Any Way to Replace the USB Port on the Logic Board?

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MacBook Pro

Apple's line of laptops for professional and power users. To date, the MacBook Pro line includes 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17-inch variants, with major revisions defined by Pre-unibody(Original), unibody, Retina display, Touch Bar, and SOC (system-on-a-chip) designs.

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Henri @henri60998

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Posted: Jan 8, 2014

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Any Way to Replace the USB Port on the Logic Board?

Ive seen that the common solution to any problems with the logic board is to just shell out cash for a new one. Replacing one is as easy as playing with LEGO blocks, but as expensing as buying half a Mac. Seeing as how this is a Fix It community, is there any way to dive deeper into logic board repair. Im looking to fix and replace a fried USB port, not plug in a whole new motherboard. I mean if you have to buy a whole new logic board anyways, why not experiment with fixing the one you've got?

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So, did you do it? I'm thinking the same here.

Oct 18, 2015 by jotapeguarnieri

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originalmachead @originalmachead

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Posted: Jan 8, 2014

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Soldering multilayer logic boards is not like soldering a lamp cord. It takes special tools, and lots and lots of practice so you don't do more damage to the board. That being said - you might find a computer repair/electronics shop to do that component repair if you bring in and reassemble the logic board.

A work around would be to use a USB self-powered hub (a non-powered hub may not work with some peripherals).

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[It takes special tools, and lots and lots of practice]

So what you're saying is.....it can be done.

Unless of course, what kind of tools are we talking about? A laser welder or something?

Jan 8, 2014 by Henri

What I"m saying is if you have to ask how to do it, you're probably not qualified to do it. But, hey, it's your board soi if you want to give it a go... just realize you could go from a machine with a small problem to one with a much bigger issue. It's often the tightwad that ends up spending the most money.

Jan 8, 2014 by originalmachead

I see your opinion and I respect that. I knew when I asked about working on the logic board that I would catch some static about it. Theres a difference, though, from being "qualified" and being "capable". With that mindset there would be no point of a website like this, because anyone who asked a question would be turned away for being unqualified.

Besides, I thought this was the fixit community, not the pay someone else to repair it for you community. And in the long run I wouldn't be spending more money, because if I have to buy a new logic board anyways, I might as well take my chances attempting to repair the one I have. Although, I will look into a self-powered USB hub, thanks for your advice.

Jan 9, 2014 by Henri

I disagree with your comment about the definition of qualified and capable. Giving help is involves dealing with hard facts, things some people don't like to hear, but are true. I could have given you lots of sunshine, enthusiasm and encouragement, ultimately leading you to destroy your board. I chose not to do that. I said it was your choice as to how you solved your problem (I brought up the qualification statement only after you reinterpreted my advice, I did so in order to clarify the difficulty in what you were proposing). You don't "have to buy a new logic board anyway" if you used my work around. You're welcome.

Jan 10, 2014 by originalmachead

Henri, I am sure machead3 did not mean to come across as pompous or anything like that. It is difficult to give advise about any repair in a forum. We found that a lot of people looking for answers expect things to be easy. You are absolutely right about qualified and capable. I take capable anytime. If you feel comfortable about a repair like changing a USB port, I suggest to do it. Nothing to lose and a whole lot to gain. All one really needs are some good tools, some good skills and a bit of luck. If you do go ahead and replace the USB port, it would be great if you could make a guide and post it on ifixit. It would be a big help for others.

Jan 9, 2014 by oldturkey03

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[It takes special tools, and lots and lots of practice]

So what you're saying is.....it can be done.

Unless of course, what kind of tools are we talking about? A laser welder or something? — Henri
What I"m saying is if you have to ask how to do it, you're probably not qualified to do it. But, hey, it's your board soi if you want to give it a go... just realize you could go from a machine with a small problem to one with a much bigger issue. It's often the tightwad that ends up spending the most money. — originalmachead
I see your opinion and I respect that. I knew when I asked about working on the logic board that I would catch some static about it. Theres a difference, though, from being "qualified" and being "capable". With that mindset there would be no point of a website like this, because anyone who asked a question would be turned away for being unqualified.

Besides, I thought this was the fixit community, not the pay someone else to repair it for you community. And in the long run I wouldn't be spending more money, because if I have to buy a new logic board anyways, I might as well take my chances attempting to repair the one I have. Although, I will look into a self-powered USB hub, thanks for your advice. — Henri
I disagree with your comment about the definition of qualified and capable. Giving help is involves dealing with hard facts, things some people don't like to hear, but are true. I could have given you lots of sunshine, enthusiasm and encouragement, ultimately leading you to destroy your board. I chose not to do that. I said it was your choice as to how you solved your problem (I brought up the qualification statement only after you reinterpreted my advice, I did so in order to clarify the difficulty in what you were proposing). You don't "have to buy a new logic board anyway" if you used my work around. You're welcome. — originalmachead
Henri, I am sure machead3 did not mean to come across as pompous or anything like that. It is difficult to give advise about any repair in a forum. We found that a lot of people looking for answers expect things to be easy. You are absolutely right about qualified and capable. I take capable anytime. If you feel comfortable about a repair like changing a USB port, I suggest to do it. Nothing to lose and a whole lot to gain. All one really needs are some good tools, some good skills and a bit of luck. If you do go ahead and replace the USB port, it would be great if you could make a guide and post it on ifixit. It would be a big help for others. — oldturkey03

Mark Widick @mhw Rep: 1 · Answer 1 · 2016-06-20T00:53:54-07:00

Mark Widick @mhw

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Posted: Jun 20, 2016

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Did you do the repair and how did it go? I have fried two of three ports on my old MacBook and want to move to USB 3.

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@ Mark - Are you able to plug in a powered (AC) USB hub into the socket? If you can and the devices hanging off of it work most likely you just burnt the fuse link which can be replaced. If on the other hand you have damaged the socket its self then its quite a bit of work to replace it.

Jun 20, 2016 by Dan

Sadly, you won't be able to upgrade your logic board to support USB3.

But depending on your exact model you might be able to use a USB 3.0 Express Card/34 or if you have a newer model with Thunderbolt you could use either a Kanex - Thunderbolt to eSATA + USB 3.0 Adapter or if you need more than one port Belkin - Thunderbolt 2 Express Dock.

Jun 20, 2016 by Dan

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Any Way to Replace the USB Port on the Logic Board?

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