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While installing a m.2 2280 ssd, dropped original screw as I tried to screw it down for installation, it wound up under the motherboard
(Please excuse the length of this post) Hi, I ordered a pretty bare bones system with the fastest processor so I don’t fall victim to “CPU-Windows Rot” again, my xps 8900 was an i5 I think and couldn’t run windows 11. so my intention was to cannibalize my 8900 of its hdd and ssd so I could transfer my files easily by installing these.
Anyway, as I was putting the m.2 pcie nvme ssd in slot #2, I lost grip with the tweezers and the anchor screw fell in and wound up somewhere underneath the motherboard. I tried shaking the unit but I think the screw was lodged between plastic coated wires or some such other situation.
I read a forum where the guy had almost the same problem (and wasn’t sure if it was out of the unit or not) but he turned it on, I think with the risk of shorting something and it worked fine (The screw may or may not be in the unit) I don’t dare turn it on because all the forums I have been reading points out that it could short something near the motherboard.
Now, way long ago, I had an inspiron that went dead, so I took it apart but could not get the motherboard out just to look at it and practice. I have installed hdds, memory sticks, ssds, but that is about the extent of my experience.
So the question is what are my options? Since I was trying to upgrade the unit, I believe it is not covered by warranty (I got it new over the labor day weekend) What would you do? If I send the unit back to Dell, could they fix it for a fee? i believe Dell won’t fix such a type of problem because it was an attempt at an upgrade. I don’t think it is wise to disassemble the unit by myself. Probably that would void the warranty. Is disassembly my only option? Will it void the warranty? Are there 3rd parties that can do it for me?
Thanks
Tom_XPS_user
RoHe
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September 2nd, 2024 19:33
PC with two M.2 NVME slots sounds like it's an XPS 8960.
If you want to be totally safe, you may have to bite the bullet and follow these instructions to uninstall XPS 8960 motherboard to recover the screw.
(edited)
RoHe
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September 2nd, 2024 20:11
@vallis - Only left-side panel of XPS 8960 is removable. And that will probably only offer a limited view under the motherboard, if any...
@Tom_XPS_owner - Did you try tilting/shaking PC in all directions to see if you can get the screw into a position where you might be able to retrieve it from under the board on left side? Or, if you remove the add-in GPU (assuming you have one) will that let you see under the board through the rear openings?
Removing the motherboard won't void the warranty. If you can't DIY, do you have a geeky friend/relative who can help? Note: I wouldn't remove the CPU from its socket on the board, but you may have to remove the heat sink, which means you'll have to clean top of CPU and bottom of heat sink, and then apply a thin even coat of thermal paste before reattaching the heat sink.
You could probably take it to a reputable local PC shop and pay them to retrieve the screw. Alternative is shipping it to Dell at your expense and pay them to recover the screw. Who knows how long you'd be without your PC...?
Tom_XPS_owner
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September 2nd, 2024 00:06
just a thought, what if I keep the unit on its side so that the motherboard is on the bottom. Will that prevent a short?
Thanks again
vallis
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September 2nd, 2024 19:22
What model is the new PC into which the SSD was being installed? Another XPS 89xx?
vallis
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September 2nd, 2024 19:44
@RoHe I'm curious, do you know whether it's feasible to disassemble the case in such a way that he could view the motherboard from the sides, and possibly get at the screw (which I assume is close to the edge of the mb) from that angle?
Tom_XPS_owner
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September 2nd, 2024 21:38
@vallis RoHe is correct see below
Tom_XPS_owner
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September 2nd, 2024 21:52
@RoHe Thank You! I did shake it back and forth in all directions. When I heard the screw slide on the metal case, I couldn’t find it even with my flashlight on. It eventually stopped moving on the metal and perhaps got lodged somewhere. I don’t really need the PC until I get enough money to buy licenses for Matlab and Maple. I have plenty of other expenses so I have time.
I think I will continue to shake it to see if it gets dislodged but locating it will still be difficult. I lost my magnetic screwdriver, perhaps I should get another. No, I do not have a dedicated graphics card so I will take your advice and look through the rear openings also. Well, tomorrow I will find out whether it will be worth it to have it done by someone else. Thanks for that link, I may have to do it myself if its too expensive. It will be a great learning experience and with all the videos out there, I will be hopefull.
Thanks @RoHe