Power Plug

Hi Guys,

It seems that the the end of the power plug (the center pin) is broken.

I have a HP 8710p, and this AC adapter ---> http://partsurfer.hp.com/ShowPhoto.aspx?partnumber=416931-001

What I'm asking for is a picture, or a rough explanation of how LONG is the gold'ish connector (the center pin) inside that plug.

I'm asking because I want to find out whether it's the motherboard power connector that's broken or if the center pin inside the DC power plug somehow broke and doesn't provide the power..

 

I can't answer how long the center pin is but I seriously doubt it broke in length, that would be almost impossible.

Use a voltmeter to check the voltage at the center pin to outside barrel. If you have voltage, its the notebook connector.

Alternatively take your notebook/AC adapter into a local shop that sells the HP model or similar you have and give your adapter a try on one of their floor models and also try their adapter with your notebook. I am pretty sure they wouldn't mind.

You don't mention where you live but if you live in the USA a local Radio Shack could probably help you with a diagnosis. They would most likely let you try a generic adapter that fits your notebook if they think you might buy it.

 

You see, the problem is that it works like, 50% of the time, most of the time I have to "adjust" the plug...which I guess means that the notebook connector is the problem

I'm from Europe, and we haven't got radioshack here. Obtaining the connector might prove cumbersome... seeing as mine seems to be quite rare for some reason.

Where can I get this kind of connector, or better, how is my model actually called?

 

Well the notebook connector is probably the problem but maybe not.

The wire on the connector you plug into the notebook could also have a break in it which loses contact when you flex it. Happens when persons pull the plug out of the notebook by the connection wire instead of holding by the plug or bending at sharp angles.

I don't know what the specific connector name is for your notebook. You might take a look at one of the manuals available on-line at HP for your notebook model.

 

I did some further testing yesterday, and I'm quite sure that it's the motherboard connector... Seems like it's loose, and drops the connection when its under certain angle

Time to find the name for the connector and start looking for a new one..

 

In all honest this is a flawed connection that is long overdue for a redesign. In fact, this is one of those area that make Macs look good. Manufacturers need to do better.

BTW, I've seen them break off inside the connection many times. And it's a bear to get that thing out.

 

If you want to be sure, buy.com has the HP smart 90 watt onsale at $14.99 shipped, works fine in replacement for the 120w
http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=208456264
My first order was doa and buy.com paid the return shipping via email ups call tag

 

So If the adapter connector (center pin) was broken, I can simply replace it with this one?

 

Yes, this is a 90 watt smart HP adapter with the center pin plug.
HP includes a dongle plug adapter that converts that wired center pin to a standard barrel type of plug for other HP laptops.
Yet you would not need to use that dongle plug since your laptop uses the center pin plug.