Diagnostics Service
Expert fault-finding using microscopes, thermal imaging, and component-level testing to identify the exact cause of device failures
Why Professional Diagnostics Are Essential
The same symptoms can have dozens of different causes. Without proper diagnosis, repairs become guesswork.
Device Won’t Turn On
Could be any of these:
- Dead battery
- Faulty charging port
- Power management IC failure
- Motherboard short circuit
- BIOS corruption
- Failed capacitors
Without diagnostics, you risk paying for the wrong repair or missing the actual problem.
Overheating Issues
Multiple potential causes:
- Dust buildup
- Thermal paste degradation
- Failed cooling fan
- Faulty temperature sensor
- VRM overheating
- Software/driver issues
Thermal imaging reveals the exact heat source, preventing unnecessary component replacements.
Poor Battery Life
Various underlying issues:
- Worn battery cells
- Background app drain
- Faulty charging circuit
- Power-hungry malware
- Screen brightness sensor fault
- USB-C port damage
Battery testing tools measure actual capacity and identify power drain sources accurately.
Random Crashes/Freezing
Complex diagnostic needed:
- RAM failure
- SSD errors
- GPU overheating
- Driver conflicts
- Motherboard trace damage
- PSU instability
Stress testing and component isolation identify the failing part preventing expensive trial-and-error.
Advanced Diagnostic Equipment
Consumer-grade testing can’t detect component-level failures. Professional tools reveal hidden issues.
Digital Microscope (45x-200x)
Reveals: Burnt components, cracked solder joints, corroded traces, liquid damage residue
Essential for: Motherboard inspection, identifying failed capacitors, checking BGA connections
Thermal Imaging Camera
Detects: Overheating components, short circuits, power distribution issues
Temperature range: -20°C to 400°C with 0.1°C accuracy
Oscilloscope & Multimeter
Measures: Voltage levels, resistance, continuity, signal integrity
Identifies: Power rail failures, data line issues, component shorts
POST Card & Debug Tools
Provides: Boot sequence analysis, error codes, hardware initialization status
Pinpoints: BIOS issues, RAM failures, CPU problems
Our Diagnostic Process
Every device undergoes the same rigorous testing protocol to ensure nothing is missed.
Initial Assessment (10-15 min)
Visual inspection for physical damage, burn marks, or liquid indicators. Documentation of reported symptoms and device history. Basic power-on testing and error code recording.
Disassembly & Internal Inspection (20-30 min)
Complete teardown to access motherboard and internal components. Microscopic examination of circuits, connectors, and solder joints. Photo documentation of any discovered issues.
Component Testing (30-45 min)
Individual testing of power circuits, data lines, and major components. Thermal imaging under load to identify overheating parts. Resistance and voltage measurements at key test points.
Software & Stress Testing (15-30 min)
Boot sequence analysis and BIOS/UEFI diagnostics. Memory testing, storage health checks, and driver verification. Performance benchmarking to identify intermittent issues.
Report & Quote Generation (15 min)
Detailed findings summary with photo evidence where applicable. Itemized repair options with transparent pricing. Recommendations based on device age and repair economics.
Total Time Investment: 1 Hour – 2 Days
Professional diagnostics require varying time based on complexity. Simple issues may be identified within an hour, while intermittent problems or complex motherboard faults can require extended testing over 1-2 days. We’ll discuss timeframes upfront based on your needs and urgency.
Device-Specific Diagnostic Procedures
Different devices require unique testing approaches based on their architecture and common failure points.
MacBook Logic Board Diagnostics
1. SMC & T2/M1 Chip Testing
Reset and verify System Management Controller functionality. Check for kernel panics related to security chip. Verify TouchID and secure boot operation.
2. Power Rail Analysis
Test PP3V3_S5, PP5V_S5, and PPBUS_G3H rails for proper voltage. Check current draw on each rail to identify shorts. Verify USB-C power delivery negotiation.
3. GPU & Display Testing
External display testing to isolate LCD vs GPU issues. Thermal imaging of GPU under load. VRAM testing for artifacts and crashes.
4. Common Failure Points
Backlight circuit (PP_LCM_BOOST_EN). Keyboard and trackpad connectors. WiFi/Bluetooth module connections. SSD controller on newer models.
iPhone Motherboard Diagnostics
1. Power Sequence Testing
Measure VDD_MAIN and battery voltage. Check Tristar/Hydra charging IC functionality. Verify PMIC outputs for proper boot sequence.
2. Baseband & Connectivity
Test cellular modem and antenna paths. Verify WiFi/Bluetooth chip communication. Check for “No Service” related faults.
3. Touch & Display IC Testing
Check touch controller voltages and data lines. Test display connector and backlight circuit. Verify True Tone and ambient light sensor.
4. Audio IC Disease Check
Test for common Audio IC failures on iPhone 7 series. Check for boot loops related to audio subsystem. Verify microphone and speaker circuits.
Microsoft Surface Diagnostics
1. Power & Charging System
Test Surface Connect port for proper voltage. Verify battery management system operation. Check for swollen battery indicators.
