Less expensive motherboard option for Aspire 7 A717-72G-53P7?

Dean35
Dean35 Member Posts: 11

Tinkerer
in Nitro Gaming
I was attempting to locate motherboards for two Aspire 7 A717-72G-53P7 machines.  One of the Acer contributors was kind enough to quickly point me to a website that sells the needed part, NH.GXDAA.003.  However, the part is nearly $1,000.  Can anyone suggest any compatible, less expensive, alternative to NH.GXDAA.003?  In addition, I purchased two, what appeared to be compatible motherboards, on eBay recently and had to send both back due to keyboard issues.  The motherboards I sent back had identical form factors to the damaged motherboards.  However, they were both out of A715 machines.  Am I missing something?  It seems to me that the A715 motherboards should have worked....... Same exact form factors.  Unless there is some modification that was done between runs that renders the A715 not compatible with the A717?? Specifically, the keyboard connection.   I am about ready to try again, Acer Aspire A715-71G i7-7700HQ 2.8Ghz GTX1050 Ti Motherboard NBQ2Q11005 LA-E911P, but I want to be sure this would be compatible with the A717 prior to striking out again.  Thanks in advance for any advice. 

Best Answer

  • Fireballcz
    Fireballcz Member Posts: 9

    Tinkerer
    Answer ✓
    FINAL SOLUTION!!!!!
    I have currently two fully functional A7s. A717-71G and A715-71G. Keyboards are IDENTICAL! So no various layouts. Keyboard interface in A717 does not change wires order, it is linear. If will be used A715 motherboard in A717 laptop WITH THE SAME CPU, everything works flawlessly (the same is in oposit order A717->A715). Keyboard problem occured just in case, when I tried to UPGRADE original A717 (CPU i5) with original A715 (CPU i7).
    Final thought: A717-71G with CPU i7 and A717-71G with CPU i5 have DIFFERENT keyboard controller programming (BIOS). Acer do this EXACTLY for impossibility of amateur upgrade. So playing with BIOS is on the way. First I must copy BIOS to more chips to avoid mobo bricking (in that case just solder out, solder in). Stay healthy and have a nice weekend. Martin

Answers

  • Fireballcz
    Fireballcz Member Posts: 9

    Tinkerer
    Mobos for A717 and A715 are visually the same, but their keyboard controllers are programmed differently and YES for A715 you will need A715 keyboard. A717 keyboard is not comptible with A715 motherboard. Internal keyobard layout is different. This info was confirmed by official Acer service. The keyboard exchange is a bit complicated, but can be done. I did this and saved money. Good luck!
  • Dean35
    Dean35 Member Posts: 11

    Tinkerer
    Fireballcz..... I appreciate your knowledgeable and very well written response to my question.  Your response is what I was beginning to suspect.  If you would be kind enough to expound on the keyboard exchange, I may attempt that avenue.  Thanks again and take care.    
  • Fireballcz
    Fireballcz Member Posts: 9

    Tinkerer
    edited May 2021
    Hello Dean33, I have here both keyboards currently. If I have enough time, I will chcek the ribbon connectrion. Maybe, just swap some "wires" will fix this issue also. Your problems were unfunctional part of arrow keys (left, I think), part of "qwerty" row and 7,4 or so at numapd. Maybe more. I swapped the keyboard a few months ago, so Im not sure. My order of A715 for USD250 + backlit keyboard for USD20 + keyboard swap (for free  :) ) was the right choice :) I saved almost USD600. A715 mobos, you ordered in the past, were possibly OK, they just did not "understood" your A717 keyboard. That's all.
    BTW: designers of A715 and A717 mobos call this INNOVATION. This is all about money!

  • Dean35
    Dean35 Member Posts: 11

    Tinkerer
    I have swapped out keyboards in other units.  I shaved off the plastic connections with a hobby knife, replaced the keyboard, and then used a hot iron to melt what was left of the plastic connections to help hold the new keyboard in place.  If the A715 keyboard fits the same as the A717 within the form factor, I will go ahead and purchase an A715 keyboard and A715 motherboard, put those in the unit, and call it a day.  Thanks for your follow-up!
  • Fireballcz
    Fireballcz Member Posts: 9

    Tinkerer
    Yes, this is the only way to do so. A bit complicated, but working. Also hot-glue-gun was helpful. My A715 keyboard from AliExpress (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000769968657.html) had the same factor (metrics, holes etc.). I will check the output of both keyboards. As I said, maybe, just swap some "wires" in the intgerface will help...

  • Dean35
    Dean35 Member Posts: 11

    Tinkerer
    Okay.  Excellent info.  I will wait and see what your keyboard output check reveals before moving on the purchase.  Thanks again for some very informative information.  
  • Fireballcz
    Fireballcz Member Posts: 9

    Tinkerer
    edited May 2021
    BTW: the AliExpress seller do not know these differences and sells A715 keyboard also for A717. Unlucky who buys it  for A717 :(
  • Dean35
    Dean35 Member Posts: 11

    Tinkerer
    That is funny.  However, I can see how it can happen.....  Your explanation makes it clear why the two are not compatible.  I learn something new every day.  
  • Fireballcz
    Fireballcz Member Posts: 9

    Tinkerer
    One more thing on my mind: How exactly is programmed the keyboard controller? Or better, by WHAT? BIOS! What about to alter A717 BIOS header a bit and flash it A715 mobo? Maybe this solves keyboard incomatibility! But some elaboration is needed before this is done...
  • Dean35
    Dean35 Member Posts: 11

    Tinkerer
    Interesting question.  I wonder if remapping the keyboard keys is also a possibility?
  • Dean35
    Dean35 Member Posts: 11

    Tinkerer
    There is a dedicated chip involved I believe. 
  • Fireballcz
    Fireballcz Member Posts: 9

    Tinkerer
    Yes it is ENE K89022Q. This is the i/o controller. As I remeber, both mobos have identical chip. This is controlled by BIOS.
  • Fireballcz
    Fireballcz Member Posts: 9

    Tinkerer
    ... a typo, sorry: KB9022Q
  • Dean35
    Dean35 Member Posts: 11

    Tinkerer
    You are correct. 
  • Fireballcz
    Fireballcz Member Posts: 9

    Tinkerer
    Answer ✓
    FINAL SOLUTION!!!!!
    I have currently two fully functional A7s. A717-71G and A715-71G. Keyboards are IDENTICAL! So no various layouts. Keyboard interface in A717 does not change wires order, it is linear. If will be used A715 motherboard in A717 laptop WITH THE SAME CPU, everything works flawlessly (the same is in oposit order A717->A715). Keyboard problem occured just in case, when I tried to UPGRADE original A717 (CPU i5) with original A715 (CPU i7).
    Final thought: A717-71G with CPU i7 and A717-71G with CPU i5 have DIFFERENT keyboard controller programming (BIOS). Acer do this EXACTLY for impossibility of amateur upgrade. So playing with BIOS is on the way. First I must copy BIOS to more chips to avoid mobo bricking (in that case just solder out, solder in). Stay healthy and have a nice weekend. Martin
  • Fireballcz
    Fireballcz Member Posts: 9

    Tinkerer
    edited August 2021
    BTW: the first and simpliest thing I will make (of course after bulletproof BIOS backups to more chips), is to replace A715 i7 BIOS by A717 i7 BIOS on A715 i7 mobo and test with A717-71G laptop. This will be very interesting :) If not successful, then I will play with A717 i7 BIOS.
  • Dean35
    Dean35 Member Posts: 11

    Tinkerer
    Martin,

    Thanks for all of your outstanding work and information.  You stay healthy and have a nice weekend as well!

    Dean

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