1.09 Install and configure laptop hardware and components

Introduction 

While laptops offer fewer upgrade options than desktops, you can still extend their lifespan by upgrading components like RAM, batteries, or storage. Think of a laptop like a car—regular maintenance and replacing worn-out parts, like a battery or tires, can keep it running longer and more efficiently.

Due to their portability, laptops experience more wear and tear, so making small repairs, like a keyboard replacement, can be a smart and cost-effective alternative to buying a new device. In this section, you'll learn essential procedures for maintaining and upgrading laptop components to keep your device performing at its best. 

Laptops Overview 

Laptops are designed with specialized hardware for portability and can run on battery or AC power, with some components upgradeable or replaceable. However, there are unique considerations to keep in mind when working on them. 

  • Hand Tools and Parts: Laptops use smaller screws than desktops, so precision screwdrivers and careful handling are essential to avoid stripping screws. Documenting screw locations and cable orientations is important for reassembly. A useful tip is to take photos during each step of disassembly and attach screws to a printed image of the laptop's underside to keep track of them. 

  • Organizing Parts: Organize removed parts away from your main work area to avoid damage. Keep static-sensitive components, like SSDs, memory modules, and adapter cards, in antistatic packaging. 

  • Form Factors and Frames: Laptop chassis contain all major components, including the motherboard, power supply, screen, keyboard, and touchpad. The outer surfaces, made of plastic or aluminum frames, are secured with small screws or pressure tabs, sometimes hidden under rubber or plastic covers. 

I/O Ports on Side of Chassis

  • Built-in Screen

  • Integrated Keyboard

  • Touchpad Pointer Control

  • Service Documentation: Always consult the manufacturer's service documentation before starting any disassembly or replacement work to avoid damage and ensure proper reassembly. Attempt repairs or upgrades only if a warranty option is not available. 

By following these guidelines, you can safely disassemble and service a laptop, ensuring proper handling of components and a successful reassembly. 

Repairs and Replacement 

Laptops can operate using either building power through an AC adapter or on battery power, with each power source having specific requirements and considerations for proper use. 

  • AC Adapters: Laptops use external AC adapters to convert the AC power from a building's electrical supply into the DC voltages required by the laptop. These adapters are usually universal, meaning they can operate on a range of 110–240 VAC at 50/60 Hz. It's crucial to check the adapter's label for voltage compatibility, as using a fixed-input adapter with the wrong voltage supply can cause damage. AC adapters also vary in their power output, typically ranging from 65 to 120 watts, and connect to the laptop via a DC jack or USB port. 

Laptop AC Adapter

  • Battery Power: Laptops use removable, rechargeable Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery packs available in different sizes (6-, 9-, or 12-cell), with more cells providing longer charge durations. These batteries are specific to the laptop's vendor and model. Before replacing or removing the battery pack, the laptop should be turned off and unplugged from the AC outlet. The battery recharges when connected to an AC adapter and can be trickle charged during use. Proper power management is essential to prevent battery damage; software like MyASUS can optimize charging to extend battery life by stopping trickle charging at 80%. Li-ion batteries typically last 2–3 years and should be stored partially charged and kept cool to prolong their life. 

By understanding these power sources and maintenance practices, you can ensure your laptop operates efficiently and extend the life of its components.  

Upgrading Laptop Components 

Laptops have fewer field-replaceable units (FRUs) than desktops, but advancements in standardization have made upgrading components like RAM and adapters more straightforward. 

  • Accessing Components: Some laptop parts, such as the fixed disk, optical drive, memory modules, and adapter cards (like Wi-Fi cards and cellular radios), are easily accessible by removing a screw plate on the laptop's underside. 

  • Upgrading RAM Modules: Laptop RAM uses small outline DIMMs (SODIMMs), which are keyed to fit specific types (e.g., DDR3 or DDR4). SODIMM slots pop up at a 45º angle for easy removal or insertion of the modules. In some cases, accessing one of the memory slots may require more extensive disassembly. Other form factors, such as Mini-DIMM and Micro-DIMM, are used in some ultraportable models, so always check vendor documentation before upgrading. 

