Buying a 'finished' laptop from a store usually gets you down. The features you want aren't usually available, and they're expensive. Not to mention all the software that has been installed into it. You can forget about that if you're willing to put a little effort into it. Assembling your own laptop is difficult, but rewarding. Follow this guide to find out how.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Looking for Spare Parts
Step 1. Determine the main purpose of the laptop
Laptops for typing purposes and checking email will of course have far different specifications from laptops for playing games. Battery life is also an important consideration; if you travel a lot, you'll want a laptop that doesn't consume a lot of power.
Step 2. Choose the processor that meets your needs
The frame of the laptop you buy depends on the processor you want to install, so choose a processor first. Compare processor models to determine which processor offers the best speed versus cooling and power consumption. Most retailers on the internet have a feature of comparing processors side by side.
- Make sure that you buy a laptop processor, and not a desktop processor.
- There are two major processor manufacturers: Intel and AMD. There are many arguments for each brand, but generally AMD is cheaper. Do as much research on the processor model you're interested in to be sure.
Step 3. Choose a laptop frame
The laptop frame will determine which parts you can use for the rest of the laptop. The laptop case is equipped with a motherboard, which will determine the type of memory that can be used.
- Consider the size of the keyboard display screen. Since the template is not very customizable, you can get stuck with the screen and the selected keyboard. A larger laptop will be more difficult to carry around, and significantly heavier.
- Finding frameworks for sale can be difficult. Enter “barebones notebook” or “whitebook shell” into your favorite search engine to search for retailers that sell frames. MSI is one of the few manufacturers that still makes laptop frames.
Step 4. Buy memory
Laptops need memory to run, and memory formats differ from desktops. Look for SO-DIMM memory that matches the motherboard in the frame. Faster memory will provide better performance, but may result in shorter battery life.
Look for between 2-4 GB of memory for optimal everyday performance
Step 5. Select the hard disk
Laptops typically use a 2.5" drive, not the 3.5" desktop one. You can choose between standard 5400 RPM or 7200 RPM, or opt for a solid state drive with no moving parts. Solid state drives are usually faster, but more difficult to use for extended periods of time.
Buy a hard drive with enough space for you to do what you want with the laptop. Most frames don't have room for more than one mover, so you can have a hard time upgrading them. Make sure that there is enough space on the hard disk after the installation of the operating system (usually between 15-20 GB)
Step 6. Decide if you need a dedicated graphics card
Not all frameworks will fit a dedicated laptop graphics card. Instead, the graphics will be handled by the motherboard in the framework. If you can install a custom card, decide if you need one. Gamers and graphic designers need a graphics card the most.
Step 7. Look for the optical drive
This is an optional step, as you can install the operating system from a USB drive and download most software.
- Some skeletons have been accompanied by movers. Not all laptop drivers are suitable for all frames, so make sure that they are compatible with the chassis you choose.
- It's really easy to determine if you should buy an optical drive. Consider whether you use it often. Remember, you can use an external USB drive instead of the internal optical drive.
Step 8. Select the battery
You need to choose a battery with the right shape and the right connector (laptop batteries have multiple pins. Batteries have ICs and the IC will tell you the temperature of the computer, if the battery is damaged and should not be charged, and the percentage of battery charge). If your laptop will probably be carried around a lot, choose a battery that lasts a long time. You may need to compare several batteries to determine which one is the most appropriate.
Buy a battery with good reviews. Read user experience reviews
Part 2 of 3: Installing All Devices
Step 1. Take the necessary tools
You will need a set of jewelry screwdrivers, and preferably magnetic ones. Laptop screws are much smaller and more difficult to work with desktop screws. Look for a pair of pointed pliers to reach any screws that fall into the crevices.
Store the screws in a plastic bag until you need them. This is to prevent it from rolling away or getting lost
Step 2. Perform grounding
An electric shock can quickly damage computer components, so make sure that you are grounded before assembling the laptop. Antistatic wristbands can be used to keep you grounded and they are also inexpensive.
Step 3. Turn the frame over so the bottom is facing up
You will be working on the motherboard from several discs that were removed at the back of the unit.
Step 4. Remove the panel covering the drive
This panel has a 2.5 wide bend that will hold the hard drive. Their location varies depending on the frame, but they are usually located on the front of the laptop.
Step 5. Insert the hard drive into the bracket
Most laptops require a hard drive to be attached to a bracket to fit around the drive. Use the four screws to ensure that the hard drive is secured to the bracket. The screw holes will usually ensure that you install them correctly.
Step 6. Slide the hard disk in the bracket into the bend
Use adhesive to secure the drive. Most brackets will line up with the two screw holes once the drive is in place. Insert the screw to secure the drive.
Step 7. Install the optical drive
This method varies and depends on the frame, but is usually inserted from the front of the winding opening, and pushed into the SATA connector.
Step 8. Remove the panel covering the motherboard
This panel will likely be more difficult to remove than the hard drive panel. You need to pry it out after removing all the screws.
Step 9. Install the memory
Once the panel is open, you can see the motherboard and memory slots. Insert the SO-DIMM memory chip into the slot in the corner, then push it down to hold it in place. The memory stick can only be inserted in one direction, so don't push it hard.
Step 10. Install the CPU
There may be a CPU lock around the socket where the CPU is plugged in. You will need to use a flathead screwdriver to turn it into the "locked" position.
- Turn the CPU over so you can see the pins. There should be one corner that doesn't have a pin. This notch will line up with the notch on the socket.
- The CPU will only fit into the socket one way. If the CPU cannot sit on its own, do not force it or you may bend the pins and damage the processor.
- Once the CPU is inserted, place the CPU lock into the "locked" position.
Step 11. Install the cooling fan
Your CPU already comes with a cooling fan. Most fans have thermal paste applied on the underside to connect to the CPU. If the fan does not have paste, you will need to apply it before installing the fan.
- Once the paste is applied, you can attach the fan. The exhaust will line up with the vents on the frame. This part can be difficult when you are trying to line things up. Do not force the assembly of the heat sink and fan, instead shake it.
- Allow the cooler pieces to tilt until you find the correct position. This is to help the thermal paste settle across the components.
- Attach the fan power cable to the motherboard after the fan is installed. If you don't connect the fan, the laptop will overheat and turn off after a few minutes of use.
Step 12. Close the panel
After installing all the components, you can place the panels back and secure them with screws. Your laptop is done!
Part 3 of 3: Turning On The Laptop
Step 1. Make sure that the battery is installed
Usually the battery is forgotten during the assembly process, so make sure that the battery is inserted and charged properly before turning on the computer.
Step 2. Check the memory
Before you install the operating system, run Memtest86+ to make sure that your memory is working properly, and that your computer is functioning in general. Memtest86+ can be downloaded for free on the internet, and can be powered from a CD or USB drive.
You can also check that the memory you installed is recognized by the BIOS. Look for the Hardware or Monitor section to see if your memory shows up
Step 3. Install the operating system
For prebuilt laptops, you can choose between Microsoft Windows or Linux. Windows is expensive and vulnerable to malware, but offers a wide variety of programs and hardware compatibility. Linux is free, secure, and supported by a community of volunteer developers.
- There are many versions of Linux to choose from, but some of the more popular versions include Ubuntu, Mint, and Debian.
- It is recommended that you install the latest version of Windows, as older versions will lose support after a few years.
- If you don't have an optical drive installed, you will need to create a 'bootable' USB drive containing the operating system.
Step 4. Install the driver
After the operating system is installed, you must install the drivers for the hardware. Most modern operating systems do this automatically, but you may have a component or two that must be installed manually.
