Intel-era MacBooks: the machines board repair saves money on
2012–2020 MacBooks are still working machines, and the maths on them is simple: a £120 + VAT board repair against the cost of replacing a laptop that may carry the customer's only copy of something. The failure modes of this era are also some of the best-documented in the industry (power controllers, charging circuits, liquid damage) which makes them satisfying, predictable repairs.
- Fixed price
- £120 + VAT per logic board repair
- Priority slot
- £180 + VAT: diagnosed in 1 working day, back within 2
- Diagnosis
- £35 + VAT, waived when the repair goes ahead
- Warranty
- 12 months on parts and labour
What we fix on Intel-era boards
- No power, no charge light, including the USB-C power-controller faults this era is known for
- One-side or no-side charging, 5 V but no 20 V negotiation
- Liquid damage and corrosion, cleaned and rebuilt at component level
- Backlight and no-image faults: fuses and driver circuits rather than panels
- Storage-path faults, including the 2018+ machines where storage is soldered and T2-managed
- Damage from previous repairs: torn pads and lifted traces on older boards
The era's data split
Two very different stories, one era: the 2013–2015 machines often have removable blade SSDs, so data can frequently be read independently of the board. The 2018+ T2 machines are the opposite. Soldered, encrypted storage where repairing the board so it boots is the recovery route. Knowing which machine is on your bench decides what you promise the customer; data from a dead laptop covers the full playbook.
What to check before you post it
Won't turn on and not charging are the two ten-minute triages that apply directly; the liquid-damage page matters if the history involves a spill, even an old one. Corrosion does not announce itself.
Intel MacBook questions
Which Intel-era MacBooks do you take?
2012 to 2020, Airs and Pros. Their well-documented failure modes (USB-C power controllers, charging circuits, liquid damage) make them some of the most predictable repairs on the bench.
Is an older MacBook worth repairing?
Usually yes: £120 + VAT against replacing a machine that often carries the customer's only copy of something. The charging triage decides port vs circuit before anything is posted.
Is the data recoverable on these?
It splits by era: 2013–2015 machines often have removable blade SSDs that read independently; the 2018+ T2 machines are soldered and encrypted, where repairing the board so it boots is the recovery path.
How much does the repair cost?
£120 + VAT fixed (post both ways and a 12-month warranty included) or £180 + VAT in the priority slot. Diagnosis is £35 + VAT and is waived when the repair goes ahead.
The books are full. Join the list
Our bench is at capacity, so we are not taking new jobs right this moment. Open a trade account and we will email you the moment we are booking again. No commitment. Questions? Email jobs@soldersector.com.