72-pin SODIMM

  • Upgrading Adapter Cards: Adapters for modems, wireless cards, and SSDs may be replaced via accessible screw-down panels. Common adapter formats include Mini PCIe, mSATA, and M.2, each requiring specific slots. When upgrading, you must reconnect the existing antenna wires or install a new antenna kit, especially for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters. If upgrading to an adapter with GSM or LTE cellular functionality, remember to insert the SIM card. 

Mini PCIe

mSATA SSD (left) M.2 2242 SSD (right)

By understanding these upgrade processes and following the correct procedures, you can effectively enhance a laptop's capabilities and extend its usefulness. 

Upgrading and Replacing Laptop Storage Devices 

Laptops typically support only one internal storage device, so upgrading the disk requires planning for data transfer or backup. 

  • Migration: This involves creating a backup image or clone of the existing drive using software, which is then stored on USB media or transferred directly to a new SSD using a disk enclosure. The new drive must be the same size or larger unless using a cloning tool that can shrink the source image. 

  • Replacement: This approach involves backing up only the data from the old drive, installing a new drive, and then reinstalling the OS and applications. User data is restored from the backup afterward. 

  • Accessing the Disk: In most laptops, the internal disk can be accessed via a panel, but some models may require opening the chassis. 

  • Drive Types and Form Factors: Laptop HDDs are usually in the 2.5" form factor, with some ultraportable models using reduced height (7 mm or 5 mm) drives. Magnetic drives use SATA connectors that directly mate with the port in the drive bay without needing a cable. Smaller 1.8" drive bays may require a micro SATA (μSATA) connector.

  • SSD Options: SSDs can also use SATA connectors but are more likely to use an adapter card interface like mSATA or M.2: 

    • SATA: Resembles Mini PCIe cards but uses the SATA bus with a maximum transfer speed of 6 Gb/s. 

    •  M.2: Interfaces with the PCI Express bus for higher speeds. M.2 adapters come in different lengths (42 mm, 60 mm, 80 mm, or 110 mm), with the 80 mm (M.2 2280) being the most common for laptops. The form factor is identified as xxyy, where xx is the width and yy is the length (e.g., 2280 means 22 mm width and 80 mm length). 

Hard disk drives 2.5 inch HDD

Understanding these options and methods helps ensure a smooth and successful laptop disk upgrade or replacement. 

Repairing and Replacing Laptop Input and Security Components 

Mechanical components like the keyboard, touchpad, and biometric sensors on laptops are prone to damage but are often more cost-effective to replace than buying a new device. 

  • Keyboard and Touchpad Replacement: These parts usually need to be replaced with the same model originally installed. Accessing them can range from simple to requiring full disassembly, depending on the laptop. The components connect to the motherboard via flat ribbon cables, which are secured with latches that must be carefully handled during replacement. 

  • Key Replacement: Individual keys can sometimes be replaced or cleaned by prying off the key cap with a flat tool. The retainer clip beneath the key can also be cleaned or replaced, but it is delicate and must be handled carefully. 

  • Biometric Security Components: Laptops often feature biometric sensors, such as fingerprint scanners or facial recognition cameras, to enhance security. Fingerprint sensors can be integrated into the keyboard or touchpad or installed as separate components connected by ribbon cables. They are configured using an authenticator app, like Windows Hello. 

  • Near-Field Communication (NFC) Scanner: An NFC scanner is used to pair devices or connect to smartphones. It can be integrated into the keyboard, touchpad, or fingerprint reader and requires both a data connection to the motherboard and a connection to its antenna.

By understanding these processes, you can effectively replace or repair damaged input and security components on a laptop, maintaining its functionality and extending its lifespan.