Dead Thunderbolt Port (HP ENVY)

[Hossein955]

Of course 2 weeks after my 1-year warranty ended, my HP ENVY laptop starts breaking down. One of the two thunderbolt ports stopped working and I could no longer charge the laptop using that port. I had a technician look at the laptop since HP would no longer honor the warranty, and he found several blown components (likely capacitors) on the motherboard.

What could even cause this? A power surge? I only charged using the 90W HP adapter. Is the only possible solution changing the entire motherboard now?

Thanks.

[erico]

" A power surge?"

Yes.

Didn't you ask the technician who opened it up for you?

[Hossein955]

I did. He said he had no idea what could cause it since the damage was extensive (several motherboard copper SMD pads were destroyed). I used the HP-provided charger too which should have provided protection against the surge I assume. 

[erico]

The power adapter that was delivered is not meant to provide power surge protection.

I have always purchased  surge protectors separately.

I am fortunate that in South Florida where I live, insurance for my electronic devices relative to power surge damage is inexpensive.

I am sorry to hear about the "the damage was extensive (several motherboard copper SMD pads were destroyed)" report.

It sounds like it is time to source another laptop.

It isn't worth replacing the system board components if there were numerous pads and traces destroyed.