Broken DC Power Port

[bnies]

Does anyone haves any solutions for working around a broken DC power port? A USB-C Charger was suggested to me.

So, basically, my DC power port is broken. It still works, but I have to have the power supply at just the right angle for it to register and that angle could be different from day to day, so it could sometimes take me 5-10 minutes to get my computer turned on, as I'm first finding the right angle for the charging cord, then finding a way to prop it up, so it keeps registering the power supply. It's not ideal and it's annoying as (insert word here), but right now, it's my only solution.

I did take it in for repair and they told me the charging port is soldered to the motherboard, so the only way I can fix it is to replace the entire motherboard, which would be $2700 - essentially the cost of a brand new laptop. I'm in between jobs at the moment, I cannot afford the repair. Even if I could, I don't know if I could justify the cost of the repair. My computer is 4 years old. For a little more, I could get a brand new laptop. I'm a designer, so unfortunately, I need a powerful computer. 

The repair shop did suggest a USB-C charger, but the largest they carried is 240W. My computer has a 280W DC Charger. Does anyone know of any 280W USB-C chargers that are available for a computer? 

[cl-Albert]

Hi,

You may want to provide your model or check the user manual on the ASUS support page since earlier (and current?) ASUS notebooks will not normally support more than 100W USB Type-C charging when they support it, so not sure if that will work very well for you since your battery may be draining while plugged into the USB type-C charger or maybe worse depending on what you are doing.

Not sure how many repair shops can replace the DC jack for you, but if you can find one that you can trust that can do this, it may be something else to look into although if it doesn't work out, it's possible things can get worse (I'm a bit of a worrier), so you may want to make sure you trust that shop or hope nothing goes wrong during the process.

[bnies]

That's exactly my worry about taking it to a "run-of-the-mill" repair shop. I'm a worrier too, especially when it comes to something this expensive. I unfortunately, DON'T trust many of them. I've already had my phone messed up by those places, I don't need them messing up my computer. The place I took it too, is a big electronics store by us (Microcenter), with a reputable repair center and they are the only ones I trust with my computer. 

Thanks for the info about the USB-C charger. That's really helpful!! Unfortunately, it sounds like I may just have to continue my workaround and hope it holds until I can get a little ahead and afford a new computer. It's not ideal and annoying, but better than dropping a lot of money on a new computer, when I'm not ready to do so.

[cl-Albert]

So Micro Center was the one who quoted you that motherboard replacement price?

Was hoping it wouldn't be that high and not sure if you will see much difference if you send it to the ASUS repair office, but ASUS repair may not be able to quote you a price until they check your notebook first which I could be wrong about if you want to look into it more.  Wondering if you're just better off saving for a newer system instead though since motherboard replacements will not usually be very cheap.

As far as the USB type-C charger goes, you can use it to charge the battery (slowly?) while the computer is off if that helps with anything, but guessing sooner or later you still need to plug in to the DC jack if you use your notebook often.

[ElectroStingz]

Hello,

The DC jack port is an easy fix for any genuine laptop repair shop, those that simply quote a replacement motherboard are not genuine, likely only dealing with software issues and simple hardware swapping, no actual soldering / electronic capabilities.

Look for someone that can do the job and consider not using the DC socket until it is fixed. I say this as depending on the issue if there is poor contact or a cracked / fractured solder joint it will cause heat in the plug and worse case internal sparking. (micro arcing) This can melt the socket / connector leaving you with more problems if it shorts out.

https://www.microcenter.com/product/609506/laptop-power-jack-replacement-service

They show this on the site, maybe ask further about it?