Can I fix / replace the usb ports on this computer?

Hi @lightningg25 ,

Which USB port (or ports) are you asking about?

Here’s an image of the motherboard for your model that shows that the 2 x USB3.0 ports on the left side are hard mounted on the motherboard and the 1 x USB3.0 port on the right side is on a separate module which includes the headphone/mic combo jack.

(click on image to enlarge for better viewing)

Replacing a hard mounted i.e soldered, USB3.0 connector is not for beginners due to the number of pins that need to be correctly soldered using smd (surface mounted device) soldering techniques. Another problem would also be sourcing a compatible USB3.0 connector. Whilst the pins are all the same in USB3.0 connectors the connector’s mounting lugs position can vary as to where they are on the USB connector body and the motherboard has solder pads which line up with the mounting lugs of the connectors so that they can be soldered to hold the connector to the board and take the strain rather than the pin connections.

If the problem is with the right side USB port it is easier to just replace the module. Just search for 60NB08B0-IO2000 ER (supplier example only to show part and cost) to find suppliers that suit you best.

Here’s the ifixit Asus GL551JW-AH71 guide which will help you to access the USB port. If replacing the left side ports then the motherboard will have to be removed from the laptop case to do the repair.

If doing all this yourself seems too daunting a task, contact a reputable, professional laptop repair service and ask for a quote.