How to Disassemble a Computer

Disassembling your computer will be necessary if you want to replace components or salvage parts before disposing of it. All you will need for most computers is a Phillips head screw driver. Some computers have a tool-less design that will allow you to disassemble it without any tools. Prepare a box to store the various parts you will get out of the computer. For the RAM, motherboard and video card, use antistatic bags.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips head screw driver
• Antistatic bags

Instructions

1. Clear a table of all clutter. Unplug the mouse, keyboard and monitor from the computer. Unplug the power cord and lay the computer on its right side.

2. Remove the screws on the top side of the computer to release the top panel. Take the top panel off.

3. Remove the screw securing the video card. Press down on the latch and take the video card out by pulling it up. If necessary, remove the power cord off the video card.

4. Take out the red or black SATA cable linking the hard drive and DVD reader to the motherboard. Take the power cables off the hard drives and DVD reader. Unscrew the hard drives and DVD reader and take them out. The DVD reader comes out from the front of the computer and the hard drives from the inside of the case.

5. Unplug the power cables and the fan cables from the motherboard. Unscrew the screws that secure the motherboard to the case and lift the motherboard out of the case.

6. Press outward on the latches on each side of the RAM sticks. Remove them by pulling them up once they pop out.

7. Remove the heat sink on top of the processor. The heat sink can be removed using a latch or screws depending on the manufacturer. If the heat sink does not come off easily, twist it without pulling up to loosen it up.

8. Open the processor socket using the latch on the side of the socket. Remove the processor by lifting it up straight.

9. Clean any dust on the components with a can of compressed air.

Tips & Warnings

• Some components may be secured differently, depending on the manufacturer, but these instructions should still lead you through the process.

References

• Pccomputernotes : disassembly