Hey everyone! I'm having issues with my 12-inch MacBook. The screen is broken, and the battery only works when it's plugged in, which is making file recovery impossible through Target Disk Mode. I bought a used MacBook of the same model, thinking I might be able to swap out the logic board to get my files back. I got a quote for $400 to have it replaced, which feels a bit excessive. I've tried replacing the screen before but ended up messing it up and couldn't find the right tools. I'm hoping swapping the logic board will be easier. Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
4 Answers
Just a heads-up, if your drive is soldered onto the logic board, replacing the logic board won't help out with getting your files. I'd suggest using an external monitor via USB-C to transfer your files, either with a USB-C cable or DisplayPort.
If your laptop powers on, consider using a dongle to connect an external power source and give your MacBook an additional USB-C port. This way, you can utilize Target Disk Mode to grab your files.
Check out iFixit for some guides! Depending on your MacBook model, you might be able to detach the hard drive and connect it to another Mac using a SATA to USB cable. Just be cautious with SSDs, as they can be soldered on to the logic board, making them harder to recover files from.
Honestly, if you’re asking if it’s too hard, it probably is! If you're mainly trying to get your files back, there are easier ways to do it without replacing the logic board. Why not use a USB-C display? If you connect your MacBook to it, you can also use a USB stick or drive to transfer your files. Just a thought!
None taken, thank you for your input.
It’s soldered!