Is it possible to replace the HDMI port on my laptop?

Pedroski · 09-22-2022, 08:14 PM

@pan64 Thanks for the link, I did watch it, but I would not attempt stuff like that, I'm sure I would break something!

I remember trying to change the keyboard on an old Toshiba laptop, I ripped the connector right off the motherboard and had to buy a new laptop!

What I did do is buy a usb dongle, 59 Yuan on jd.com, has 3 usb ports and an HDMI port.

Should arrive today, then I'll try it out on my TV.

business_kid · 09-23-2022, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrmazda

If your eyes are up to task and you have a selection of dental picks, you may be able to tweak a damaged contact in the socket so that no wedging is needed. I have a lighted magnifier that keeps both hands free for such tasks.

There are so many solder contacts so close together for an HDMI socket that it's a resolder job I would not try.

I hads such a light for many years. Suppliers to beauty parlours are usually good places to find them.

As for the soldering, that's why I told the OP to farm it out to someone hungrier. I used to be that hungry guy, and I was good before my stroke, but not now.

Emerson · 09-23-2022, 09:31 AM

You can use hot air soldering to resolder, works fine. Can be done even if your hand is shaking and eyesight is not best.

Pedroski · 09-23-2022, 08:22 PM

Thanks again for tips and advice.

I don't think I will try to repair it myself, I'm sure I will break something!

I will ask an HP shop if they can do it.

As for the c-type usb dongle: no signal comes out over the HDMI socket, but I can read usb sticks if I plug them in the dongle.

Things you can do with a beer-bottle opener:

If I plug the HDMI cable in the laptop, press down hard and wedge my beer-bottle opener under the cable, close to the laptop, I get a good picture!

Emerson · 09-23-2022, 08:33 PM

You did read up on this before purchasing, did you?

Pedroski · 09-24-2022, 03:55 AM

No, no read up, was only 59 Yuan.

Anyway, just out of interest: gf found an HP office in Jiang Ning, just 4Km from where I live.

They were very helpful. Apparently, I still have guarantee.

They guy had to take the back off the laptop and look.

He said, if the HDMI socket is a part of the motherboard, they will replace the motherboard, free of charge.

It is, they will.

pan64 · 09-25-2022, 03:27 AM

that is the best solution. Especially if you have guarantee
(and probably you can mark the thread as solved too)

randomlinuxuser8675309 · 10-09-2022, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by business_kid

My take on it: If you're asking the question, you probably lack the skills, equipment & dogged determination necessary to do it.

If you had the skills, & equipment, you'd know that you could, but you'd still be left with the decision of did you want to risk trying it. I'd consider a repair shop, or like others said, try the cable first.

I agree. Soldering PC boards is kind of a lost art. I only know of one PC repair shop that will repair solder joints. I've done a lot of soldering for DC wiring, but you need special equipment and a very steady hand to do so. If the connector needs to be completely replaced, you will need a desoldering bulb. You will also need a precision soldering tool. A good solder joint only takes 1-2 seconds to complete. This means it needs to heat up fast. You can "tin the rod" to speed up the process. Also use 60/40 rosin core solder. Don't use acid core. You will want something like .1mm solder. If you buy it in a roll you can use a pencil and wrap it around it to make a coil. It's far easier to use that way.

I didn't realize the issue was solved. I'll leave the post in case someone finds the info useful in the future.