Hello guys, first thanks for taking the time to look at this thread. And I know you guys aren't repair men, but I thought it might be worth the time to post it, and see if anyone else has had a simular problem.. Ok now, prepare for a novel lol.

I have a HP Pavilion Notebook, for the most part it has been faithful. Months ago, I had the 'PIN' replaced on the Power jack, on the notebook itself. After that, about 4 months later.. this has begun.

A power "surging", or something very simular. During thunder storms, I was able to hear when the power surged lightly, I'd get crackling and popping noises through the speakers, of course safely I either unplugged it our threw it on a surge protector. This hasn't damaged the notebook in anyway, just a note.

Now then, over a span of a week or two. I'd randomly get the same cracking and popping noises. Only once or twice however, and it would be fine for the rest of the night. Gradually, it became more common. Once or twice a night, every night. In the past 4 days it has become something that I cannot get rid of. And, this happening with out any thunderstorms any where near by.

When I turn on my Notebook, and it runs for a decent amount of time (2-3 hours) the cracking and popping noises begin. And do not let up. At first, there where two solutions to make it stop "surging". Either Plug the power adapter itself, and the notebook run on it's battery. Or disconnect the modem, using dialup. Since last night (04/14/05), it has begun doing it even after I disconnect from the internet. However, only very breifly.

I've also tested it on a different phone-line. Mind you, that both phone lines are coming from the same phone-box outside and the same high-line.

The Adapter itself, between each end of the power cord, (120watt) has started to become very very hot, abnormally hot I assume. Additionally I can hear a strong buzzing noise inside. I'm truely unaware of how hot the adapter got before, of if the buzzing noise in it has always been there.

Sadly, I'm unable to test the notebook on another power adapter, or method of internet connection. My question is simply if anyone has had this problem as well? It looks as if the problem is the adapter itself, in my perspective. But I'd like to be sure before I spend $100 coins on a new one.

Any suggestions and ideas would be great.

Thanks,
Derrick

    What model/part number is the power adapter? I've got a newer Compaq (read HP) nx9110(?) at work (good chance it's got a few components in common with your laptop)... I could check and see if it's making noise or a lot of heat if you'd like--I've not really noticed any real noise in the past, however.

    Aside from that, does your power supply get (abnormally) hot or make noises when plugged into the wall, without being plugged into the laptop (no load)? If so, I'd say it might be suspect. It is a shame that HP wants so much for their power bricks 🙁

      Goldbug, that would help me greatly. Thank you for your help.

      The Power Adapter is 120W. Part Number is, "316687-003". Series - PPP016S

      And is suggested to be replaced by part "317188-001" (Incase your adapter is the suggested replacment part).

      To answer your questions, the adapter will infact cool-off once the power jack has been removed from the notebook itself, even if the wall jack is still plugged in.

      However, the noise is persistant thought it's half as powerful/loud as it is when the adapter is giving power to the notebook. Additionally, you can hear the noise throughout appliances in the house. This is mainly just our fans. The noise isn't loud but loud enough to easily notice the difference when you unplug the adapter from the wall outlet or the notebook.

      The noise sounds almost identical to something of a light short, with a strong fuzzy pluse behind it.

      Indeed, it is a shame. I was told, "Well you get what you pay for". However the ending price of this labtop (after tweaks hehe) was over 2,000 us. HP/Compaq is having a large problem with thier "power related" products. After digging on the net, I've found hundreds of people with the problem of the PIN in their power jack (on the notebook mother board).

      And with their support, and canceling my Warrenty simply cause I opened up the Fan-face protector to clean them.. I've become annoyed with HP. And will never buy another product from them. :glare:

      But I must say, beyound their support and the hardware issues I've had, it has been a great notebook.

      I'm curious of your results on your adapter. So thank you again for your help, goldbug.

      Cheers,
      Derrick

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