PrintersDye-Sublimation Printer
HP 3MP74A Printer Manual
Setup, everyday use, maintenance and troubleshooting for the dye-sublimation printer, with verified specifications.
- TypeDye-Sublimation Printer
- Sleep power1.67 W
- Auto duplexNo
About the HP 3MP74A
HP model 3MP74A is a dye-sublimation printer that meets ENERGY STAR imaging-equipment requirements.
It uses a dye sublimation imaging engine.
It draws 1.67 W in sleep and 0.15 W when switched off (standby). The factory default is to enter sleep 3 minutes after the last job.
Specifications
| Brand | HP |
|---|---|
| Model number | 3MP74A |
| Product type | Dye-Sublimation Printer |
| ENERGY STAR product category | Printers |
| Marking technology | Dye sublimation |
| Media size format | Small |
| Color capable | Yes |
| Automatic duplex (two-sided) | No |
| Professional imaging product | No |
| Sleep-mode power | 1.67 W |
| Standby (off) power | 0.15 W |
| Default delay to sleep | 3 min |
Safety information
- Plug the printer directly into a grounded wall outlet. Avoid light-duty extension cords, and replace a damaged power cord before use.
- Keep the ventilation openings clear and leave the clearance around the unit that the manual specifies for paper trays, covers and service access.
- Switch off and unplug the unit before cleaning it or reaching deep inside to clear a jam.
Setup
- Unpack and remove shipping materials
Remove all tape, foam and protective film, including pieces inside the covers and paper trays.
- Choose a location
Place the unit on a stable, level surface away from direct sunlight, heat sources, grease and moisture, with room to open the cover for media changes.
- Load paper
Fan the paper stack, adjust the tray guides to the paper size and load it below the fill line.
- Connect to your computer or network
Connect the unit to your network (Ethernet or Wi-Fi where available) or directly by USB, following the setup guide. Network connection lets several users share it and makes firmware updates easier.
- Install drivers and software
Add the printer in your operating system. Many current network printers work with driverless standards such as AirPrint, Mopria or IPP Everywhere; install the full manufacturer driver if you need finishing, security or accounting features.
- Check the sleep timer
The unit is shipped to enter sleep 3 minutes after the last job. Keep this setting (or shorten it) to minimize idle energy use.
Using your printer
Printing
- Choose grayscale in the print dialog for drafts and text-only pages to save color toner or ink.
- Use draft or standard quality for everyday documents; reserve best or photo quality for photos on matching paper.
- Select the correct paper type and size in the driver so the printer applies the right heat or ink density.
Sleep and power settings
The factory sleep delay is 3 minutes. In sleep the unit draws 1.67 W, and 0.15 W when switched off at the power button. Use the auto-off or weekly timer (if offered) to switch the unit off overnight and on weekends.
Care and maintenance
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Every 6 months | Install firmware updates from the manufacturer and vacuum dust from the exterior vents. |
Troubleshooting
Most printer problems come from media, consumables, connections or settings. Try these steps first; for numbered error codes, look up the code in the manufacturer's manual or support site.
| Problem | Possible cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Shows offline or jobs stay in the queue | Network or IP address changed; wrong driver or port; printer asleep and not waking. | Restart the printer and computer, print a network configuration page, re-add the printer using its current address, and reserve that address in your router. |
| Paper or media jams | Wrong media for the tray; overfilled tray; worn rollers; debris in the path. | Remove jammed media in the direction of the paper path, check for torn pieces, reload within the fill line, and clean the rollers. |
| Slow to start the first job | Unit waking from sleep. | This is normal. Group jobs together; avoid disabling sleep, which raises energy use considerably. |
Energy use and running costs
ENERGY STAR rates this device on its low-power modes: 1.67 W in sleep and 0.15 W when switched off. If it stays plugged in and asleep around the clock, sleep mode alone uses about 14.6 kWh per year — roughly $2.49 at $0.17 per kWh.
Switching it off outside a 10-hour, 5-day work week (and letting it sleep during working hours) cuts that to about 5.27 kWh per year ($0.90).
Energy used while actively printing is not included in these figures; it depends on how many pages you produce.
Frequently asked questions
What type of device is the HP 3MP74A?
It is a dye-sublimation printer in ENERGY STAR's small media-size category.
Does the HP 3MP74A print on both sides automatically?
No. The certification record does not list automatic duplex printing; you can still print two-sided manually by reloading the pages.
How much power does the HP 3MP74A use in sleep?
It draws 1.67 W in sleep and 0.15 W when switched off. Left asleep all year, that is about 14.6 kWh, or $2.49.
How long does the HP 3MP74A take to go to sleep?
It is shipped with a default sleep delay of 3 minutes after the last job. You can change it in the control panel or web interface, but shorter delays save more energy.
Is the HP 3MP74A ENERGY STAR certified?
Yes. It appears on the ENERGY STAR certified imaging equipment list, with a certification date of July 2019.
Sources and disclaimer
Specifications on this page come from the ENERGY STAR certified printers dataset published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (record certified July 2, 2019), retrieved October 7, 2026.
The setup, operating, maintenance and troubleshooting guidance is written by ManualHarbor's editors for this specific product type and configuration. It is an independent guide — not a reproduction of the manufacturer's manual — and ManualHarbor is not affiliated with HP. Always follow the safety instructions, installation requirements and warranty terms supplied with your unit, and contact HP or an authorized service provider for warranty repairs and replacement parts.
Running-cost figures use assumed U.S. average utility prices and are estimates for comparison only. See our editorial methodology for details.
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