Need suggestion; motherboard or cpu?

I have a HP DV6000 (dv6338se) laptop that powers up, boots just fine.
If you put any kind of pressure in the upper lefthand corner, by the power switch the system will freeze. This area when partially taking the laptop apart is around the cpu and cpu cooling fan. I don't think anything is shorting out when pressure is applied.
Any suggestions as to thinking it's a cpu issue or a motherboard issue?

 

When you took the machine apart. Did you systematically reinstall the screws. There is a spacing factor involved. If you installed one incorrectly especially around the CPU and fan. It can cause undue pressure. Thus a short could occur. Its a tight fit everything has to fit exactlly the way it orginally was installed. Hope this helps.

 

It had the problem before I took it apart. I did so to check foir that very issue and found none. Put back together and it does same thing. If you leave alone it'll run all day long. This point to motherboard since the cpu isn't locking up on its own?

 

Sorry I misread your post.

 

It might be restricting the flow of air to the fan. I expect it shouldn't "normally" make a difference. Could the panel be buckled from heat?

Could dust be needed to be cleaned out of the fins of the heatsink? If it has "appeared" or gotten worse over time that would be my first suspicion. I would open it up and carefully blow compressed air back through the heatsink, but the fan needs to be stopped from spinning backwards.

Matt

 

Heat sink and fins are clear of dust build up.
It's an instant freeze as soon as pressure is applied. I don't think it is a matter of putting pressure, stopping the fan, computer stays running until it gets hot then freezes...it locks up instantly. I thought it was related with the video ribbon getting frayed from all the open and close, but once apart found it had nothing to do with that.
I'm thinking of just ordering a replacement motherboard but before I do, any last suggestions?

 

There is a small PCBoard about 1/2 - 3/4 inch wide and about 4 - 5 inches long that contains and operates the power switch, and all the buttons and LED's on that top band. There is a possibility that this PCB has worked it's way loose, or has fractured. It sounds like you have been inside the machine already so inspect that board and it's surroundings before replacing a motherboard that will cost you about as much as buying a new machine. Also, If you have removed the HS/fan from the CPU and usually the Vid card, heatsink compound MUST be reapplied every time. HP laps are very finicky about this. We have lost many machines by just twisting (not breaking contact) the HS a little, and not re-pasting it.
With the old adage it only hurts when I do this...... it only quits when I do this - well don't do this......

Food for thought

 

I might wonder if it is causing a short circuit. There should be "stays" or standoffs on the panels that the bolts can be bolted into or just maintain the integrity of the panels. Could any of those standoffs be broken?

Could you put some packing under the panel to stop it from being depressed too far? Not just some folded paper, but appropriate packing, for if say, the area gets hot. Obviously, don't pack over the area where the problem happens, but around the area so that the panel cannot be depressed to cause it happening.

Matt