HP EliteBook 1040 G3 Repair

The HP EliteBook 1040 G3 (also known as HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G3) is a 14-inch business ultrabook released in early 2016, with the base laptop going for $1,233 without the extra features. Although it was discontinued and replaced with later generations of EliteBooks, it’s still going strong in the refurbished market with listings on Best Buy and Newegg for around $500-$650.

This laptop (and the entire EliteBook family) is globally designed for corporate professionals and users working with sensitive/private information on the go, with features like TPM and HP Sure View (a built-in privacy screen toggleable via keyboard shortcuts, an option at purchase). It also claims all-day battery life (although a few users reported otherwise), anti-glare, and supports touchscreen (also an option at purchase).

The HP EliteBook 1040 G3 succeeded the HP EliteBook 1040 G2, bringing a new Intel processor (Skylake), and was succeeded by the HP EliteBook 1040 G4 (which brought the Kaby Lake processor from Intel).

However, it wasn’t flawless. Common issues surrounding the HP EliteBook 1040 G3 include battery and screen failure (especially with Sure View).

The HP EliteBook 1040 G3 is sleek with a slim profile and premium build. It is identifiable by its silver aluminum-magnesium body that gives it a professional and durable appearance. Key visual features include a backlit keyboard and a large, buttonless touchpad with integrated click zones. 8r7

This device was primarily offered in a single silver aluminum colour variant. A key, unique tactile and visual identifier is the fingerprint scanner, which is integrated into the right arrow key of the keyboard, a design feature specific to the EliteBook series.

You can distinguish the G3 from the earlier models, like the 1040 G2, primarily by its ports. The G3 features a USB-C port with Thunderbolt 3 support on the right side, while older models typically have older ports. It also maintains a slimmer overall design compared to the G1 and G2.

To confirm you have this exact model, locate the model number. It is printed on a label or sticker on the bottom cover (underside) of the laptop. This label will clearly list the model number.

Processors (CPU)

• i7-6600U 2.6-GHz (max turbo frequency 3.4-GHz), 4-MB L3 Cache, 15W
• i7-6500U 2.5-GHz (max turbo frequency 3.1-GHz), 4-MB L3 Cache, 15W
• i5-6300U 2.4-GHz (max turbo frequency 3.0-GHz), 3-MB L3 Cache, 15W
• i5-6200U 2.3-GHz (max turbo frequency 2.8-GHz), 3-MB L3 Cache, 15W

Graphics (GPU)

Intel HD Graphics

Memory (RAM)

16 GB or 8 GB

Storage

• 512-GB SATA-3 TLC
• 256-GB SATA-3 TLC
• 256-GB, PCIe-3x4 SS NVMe
• 256-GB, SED, OPAL2
• 240-GB SATA-3 MLC
• 180-GB, SATA-3 MLC
• 180-GB, SED, OPAL2
• 128-GB SATA-3 TLC

Display

14 inch diagonal FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS, anti-glare

Battery

Supports a 6-cell, 45.6-Whr battery

Camera & Audio

Two stereo speakers

HD audio with DTS Studio Sound

Integrated 720p webcam (supports no camera option)

Intel Smart Sound Technology

Microphone (dual array)

Wireless Connectivity

WLAN options via M.2:

• Support "No WLAN/No Bluetooth" option
• Two WLAN antennas built into display assembly
• Support for the following WLAN format:
  • Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8260 3rd Gen Intel 802.11ac, Dual Band, 2x2 Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 4.2

WWAN:

• SIM module (3FF/micro-SIM)(user-accessible)
• Secured by subscriber identity module (SIM, user-accessible on the side of the computer)
• Support for the following WWAN formats:
  • HP lt4120 Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ X5 LTE Mobile Broadband Module
  • HP 3110 HSPA+ Mobile Broadband Module
• Supports no WWAN option

NFC:

Integrated NFC module

NFC antenna only configured on NFC SKUs

Supports no NFC option

Ports and Slots

Right side (from left to right):

• SIM Slot
• USB-C
• USB-3.0
• HDMI
• Docking connector (optional)
• AC Adapter

Left side (from left to right):

• Security cable
• USB-3.0
• Headphone Jack
• Smart Card Reader

Security Features

• Security lock
• Fingerprint reader
• Supports Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2 (Infineon, soldered down)
• Integrated Smart Card reader (active)
• Full volume encryption
• Preboot authentication (password, smart card)

Dimensions (W x D x H)

337 mm x 234.5 mm x 15.8 mm

Weight

1.43 kg

Operating System

Comes in Windows 10

User manual: The official maintenance and service guide from HP.

User guide: The official user guide, with instructions on locating ports & navigating the UI (Windows 10).

Support page: An official support page from HP.

Spec list & usages: Specifications and a few features of the laptop.

Spec list 2: A more in-depth specification list

Battery info: Useful information for the battery on the laptop.

Reviews: Reviews and comparisons of the laptop.

Battery issue solution: Help with replacing the battery.