How to Build Laptops

Some computer enthusiasts want to own a laptop, but they don't want to stick to the pre-assembled machines sold in stores. Instead, they can build their own system and have total control over the machine's capabilities. Building a laptop is different than putting together a desktop, as laptop builds start with a "bare bones" case that already includes the motherboard, power supply and battery. Once you've chosen a basic system, you can proceed as normal by purchasing and assembling the rest of the individual components.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Locate and purchase a bare bones laptop system that has the screen size, motherboard ports and extra features that you want (see Resources below). Check to see what components the bare bones laptop comes with so you know which ones you still need to buy.

2. Note the motherboard's specifications -- such as the type of processor socket it has, the amount of RAM it can handle, and whether it has a built-in graphics adapter -- as these will impact the other parts you'll buy. Purchase the extra components the laptop needs to operate, such as the processor, RAM modules, hard drive, DVD drive, wireless network card, and graphics adapter if needed (see Resources below). Purchase an installation CD for the operating system you want the laptop to use.

3. Turn the bare bones laptop upside down so you can see the bottom of the case. Pull the battery out of the case and set it aside. Remove all of the screws on the sides and at the center of the case. Check to see if the laptop houses the hard drive on the side of the case or under a plastic cover on the bottom. Remove the plastic cover and insert the hard drive, or push it into the socket on the side of the case. Push the DVD drive into the open port on the side of the laptop case.

4. Pull off the plastic cover, at the middle of the case, that covers the RAM sockets. Push the RAM modules you bought into the sockets and then replace the cover. Reattach the screws that hold the plastic covers in place, but do not yet reattach the rest of the screws. Turn the laptop back over, then open up the screen lid so you can see the keyboard.

5. Insert a flat object like a screwdriver under the plastic bezel located between the LCD screen and the keyboard. Pop the bezel upward and remove it from the case. Check to see if there are any plastic locks in between the seams of the keyboard and the case. Unlock them by sliding a screwdriver underneath them and popping them up. Lift the keyboard a few inches off the case, then disconnect the power cable that connects the keyboard to the motherboard. Pull the keyboard the rest of the way off the case and set it aside.

6. Find the processor socket. Check the orientation of the pins on the bottom of the processor, and compare it to the pin configuration on the socket. Push the processor directly down onto the socket. Set the heat sink on top of the processor, and attach it to the motherboard with the screws that came with it.

7. Plug the graphics adapter and wireless cards into their corresponding sockets on the left side of the computer. Put the keyboard and plastic bezel back onto the laptop. Place the battery back into the case, and reconnect the rest of the screws. Power the computer on. Place the operating system disc into the DVD drive. Follow the instructions that will appear on the laptop's LCD screen to install the operating system.

Tips & Warnings

• The components in your laptop can be easily damaged by electrostatic discharge. You can prevent static electricity from destroying your computer by touching any large metal object grounded to the floor before opening the laptop's case.

References

• Building Your Own Laptop

Resources

• Purchase Barebone Laptops
• Purchase Laptop Components