Gigabyte Brix mini PC (GB-BPCE-3455) repair
Below, I share a specific experience that I hope may be useful for you.
I once again came across a faulty Gigabyte Brix mini PC (GB-BPCE-3455). I've observed a recurring issue with multiple clients where the power button fails after some time. I suspected this again, and they also mentioned that an ad-hoc power supply replacement had been done, which can cause serious problems if attention is not paid to matching voltage and polarity values. I disassembled the device and removed the WiFi module to protect it from damage. It's advisable to keep the antenna connected, as I recently experienced that the connector can break off from the PCB.
The motherboard was held by two screws, and care must be taken to ensure they don't roll away, as the BIOS battery can keep components on the motherboard under voltage, which could cause a short circuit. The motherboard had to be removed at an angle. I cleaned the components, the fan, and the mini case with high-pressure air. This type also has potential fan issues, but it seemed fine this time, spinning smoothly.
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Gigabyte Brix mini PC (GB-BPCE-3455)
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I checked the power supply with a multimeter, then the micro switch of the power button, but this was not the cause of the problem this time, although it often is. One possible solution for this is to set the BIOS to automatically start the computer after a power loss. If the power button micro switch is faulty, it's best to stop using it. Unless you replace it with a new one (SMD soldering), it’s better to use an external switch to power on the device, or just put it into sleep mode instead of shutting it down (normal shutdown still applies).
I also disconnected the BIOS battery, and to my surprise, the device started up. A depleted BIOS coin cell battery usually doesn't cause this. I replaced the battery, taking care with insulation to avoid any short circuits. This successfully solved the problem, and Windows started and worked again.
I hope that by sharing the above experience, I can help others. :) Feel free to reach out if you need any advice or assistance
