How to replace USB ports on Dell Inspiron?

Question

I have a Dell Inspiron 1470. I was in the lab programming a micro-controller and a 15 volt line came down and touched my USB chip which fried all the USB ports on my PC. After doing some google searching I don't think you can just replace the USB ports. Apparently they are very tied to the motherboard. I looked around on eBay for new motherboards, it seems they are going for for around $225. It also looks like the computer is only worth $300-350.

Looking at pictures of the motherboards it doesn't even look like they have USB ports on them which is concerning.

Should I try to figure out how to repair this thing or should I just throw it up on eBay as is and buy something else? I just want a computer that I can use for programming, and run a few programs such as kiCad.

Answer 1

Hello,



The Dell Inspiron 1470 has a modular board with the USB and audio ports that you can swap out. Here is a link to an Ebay auction showing the board you need to get.



http://www.ebay.com/itm/DELL-3CP1N-INSPIRON-1470-USB-AUDIO-BOARD-WT0D6-CN-03CP1N-DA0UM1PI6C0-/380249222957?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item58889eaf2d



The boards run $25-40 and should get your computer back going again. The board swap should take about 30 minutes to complete.

Answer 2

If your Inspiron 1420 was a desktop, I would have recommended that you replace the motherboard and/or the install a PCI card with USB ports onto it; but since your system is a laptop; you're really not going to get anywhere unless you are very tech savvy and know a lot about the ins and outs of laptop circuitry.



Frankly, I wouldn't bother and try to get it either fixed through Dell; or just go and buy yourself another one.



Or look for a PCMCIA adaptor for USB which should be plenty on Ebay or elsewhere.

Answer 3

You can search for instructions on disassembling most computers. I did this for replacing the power socket and USBs on my Inspiron 1525. It's not too hard, but there are lots of plastic bits that can break if you're not careful and don't have some small tools.



Computers for repair don't usually sell for very much on ebay.

Answer 4

If you have an extra PCI or PCI Express slot you can put in a USB Expansion card, there is no easy way to repair a fried USB control chip since they are part of the mother board.

Answer 5

You can not fix this. You would need a new board. Cheaper to buy a new machine now.