Elitebook G9 865 HDMI Port Stopped Working

[Zocrates]

Three months after the warranty on my Elitebook expired, the HDMI port has stopped working. I have tried a different monitor and cable with the same results. I can get an external monitor to work using a USB C hub, so it's definitely an issue with the laptop's HDMI port. I re-imaged the laptop from the cloud and this did not fix the issue, so I'm 99% sure it's a hardware issue. Given that the warranty is expired, I assume I'm faced with either working around the issue, or paying for an expensive repair. I've been using Lenovo business laptops for decades, and this is my first try with HP. I'm disappointed.

[BeemerBiker]

You might look for debris in the HDMI socket and try cleaning it with qtip and electrical cleaner but I suspect it is damaged.

The HDMI is not modular so it cannot be easily replaced

Disassembly video is here

Click here to check warranty
and
Click here for world-wide contact info
Or contact the closest authorized service center

It may be cheaper to get a USB-C or thunderbolt docking station.  You have thunderbolt and possibly can daisy chain addition monitors.

[Zocrates]

Thanks for the reply. There is no physical damage to the laptop. it has only ever sat fixed on my desk with the HDMI cable permanently plugged in. The monitor initially started disconnecting and reconnecting but within an hour it had stopped working completely. Definitely electronic failure of some kind. I haven't found any similar reports from other customers, so I guess I just got a dud.

[BeemerBiker]

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@Zocrates wrote:

Thanks for the reply. There is no physical damage to the laptop. it has only ever sat fixed on my desk with the HDMI cable permanently plugged in. The monitor initially started disconnecting and reconnecting but within an hour it had stopped working completely. 

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That does not sound like the typical failure of HDMI.  Usually the connector is damaged from repeated usage. I keep a magnetic USB-C adapter on my tablets to prevent the connectors from wearing out.

I would double check the cable and the monitor.  If it is a laptop electronics failure it is probably from overheating of the graphics or CPU chip that controls the HDMI port.  To be cautious of the USB video failing I would get a laptop cooler for it to sit on.  I do not know of any docking USB-C that have built in fans.  Make sure your Elitebook is dust free.

[Zocrates · Accepted solution]

I've moved this laptop maybe twice since I got it. I've unplugged the HDMI cable maybe twice. I can attest that there is nothing physically wrong with the laptop. I use the laptop solely for Remote Desktop to my workstation so it never has to break a sweat. Also, it sits on raised stand on my desk with all vents clean and clear. There is no reason for overheating. 

I understand all that you are saying and appreciate your suggestions, but in this case I believe it's clear the HDMI circuits just burned out for no obvious reason other than perhaps fatigue. Looks like I will have to live with it and take the financial hit when I trade it in for my next laptop.