Worth it to replace motherboard on HP Pavilion laptop?

Hi,
Thanks for responding. I need to back up and ask a few questions. I had a two-year warranty, not just one year. Do you think a longer warranty agreement would have been a wiser choice? And regarding your comment that "you are at the breaking point of an accepted decision point which is 50% of new," does that mean the $300 charge to fix the HP is about half of the cost of a comparable new laptop? I'm weighing my options and looking for advice on whether it's worth it to invest that much money in a 27-month-old laptop (used, on average, 40 hours per week). What's the expected lifespan for a device like this used as I've described?

But that's the issue and decision we need to make. That warranty sometimes doesn't pay off, sometimes it does. Let's skip to today, the situation and another item you may have to replace that pushes you well into over the 50 percent mark.

The battery is likely a shadow of itself. So toss that in and you should be shopping for a new laptop.

At that much use, the keyboard is likely to show some signs. Let's say I think it's time to go shopping.

"What's the expected lifespan for a device like this used as I've described?"

Two to three years. There is a hard limit of 5 built into the design but you only get there under ideal conditions.
Bob

Okay, thanks. Now I need to do some serious research on a possible replacement--not another HP--in the neighborhood of $500-$600. I've been looking at Acer, Asus, and Lenovo. If you have any recommendations, do let me know.
Thanks again!
Barbara

In that price range they all get about the same "rent." That is, you can find your story on any name. I'm typing on a HP dv6910us that I paid 550 for and at 2 years I know to start shopping.

Even desktops don't fair well as you have a failed fan, CD/DVD drive and more.

The consumers have pressured the makers to deliver low cost machines over long life machines.
Bob

Hi again,
When I initially called the HP help desk about this problem, I was given the option of paying $50 for a tech support person to "talk me through" a limited number of possible fixes (I think I could ask 4 questions). I had already told the help guy that the machine wouldn't power up--how could he expect someone to "talk me through" anything? I didn't yell at him or get nasty, but I did tell him that his idea seemed like an inappropriate solution (translate as "a scam"). He just gave me a little giggle and moved on to the $300 motherboard suggestion. If this is the way HP does business, I don't want to buy another product from them.
All best--Barbara

For out of warranty calls, I can safely bet that every maker will be the same. I know what you are asking for but unless it's in warranty it's pay as you go. EVEN TO TALK ABOUT IT.

Those people cost money and if you are not in warranty then there is no cash to pay for them to talk to you.

Its a business. And business is going to sound cruel, mean, nasty so be sure you know that switching companies just because of this only results in a repeat with the next company.

I hope that you understand this without getting upset with me.
Bob

I'm not upset with you at all, Bob, and I thank you for your responses. What bothered me was that the help-desk person knew the $50 four-question deal would be a waste, yet he tried to sell it to me anyway. When I refused that course of action, he admitted to me that he knew it was the motherboard that needed replacing. If he knew that all along, why not just tell me from the start? It would have earned him and the company some future business.
All best--Barbara

"They are trained." And there are task masters that watch over them that they never deviate from "the script" or their training.

I will say that you do fair better at the Apple Genius Bar since it's one on one, face to face and people tend to treat people like people under those conditions. The nice thing about that setup is you set the tone of the encounter. If you are lucky and get a good person they apply themselves even if the situation is a bad one.
Bob

They don't know it's the mother board. The suspect based on expereince. It could be something else.

I had a similiar problem with my HP Presario, I paid nearly 1k for it and as soon as the waranty ran out guess what? Yep it died, get a blue light that blinks. Have figured out that it is the video card and motherboard is fried and HP had been having problems like this for some time - not sure if they figured it out or not. Initially calling HP was totally pointless, and I have since switched to ASUS myself.

HP hasn't done you wrong. Nobody else is going to do you any better as well. I've had better than average luck with HP support. Medium luck with their laptops. I'd not rule them out.

For the price the repair on your orginal laptop is fairly reasonable. I'd also consider the repair. Especially if the laptop is performing well for your needs.

If you do want to upgrade keep in mind a 500-600 laptop is a throw away machine. Expect 3 years and replace.

HP replaced the motherboard and the LCD bezel. Turnaround was fast. Just got it back via FedEx, and things seem to be fine. (I'm using it right now.) Thanks, everyone, for your advice. Barbara

go to hp website..there is a common problem going on on their products and they offer a free repair if you are qualified check it out
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&product=3444107&lang=en&docname=c01087277#c01087277_identify

I have bought hp a6040n ,from day one to 2 years ago they took 4 time in repair shop ,never fixed noe last time they told me out of warrenty will not repair. hp sucks i have both asus to replace hp. best computer for money works flow less no problems so ever i would suggest asus over all.

Your problem was not severe as most. Seems like it was only the MOSFETS on the frontend. Using the cheapest chips is not always the best solution.


I'd bet it was one of the Anachip AF4407/13/22/68 chips on the power in section. they keep changing the chip numbers but not improving durability or ability to hande surge/bounce. I always pull them and use Fairchild subs.

do you have any schematics or test points to check for voltages?
tx - q

The dv6000/9000 model is now well known what the issues are. No schematics were issued so all you can do is swap chips or boards.

thanks - what do you think about this replacement for the MOSFET?
http://www.diodes.com/datasheets/ds31754.pdf
tx, Q

I'd have to have the old part's PDF in order to compare the specs with the new part.

thanks R.P. ,
here is what I believe is the original MOSFET:
http://www.datasheetcatalog.org/datasheets2/27/270247_1.pdf
Q

But there are too many parameters that fail to let this be a good replacement. Look at Id and your replacement part is lower. And Vgs is 5 volts off too.

Your choice but I don't think this is a good sub.
Bob

Hi--I did try this, and I thank you for the instructions, but it didn't work. I ended up sending the Pavilion back to HP for repairs. I realize it's a gamble, but I really don't have the cash right now to purchase a higher-end laptop. I'm crossing my fingers that I've made the right decision. Will post an update when I hear from HP with more news. Thanks--Barbara

I have a 1-1/2yr laptop that fell if a kitchen countertop. What are your thoughts as to replacing a motherboard with a used one? The repair shop called HP and its $450 for a new motherboard (90-day warranty) versus $225 for a used one (25 day warranty). And $150 labor to install it.

Cant decide whether to get a new one if go for the repair,
Sherwin

That's my decision point to skip repair. I soften the blow by selling off the old parts. (ebay or such.)

The drop can have damaged the LCD, hard disk so that's another reason to not repair.
Bob

People have been telling me that the $600 (out the door, including tax and warranty) I can afford to spend on a new laptop wouldn't be enough to get anything other than another "disposable" model that will only last 2-3 years. What's done is done. I respect your opinion, but I really don't need to hear that I've made the wrong decision at this point. (Please note that the topic of my first post was, "Is it worth it to replace the motherboard on my HP Pavilion?")

The stories continue to pour in that you get a quote for the dollar and send it in. Then they start discounting it down to the usual 50 to 99 bucks.

Don't say you weren't told about this.