How to Replace an Inspiron 9100 Video Card

Dell laptop

When you begin having problems with your Dell Inspiron 9100 video card, or if you just want to upgrade the card, replace it yourself at home. Replacing a video card in a Dell Inspiron 9100 involves removing several parts from your laptop. The process usually takes less than thirty minutes and is much cheaper than having a technician replace the card for you. You may want to consider replacing your video card when you notice color problems, delayed loading of video or a blank screen.

Things You'll Need

• Anti-static wrist strap, mat or non-carpeted area
• Electronics screwdrivers

Instructions

1. Turn off your Dell Inspiron 9100 and disconnect the power adapter.

2. Turn the laptop over.

3. Slide the latch located next to the battery compartment to release the battery. Lift the battery up to remove.

4. Turn your laptop over and open the lid to a normal viewing angle.

5. Slide the left and right hinge covers forward and then to the side to remove. The hinge covers are located to either side of the top of the keyboard.

6. Close the display lid and turn the Dell Inspiron 9100 so the front latch is facing you.

7. Press in on the two hinge cover snaps on the opposite side of the laptop. Pull up slightly to disengage.

8. Open the display lid completely until it lays flush with the keyboard.

9. Lift the center hinge slightly and disconnect the center hinge flex cable from the system board by pulling the tab.

10. Remove the two screws at the top of the keyboard.

11. Lift the keyboard and slide it towards the display.

12. Lift the keyboard up and pull on the keyboard connector tab, located under the keyboard, to disconnect the keyboard connector from the system board.

13. Remove the keyboard from the laptop.

14. Close the display lid and turn the laptop over.

15. Remove the four screws on the corners of the laptop.

16. Turn the laptop back over and open the display lid.

17. Disconnect all cables holding the display to the laptop.

18. Lift the display approximately ninety degrees to remove the display.

19. Remove the four screws holding the keyboard bracket in place. Two are located near the back of the laptop. The other two are near the touchpad.

20. Pull up on the tab on the FPC connector to disconnect the FPC cable. The tab is located on the right side of the keyboard bracket if the front of the laptop is facing you.

21. Lift the keyboard bracket slightly and move it one inch towards the back of the Dell Inspiron 9100. Lift up to remove.

22. Remove the four screws holding the video card in place.

23. Pull the video card up to remove it.

24. Place the new video card in the old one's place and screw in place.

25. Reconnect all removed components in the opposite order they were removed.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep all screws with their respective parts to prevent losing screws.

• Follow the steps backwards to re-assemble your Dell Inspiron 9100.

• Do not work on your laptop on carpet. This may result in an electro-static charge which can damage your computer.

References

• Dell Support: Video Card