Gigabyte AORUS 15P KD – Scratched PCB traces near EDP1/CPU

Damage analysis and trace identification
I can see the damage in your photos. It’s located near the EDP1 connector (internal display) close to the CPU, which is exactly where the signal traces from the processor run.
In the Gigabyte AORUS 15P KD with Intel Tiger Lake-H (i7-11800H), eDP version 1.4 is typically used for the internal panel. This means that 24 main data signals are required: 6 differential pairs per each of the four lanes (A/B/C/D).
Important note: The scratch you made not only damaged the top copper layer but also removed some of the protective solder mask underneath it. Even if the metal conductor looks intact now, this kind of microscopic damage may lead to cracks or parasitic capacitance when the board heats up during operation.
Where do these scratched traces go?

✅ These traces are directly related to the internal eDP display connection. They carry either the actual pixel data (D[0..5] lines for each lane) or auxiliary synchronization signals such as HSYNC/VSYNC/DE. All of them originate at the CPU socket and terminate at the FPC connector labeled «EDP1» on your motherboard.
How to check if they are actually damaged

Since you don’t have a schematic file showing net names, the most reliable method is an electrical continuity test:

• Power off the laptop completely and remove the battery.
• Remove the CPU cooler assembly so you can access the CPU socket pins.
• Find the corresponding pin numbers on the CPU socket. For i7-11800H, look for pins named GNDREF_1V05, EDP_A_D[0..5], EDP_B_D[…], etc. You can find their exact locations using public datasheets for this chipset.
• Use a multimeter in diode mode («beep») to measure resistance between:
  • One probe touches the contact pad on the EDP1 connector.
  • Another probe touches the corresponding CPU socket pin.

If the trace is broken, you will get an open circuit (OL) instead of a short (~0 Ω). If there is no beep, the line is likely cut.
Expected symptoms of damage

You’ve already performed excellent tests, and the fact that everything works normally right now suggests that none of the critical high-speed data pairs were severed. However, here are typical issues that might appear later:

• ❌ Noise / Snow — If one differential pair (e.g., EDP_C_D3) has been compromised, you’ll notice horizontal stripes or static noise on the screen.
• ❌ Black zones — Complete loss of a whole lane (for example, Lane B) would result in large black areas on the image.
• ❌ Frequency instability — Damage to timing signals like HSYNC or VSYNC could cause flickering or failure to maintain the 240 Hz refresh rate.
• ❌ Heat-related failures — Microcracks often manifest themselves only after several thermal cycles (heating/cooling). The display might work fine while cold but fail after gaming sessions.

The fact that your external monitor via USB-C DP Alt Mode works perfectly confirms that the GPU inside the CPU is healthy; those signals bypass the internal eDP routing entirely.
Action plan:

1. ✏️ Check continuity. Perform the multimeter test described above to verify that all connections between EDP1 pads and CPU pins remain electrically connected.
2. Monitor visually. Take detailed photos of the scratches today. Compare them over time to ensure they aren’t growing longer due to propagation of cracks.
3. ️ Avoid excessive heat. Keep using the laptop primarily in cool conditions. Thermal expansion can exacerbate existing microdamage.

Given your current test results, the chances of long-term problems are relatively low. But performing the electrical check will give you peace of mind.