Could a faulty USB device fry the motherboard through the connected USB board?

[John-S1]

Hi!

Last week I have connected a faulty USB device to my laptop by accident and it died. The repairman at the local service centre told me that the USB board and motherboard were fried and they cannot even order replacement parts for it. Though, I have my doubts over the aforementioned service centre, since they didn't even take the laptop apart.

Is it possible that the MB got damaged as well? Couldn't it just be the USB board, so I could replace it? Isn't there a protection for the MB so things like this can be prevented?

I cannot boot the laptop, it went dark after I connected the faulty device and only the caps lock button light remained on with a slight distinctive electronic smell for a couple of seconds. No smoke was visible. It's a 2018 15” HP Spectre, PN: 2PN59EA.

I would be thankful for any relevant information.

[pbroussard]

Which side of the laptop did you plug the faulty device into? According to your Service Manual- http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c05357610.pdf  There is a replaceable USB board on the left, but the right USB ports are on the motherboard.

[John-S1]

Thank you for your reply!

It was the left side that has the separate USB board. That's what got me confused, because the repairman told me the MB is damaged as well. I had assumed it would only affect the USB board.

[Huffer]

There is no way the repairman could know that without first trying to replace the usb board. The motherboard may be fried but usually the damage will stop at the usb board. They are not expensive and worth a try to replace.

[John-S1]

Thank you, I'll probably give it a try. He said HP doesn't produce replacements for this laptop anymore so I couldn't even order one. I'll try to find one on Amazon or eBay.

[Huffer]

Exactly. One of those sources will have it. 

USB/audio/power connector board 913006-001