The trials with the custom built dream computer damaged by the airlines continues.

This morning the new motherboard arrived and we could begin to disassemble the computer in an attempt to use the new motherboard to learn the true extent of the damage done.

Swapping the motherboards. Sadly, we currently lack a desk and the only strong light source left us working on the floor.

If you missed the previous post, this computer was packed in a steel-lined suitcase, in an extremely tough case (tripled layered steel), wrapped in three blankets, internally braced with cotton clothing and zip ties. This suitcase was hit with such force that not only was the steel inside the suitcase doglegged, but the three layers of steel backplate were bent inward.

As we disassembled it we found even more damage. Aside from the high-end graphics card is completely bent, the wifi card knocked loose and bouncing around, chunks taken out of the card, and the pins in the motherboard being bent... the hard drive also took a massive hit.

The case bracket was completely bent on one side, meaning that it had taken immeasurable shock. If you don't know Solid State Hard Drives rarely survive impacts. $750 2TB with years of data.. gone. Luckily, we did grab my second backup before leaving Australia.

Also, the motherboard was bent and when a small amount of pressure was applied, it crackled. This indicates an actual crack or break in the motherboard, itself.

And so the disheartened disassembly began.

It was a mess.

You can see how the plate is sitting proud in areas.

The impact strike.

What the hell even hit this thing? THE PLANE?

After having to bend the entire motherboard plate back into a uniform shape by hand, the new motherboard was able to be installed.

However, the entire case was warped so now the outputs are slightly unaligned. Sweet, another thing to have to literally hammer back into shape.

The haphazard reinstall into the broken and busted case is complete.

At this point, I am unsure if it will boot at all. Everything was merely put into place as best as it could be for testing, secured with whatever we have on hand, and set aside for the evening.

We are still in contact with the airline and should have a ruling on our claim by tomorrow, but it doesn't look good. They have said that the absolute highest they will go is $500 for airline credit and they are doing us a "courtesy", but will see "what can be done".
Apparently, when you purchase an airline ticket, simply by just purchasing, you waive their responsibility to any damage to electronics. FUN FACT. Something that you, a consumer, should know.

Honestly, it has been an incredibly long day and we are going to sit down, have a drink, and try to relax after such an ordeal.

We will give you an update tomorrow as to the status of the boot and what the airline has to say, but for now, we are too exhausted to do much more.

Thanks for sticking around for the post. If you can, upvote this for visibility and to help myself and others out. People need to know what they could face when trusting an airline with their beloved items.

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