Replacing HP Motherboard

[Jai7]

I own a HP Pavilion dv5 1104AX laptop.
Specs:
3GB RAM
2.1 GHz AMD Dual Core Processor 64 bit
320 GB harddisk

My motherboard is damaged and needs replacement. Cost is Rs. 10000 ($180). This is one-fourth the cost of my original laptop.

Is it worth spending the money? Would my computer function normally for at least an year. I am a disciplined user with my laptop and since past 4 years faced no issue. This is the first time.

I am happy with the specs and not willing to go for a new laptop, as I am bit contrainbed on money.

Please advice if I am correct on investing in a new motherboard. Would an Authorized HP Repair centre be the best person to do the replacement?

Thanking you.

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

A laptop with a replaced motherboard is like a car with a new engine and transmission...the big problems are not likely to come back, but other things like the screen (brakes, tires) can still go out. Still, statistically, you should extend the life of the laptop by at least a year with a new motherboard. At 25% of the cost of a new laptop it is a good wager. Yes an HP Service Center is fully capable of the replacement but how much would they charge? Certainly more than the price of the motherboard. I would not invest a combined amount for parts and labor over 50 to 60% the cost of a new laptop.

[Jai7]

You were right, I checked with the H{P Authorized repair centre. They mentioned I needed a new motherboard and a processor. The cost $221 (all with labour and parts). My notebook's cost was around $860 dollars.

Should I go with it?

I am naive in these matters. For the first time, I faced such a big issue.

Thank you for all your advice and help.

[AttackofZaq]

Hello Jai7.  I understand you're wondering about a repair.

This really boils down how you personally feel about the issue.  However, you noted that the computer is (currently) useful for your needs and that money is an issue.  In this case it would seem like the best thing to do would be to repair the notebook as it would only cost a fraction of the cost of a new notebook.

I really like Huffer's analogy above about cars.  Replacing the motherboard/CPU on a computer will be very much like replacing the engine/power-train in a car.  You're unlikely to face the same issue with your motherboard again but that doesn't mean your memory or hard drive couldn't fail at some point in the future.  If you can get it repaired for less than 30-40% of the cost of the notebook and get to use it for another year or two that would be my choice.

Keep in mind that this is my personal opinion and doesn't represent HP's opinion in any way.

If you have any further questions feel free to ask!  Have a lovely day.

[Jai7]

@ Attackofzaq

Thank for the clear answer and assurance.

Thank you Mr. Huffer as well.

[MM_Malhotra]

Dear Jai....I have laptop and problem. Hence, the notebook out of use for more than a year. Pl update if your laptop is working fine and the source you got it repaired.

[Jai7]

Hi MM_Malhotra,

I went with the advice of Huffer and AttackofZaq. I forgeoed the repair since it turned out to be quite expensive. Rather, I invested in a good new laptop that has been very pleasing.

It depends where you are located. Authorized centres will repair it, but the repairs are expensive. Then there are other repair centres which are autonomous. But there is no guarantee. Your laptop may fail, say even after 2-3 months. Then you would be back to square one - again you need to pay for repair.

So my take - Coatct the authorized centres, get there quotes and then decide. Avoid other repair centres which are not backed by reputed sources.

-Jai

[Kamlem]

I have Given my Laptop for Repair 15 days ago still under warranty. They first told me that they'll contact me within 2 or 3 days but they didn't so i contacted them and they told me that the Motherboard needs to be replace and they already ordered for replacement from the company. Now two weeks have gone but still No Contact from the Hp service centre.. how do i deal with it? R they going to charge me too even though my laptop is still under warranty ? Or are the service centre playing on me.. Inhabitant of Shillong.. Please help.

[Duane_D]

I have brought your issue to the attention of an appropriate team within HP. They will likely request information from you in order to look up your case details or product serial number. Please look for a private message from an identified HP contact. Additionally, keep in mind not to publicly post personal information (serial numbers and case details). If you are unfamiliar with how the Forum's private message capability works, you can learn about that here.
Thank you for visiting the HP Support Forum.

[Jai7]

Hi Duane_D,

Thank you for your help. I look forward to hearing from HP team regarding this issue.

Thanks again!

Regards,

Jai