The Digital Surgery (computer questions/problems here)

[buksida]

Plug the laptop into a TV with a HDMI cable, if the line is still there its the GPU, if it isn't, its the screen. Either way, its probably not worth fixing if the device is a few years old since both are expensive to repair.

[404cameljockey]

Plug the laptop into a TV with a HDMI cable, if the line is still there its the GPU, if it isn't, its the screen. Either way, its probably not worth fixing if the device is a few years old since both are expensive to repair.

Yes, he's already been advised to try that and hasn't said whether he can. And GPU, not CPU? I agree anything like that on an old laptop isn't worth repair unless you can source the part and do it yourself. I disassembled a lappy a few years ago after spilling drink on it. Worked out OK but messing with mobo soldering isn't my cup of tea!

[buksida]

And GPU, not CPU? I agree anything like that on an old laptop isn't worth repair unless you can source the part and do it yourself.

GPU = graphics processing unit (the graphics card). The CPU wont affect the display that way. A new one will be about 20% of the cost of a new machine... a new screen will cost even more.

[hhinner]

On the other hand it could be (possibly, maybe, ) a simple problem like damaged LCD cable/connector/controller. Someone like Don (Khao Noi /Dinosaur) or KAN (car park Wanna Pranee supermarket) would probably say very quickly what they think the problem is.

Another possibility is main board overheating if the laptop air vents are never cleaned. Rule this out if the problem occurs immediately after start up, before laptop has a chance to warm up.

[404cameljockey]

And GPU, not CPU? I agree anything like that on an old laptop isn't worth repair unless you can source the part and do it yourself.

GPU = graphics processing unit (the graphics card). The CPU wont affect the display that way. A new one will be about 20% of the cost of a new machine... a new screen will cost even more.

Sorry yes, I do know that, just need more coffee ....

My son's friend sat on his Alienware gaming laptop, he can't afford the new screen so he's playing using a freestanding monitor now.

In fact the GPU is usually integrated into the CPU in cheap laptops which aren't hefty and designed for heavyweight gamers or media editors.

[buksida]

Sure, its not necessarily game over if the screen is defective either. I have an old Acer with a dead screen that works perfectly well when rigged up to the TV.

[Hahuahin]

Old laptop Only two years this month I'm not exactly a PC Geek so where do I get a HDMI cable on a Saturday afternoon and how to proceed when I have got the cable?
hahuahin

[404cameljockey]

Old laptop Only two years this month I'm not exactly a PC Geek so where do I get a HDMI cable on a Saturday afternoon and how to proceed when I have got the cable?
hahuahin

HDMI cables aren't 'techy' or 'geeky', they are available in electronics stores and simply plug your PC into a TV which if smart enough will know what to do, it operates your PC screen and sound on the TV, mouse too.

As I always say: "Google is your friend".

[Dannie Boy]

Other than the simple connection mentioned above, you might have to choose the “source” from your TV remote to ensure it’s picking up the feed from your laptop.

[hhinner]

Alternatively just take the laptop to a computer guy. He'll have a cable and a monitor. And probably won't charge unless he can fix it, or sells you a cable.

[Hahuahin]

Thanks to all of yours for replying and information. I will try to locate Mr. Don; I think to remember his name was and have him to check the PC screen the coming week instead of wasting time and money with trying something which maybe or maybe not give me the answer to what the problem are.
hahuahin

[pharvey]

After recent questions, this may be a bizarre one! As a rule, HDMI Ports on Laptops are "Output Connections" i.e. using another screen when the laptop screen is knackered, or simply steaming sports etc. to a larger screen via the laptop.

How about using the laptop HDMI as an "Input Connection" for the likes of an "Amazon Firestick" or similar Android (or other) device? It's basically using the laptop as a screen which is the complete reverse of what we would all normally look for, BUT should a big screen connection not be available (travelling) and certain sports/programmes available only on the "Firestick" (not Web), what to do?

Ta in advance...

[404cameljockey]

After recent questions, this may be a bizarre one! As a rule, HDMI Ports on Laptops are "Output Connections" i.e. using another screen when the laptop screen is knackered, or simply steaming sports etc. to a larger screen via the laptop.

How about using the laptop HDMI as an "Input Connection" for the likes of an "Amazon Firestick" or similar Android (or other) device? It's basically using the laptop as a screen which is the complete reverse of what we would all normally look for, BUT should a big screen connection not be available (travelling) and certain sports/programmes available only on the "Firestick" (not Web), what to do?

Ta in advance...

I'm always grubbing around the back of hotel TVs, even have to ask their staff to unbolt it from the wall bracket sometimes.

If your intended video display has USB ports (for me it's always a hotel TV) I'm imagining that you only need an HDMI to USB B adapter (or whatever version of USB the display has, B is the big oblong one) to connect it to one of the USB ports on the display unit, plus I guess a wall electricity output for your Firestick? I've can't check this as I've never needed to buy that little bit of kit, my Android set top box has USB and HDMI outputs.

An adapter is inexpensive:
https://shopee.co.th/usb-3-.-1-type-c-t ... 9fb04ce8ac

[Hahuahin]

Update.
Had a chat with my neighbor this morning regarding the laptop screen problem and he happened to have an HDMI cable lying around. And the Laptop screen immediately came up on the TV without vertical stripes, so it is probably the screen from what I understand that is the problem. Does anyone know how much a replacement can cost. It's a 14-inch Hp laptop! I don't even understand what the reason could be as the laptop is permanently in one place apart from two trips to Europe in cabin, with a protective Pc bag!
hahuahin

[buksida]

If its only 2 years old, it may be under warranty. Go to the HP website, there should be somewhere you can enter the serial number to check warranty status.
https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/i ... 1360222-16

Laptop screens can be expensive and often not worth replacing (unless the machine is high-end.)

what the reason could be as the laptop is permanently in one place

If that is the case, and you have to buy a new screen (I'd take it to Don who will give you an idea of cost for your specific machine), but it may be cheaper just to get a monitor and use that - they are pretty cheap and much bigger than 14".