HP Spectre x360 motherboard failure

[Bostonian26]

I purchased a Spectre x360 laptop in July 2023 and suddenly today it will not charge, it will not turn on, nothing lights up when it is plugged into power.  I’m hoping there is some way to get this issue fixed, it seems like it is a common issue. 

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Bostonian26,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I understand your HP Spectre x360 is not powering on or charging, there are no lights, no fan activity, and no response even when connected to power. Let’s go through a few steps to check what could be causing this.

a. Check Power Source & Adapter

Make sure the wall outlet is working by plugging in another device (like a lamp or phone charger).

Connect your laptop directly to the wall outlet, avoiding surge protectors or extension cords.

Inspect the USB-C power adapter and cable for any visible damage, bends, or discoloration near the connector.

If available, try using another compatible 65W or 90W HP USB-C adapter to confirm if the issue lies with the charger.

b. Check the Charging Port and LED Indicators

Plug in the adapter and look for any LED light near the charging port.

If the LED doesn’t light up, gently wiggle the connector in the port—if it flickers, the port may have a loose connection.

Try using a different USB-C port (some Spectre models support charging from multiple ports).

c. Perform an RTC (Real-Time Clock) Reset

Disconnect the AC adapter.

Press and hold the Power button for 15 seconds to drain residual power.

Reconnect only the power adapter (no peripherals), and press the power button once to check for any response.

If nothing happens, press and hold the Power button for 30 seconds while the adapter is connected.

d. Check for Signs of Life

Watch for any flicker on the power LED, caps lock, or keyboard backlight.

Listen closely for fan noise or drive spin-up when pressing the power button.

If the LED turns on briefly and goes off, it may indicate a motherboard protection trip.

e. Try Booting Without the Battery (if accessible)

If you are comfortable doing so, remove the back cover carefully using a precision screwdriver.

Disconnect the battery cable from the motherboard.

Connect the AC adapter and press the power button — if the laptop powers on, the issue lies with the battery.

Reconnect the battery afterward.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[Bostonian26]

Thank you for this information.  We had tried all of those things previously. The laptop is just a brick as I mentioned. 

We have just had it tested at a repair shop and they said the USB inputs are damaged so no power will go into the laptop, and that on some brands the USB input can be repaired separately but on this HP laptop it cannot be repaired that way so the entire motherboard needs to be replaced for $500-600. 

My real concern is that HP seems to be producing low quality products and then standing by them for only one year, and the products are designed such that they are very hard to repair without requiring full replacement.

Plus the issue of motherboards dying on x360 laptops seems to be a frequent one since there are many posts here about it.