harvesting, precision reballing, and logic board transplant
  • Final Outcome: 100% Successful Data Access (Booted at 20V)

Technical details on MacBook logic board data recovery services

This case study details an exceptional MacBook Pro Logic Board IC Transplant performed at our advanced electronics lab. When a modern MacBook fails to power on, the issue is frequently a short circuit hidden deep within the multi-layered logic board. In this instance, Payam Data Recovery used component-level diagnostics to bypass a failure that standard repair shops often deem “unrecoverable”.

The Diagnosis: Isolating the Main Power Line Short

The initial assessment of this device revealed critically low voltage readings across the main power line. While the internal chassis was heavily congested with dust, our engineers confirmed that cleaning the board did not restore power. Using a high-resolution thermal camera, we identified a specific black Integrated Circuit (IC) that was overheating, indicating it was the source of the electrical short.

The Technical MacBook Pro Logic Board IC Transplant Process

A successful MacBook Pro Logic Board IC Transplant requires micro-soldering expertise and a compatible donor board. The complex process included:

  • Donor Part Sourcing: Sourcing a compatible, working chip from a donor logic board left by a previous successful client.
  • Specialised Reballing: Performing precision reballing on the donor IC to ensure a reliable electrical bond.
  • Component Replacement: Carefully desoldering the faulty IC and installing the donor chip using a nano-soldering station and hot air.

Modern mobile devices utilise complex Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) that require controlled heat and microsoldering expertise. Attempting DIY repairs on Flash Memory or logic boards can lead to permanent data loss.

MacBook Logic Board Recovery Results

After replacing the faulty component, the main power line was restored to a stable 20 volts. With power successfully reaching the CPU and SSD, the machine booted into macOS, allowing our team to perform a 100% data extraction. This specialised MacBook Pro Logic Board IC Transplant method provides a path to data when the logic board itself has failed.

 

MacBook Pro Logic Board IC Transplant case study using thermal camera diagnostics

Frequently Asked Questions: MacBook Logic Board Failures

Can data be recovered from a dead MacBook logic board?

Yes. By performing a component-level repair or MacBook Pro Logic Board IC Transplant, we can often restore the board long enough to extract your files.

What causes a main power line short in a MacBook?

Short circuits are often caused by liquid damage, power surges, or the natural failure of internal capacitors and ICs.

Do I need a donor board for data recovery?

In cases of specific IC failure, a matching donor board is required to harvest a working replacement part.

What is the difference between logic board repair and data recovery?

Logic board repair aims to make the device work again permanently; our process focuses on restoring power specifically to access and secure your files.

Request a Free MacBook Assessment

Is your MacBook logic board dead? Stop trying to charge the device and contact the micro-soldering experts for a MacBook Pro Logic Board IC Transplant assessment today.

Submit your MacBook for recovery | Phone: 1300 444 800

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