2. Display & Touch Calibration
N-trig digitizer functionality testing. LCD connector and flex cable inspection. Ghost touch and dead zone mapping.
3. Thermal Management
Fan operation and thermal throttling tests. Heat pipe efficiency verification. VRM temperature monitoring under load.
4. Common Surface Issues
Type Cover connection problems. Flickering screen (display driver board). SSD failure on soldered models. Kickstand hinge wear assessment.
PC Laptop Comprehensive Testing
1. Power Delivery System
DC jack voltage and stability testing. Battery charging circuit verification. Power button and EC (Embedded Controller) checks.
2. Memory & Storage
MemTest86 for RAM stability. S.M.A.R.T. data analysis for drive health. M.2 slot and SATA connector testing.
3. Graphics Switching
Dedicated GPU stress testing. Optimus/Switchable graphics verification. Video output testing on all ports.
4. Peripheral Testing
USB port power delivery and data transfer. Audio jack detection and output quality. Webcam and microphone functionality.
Diagnostic Service Costs
Professional diagnostics require time, expertise, and expensive equipment. Here’s what you’re paying for.
Phones & Tablets
Laptops & Computers
Data Recovery Assessment
Why We Charge for Diagnostics
Technician Time
1 hour to 2 days of focused work by certified technicians who undergo continuous training on new devices and diagnostic techniques.
Equipment Usage
£50,000+ invested in diagnostic tools including thermal cameras (£3,000), oscilloscopes (£5,000), and specialized software licenses.
Expertise & Analysis
Years of experience identifying obscure faults. Knowledge of common failure patterns saves you from unnecessary repairs.
Detailed Documentation
Comprehensive report with findings, photos, and repair recommendations. Useful for insurance claims or second opinions.
Diagnostic Fee Policy
Free diagnostics when you proceed with repair. If you decide to go ahead with our recommended repair, the diagnostic fee is completely waived – you only pay for the repair itself.
Fee applies only if no repair: The diagnostic fee is only charged if you decide not to proceed with the repair. You’ll receive a full diagnostic report with our findings.
No obligation to repair: You receive the complete diagnostic report and can take it elsewhere or attempt DIY repairs with accurate information about what’s wrong.
What We Typically Find
Based on thousands of diagnostics, here are the most common discoveries that customers couldn’t identify themselves.
Devices often have 2-3 problems contributing to symptoms. Fixing only the obvious one leaves hidden issues.
Over a quarter of “hardware” problems are actually corrupted firmware, driver conflicts, or OS issues.
Poor quality repairs elsewhere often cause new problems. We find lifted pads, wrong parts, and missing screws.
Honest assessment when repair costs exceed device value. We help you make informed replacement decisions.
Surprising Discoveries That Save Money
Faulty Chargers
15% of “dead battery” cases are actually caused by failing power adapters delivering incorrect voltage.
Simple Cleaning Fixes
8% of overheating laptops just need thermal paste renewal and dust removal – no parts required.
Reseatable Components
12% of boot failures are loose RAM or cables that got dislodged during transport or previous work.
Diagnostics Service FAQ
Clear answers about our diagnostic process and policies.
Can’t you tell what’s wrong without opening it?
External symptoms rarely reveal the root cause. A device that won’t turn on could have 20+ different faults, from a simple battery issue to complex motherboard failures. Opening and testing is the only way to provide accurate diagnosis and fair pricing.
Why pay if you can’t fix it?
You only pay the diagnostic fee if you choose not to proceed with the repair. If you go ahead with our recommended repair, diagnostics are completely free. Even without repair, the diagnostic service provides valuable information: accurate fault identification, prevention of wrong repairs elsewhere, documentation for insurance claims, and peace of mind about your decision.
How long does diagnosis take?
Diagnostic time varies from 1 hour to 2 days depending on the complexity of the issue. Simple problems can often be identified within an hour, while intermittent faults or complex motherboard issues may require extended testing. We’ll discuss timeframes upfront based on your urgency and the nature of the problem.
Do you test with my data intact?
Yes, diagnostics are non-destructive. We don’t wipe devices or access personal files during testing. For privacy-sensitive devices, we can perform hardware-only diagnostics without booting to the OS.
What if I want a second opinion?
Our diagnostic report includes photos and detailed findings you can share with other technicians. We document everything transparently so you can verify our findings independently.
Can diagnostics damage my device?
Professional diagnostics are safe when performed correctly. We use anti-static protocols, proper tools, and gentle handling. If your device has pre-existing critical damage (like water corrosion), we’ll inform you before proceeding with any risky tests.
Do you provide written reports?
Yes, every diagnostic includes a detailed report with: specific faults found, component test results, repair options with pricing, and our recommendation. Reports include technical details for insurance claims or warranty disputes.
Stop Guessing – Get Professional Diagnosis
Accurate fault-finding saves money by preventing wrong repairs. Our expert technicians use advanced equipment to identify exactly what’s wrong.
