HP Spectre x360 Just 2 yrs. Old Today Already Has a Bad Motherboard

[Emily_P]

I have a HP Spectre x360 Convertible, Model 13-ap0053dx laptop, that was purchased on May 28, 2019. Literally, only 2 years of use as of today! In early February, I started experiencing issues with the charging port. A message would pop up saying that my computer was not charging, even when plugged in, and I had to hold the cord at strange angles to get it to charge. Eventually, the original charging port became completely nonfunctional. Luckily, I had a second USB-c port to use. Now, unfortunately, the second port is giving me the same error message and the computer is trying to shut down on me while plugged in, because it only charges at very strange angles. I took my computer to be diagnosed and repaired, only to be told it is a motherboard issue and that I would need to have the motherboard replaced to keep the computer working. The part is so expensive, it was recommended that I get a cheaper back-up computer instead.

I am a medical school student and chose HP because of the reputation for longevity. I didn't mind spending a bit more knowing I would have something reliable to use for school. My 2 year old computer already has a motherboard issue and won't charge. I have looked online and found a lot of people have this issue with the computer.

Here are SOME of the links from HP support that shows other people with the same problem with HP Spectre x360 laptops: https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Hardware-and-Upgrade-Questions/HP-Spectre-x360-motherboard-fa...

 https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Hardware-and-Upgrade-Questions/Spectre-X360-won-t-power-on-di... 

My previous computers of other brands lasted 4 or more years. I love this computer, but obviously there is a problem with this product. This was a very expensive device that, in my mind, should've lasted me years to come. I am hoping that we can come up with some sort of solution to my issue as my future education and career is dependent on a working computer.

I reached out to HP customer service a few days ago, and although a case number was generated, I have received no acknowledgement of the issue.

I would strongly recommend against anyone purchasing this computer, if you plan to use it beyond the 1 yr. mark, which I would assume would be most people, especially since HP does not make an attempt to help their customers when their product inevitably fails. 

[iomare]

Hi,

What you describe that charging at strange angles usually indicates a problem with the actual port, maybe coming loose from the motherboard. On your specific model, these ports are soldered to the motherboard. So if the port is bad the "official" would be to replace the motherboard.

I would try taking it to a smartphone, computer repair shop where they could actually solder a new port onto the motherboard. Does the USB-C port function correctly with other USB-C devices? You have tried with a different USB-C adapter?

Hope it helps,

David

[Emily_P]

I have tried with other chargers. There is not even a light for that port anymore, and the other USB-C port is reading the same message, now. It has gotten to the point, where I am basically just waiting for the computer to become completely unchargeable. When I took it to a repair shop, I was told they would need to replace the motherboard, and from what I read, that appears to be the consensus for others with this issue on this laptop model.

Thank you for the response.:)

[iomare]

Yes, the official fix for anything wrong with the motherboard is to replace the motherboard.

As I repair PCs for a living I know that most technicians actually do not work on the actual motherboard anymore. However if they can identify that the actual port is faulty, it should not be too difficult for a smartphone repair guy (who does work with soldering ports onto motherboards) to take a look at it and fix the port. Naturally, it is all rather theoretical but maybe worth a try.

Take care,

David