How to Change the Motherboard on a Gateway MX Laptop
A functioning motherboard is critical for all computers, including the Gateway MX series laptop. All of the other internal computer components are connected directly to the motherboard, which can be damaged and may stop working if your MX laptop is dropped or exposed to a power surge. In the event that your motherboard dies and you don't want to buy a new laptop, you can disassemble the case and change out the motherboard.
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Things You'll Need
- Phillips-head screwdriver
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Replacement motherboard
Instructions
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1
Power off the Gateway MX laptop. Shut the laptop's display lid and remove the power cable. Turn the MX over and locate the black battery slide bar on the left side of the case.
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2
Push the slide bar to the left to unlock the battery. Take the battery out of the MX case and set it aside. Loosen and remove all of the screws on the bottom of the case with a Phillips-head screwdriver.
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3
Pull off the plastic port covers located over the hard drive, memory modules, wireless networking card, and processor. Take the hard drive out of the MX case.
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4
Disconnect the two cables attached to the side of the wireless networking card. Remove the card's retention screw and then pull the card out of the Gateway MX laptop.
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5
Snap back the plastic clips on the sides of the memory module and then pull the module out of the laptop. Repeat the process with the second module if your MX model has two modules.
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6
Remove the screws securing the heat sink and cooling fan assembly to the processor. Unplug the cooling fan's cable and then pull the entire assembly off the MX laptop's processor.
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Use a flat-head screwdriver to turn the processor's locking screw counterclockwise. Pull the processor off the motherboard.
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Slide the MX laptop's optical drive out of the case. Flip the MX laptop over and lift open the display lid.
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9
Slide the end of the flat-head screwdriver underneath the locking strip located directly above the keyboard. Pop the locking strip off the MX laptop. Pull the keyboard towards you and then disconnect the cable running to the motherboard. Set the keyboard aside.
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10
Remove the touch pad's screws and then lift the touch pad off the laptop. Disconnect the speaker cable and remove its screw. Pull the speaker out and then remove the remaining screws holding the motherboard to the MX laptop's case.
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Pull the motherboard out of the laptop case. Position the replacement motherboard inside the Gateway MX case. Reassemble the parts you removed earlier and then power on the laptop.
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Tips & Warnings
A new motherboard for your Gateway MX laptop can be purchased from online retailers that sell laptop parts.
The Gateway MX laptop's motherboard and all of its connected components can be ruined if they are exposed to the static electricity stored in your body. Prior to touching any of the parts inside the MX laptop you must first ground yourself by touching a nearby metal device.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit laptop image by Cora Reed from Fotolia.com
