Do I Need a Specific Ribbon Cable for My Laptop?

**oblad** · August 1st, 2012, 07:27 PM

i got a gateway m210 laptop (its 7 years old) and i got to replace the ribbon cable that connects the power button to the motherboard. its a 4-pin ribbon cable. is it possible to use a ribbon cable from another laptop manufacturer to use in this laptop? or do i need the specific ribbon cable made specifically for the laptop?

**Ferrit** · August 1st, 2012, 07:56 PM

I am no expert in this but I suspect that is likely the very best choice.
If there isnt one anywhere i suspect you could try it but it may be wired differently.

**HipHoper** · August 2nd, 2012, 02:08 AM

http://shop.mcccomputers.com/motherb...le-4-pins.html

Seems from the picture that's a straight ribbon cable and another one will work too but I can't promise that.

Good Luck

**oblad** · August 2nd, 2012, 01:04 PM

Originally Posted by HipHoper

http://shop.mcccomputers.com/motherb...le-4-pins.html

Seems from the picture that's a straight ribbon cable and another one will work too but I can't promise that.

Good Luck

yeah thats the ribbon cable i was looking at...but $20?? are these idiots crazy for charging this much for a piece of crap?

**Ferrit** · August 2nd, 2012, 02:56 PM

Originally Posted by oblad

yeah thats the ribbon cable i was looking at...but $20?? are these idiots crazy for charging this much for a piece of crap?

Lol it is whatever the market will bear for older stuff

**oblad** · August 2nd, 2012, 11:48 PM

Originally Posted by Ferrit

Lol it is whatever the market will bear for older stuff

yeah i guess.. still not fair though for a 4.5 inch piece of plastic.

**Niclo Iste** · August 3rd, 2012, 06:16 AM

Well I know I wouldn't pay $500,000 for a piece of cardboard that has a picture on it but there are many that will 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth Rookie Card. So even though I wouldn't pay that much someone else will and based on that we have to live with the fact that the value will not change unless the demand and willingness to pay the fee goes down.

Think of it this way, the part isn't made anymore and what spares are left are finite. Logic would dictate that if someone is looking for this part it must be important. Work or career stopping important is the hope so the value is based on that since there is a market for companies that refuse to modernize and use outdated software designed for specific outdated hardware. Honestly if I had old enough hardware that was rare to find I'd charge exorbitant rates for it and let them worry about finding a way to pay up before someone else buys it from me.