How do I Access the Motherboard in a Dell Inspiron 9100?

Dismantle the Dell Inspiron 9100 laptop so you can access the motherboard.

If you need to replace a defective motherboard in a Dell Inspiron 9100 laptop, you could take the machine to a repair shop and have the work done. On the other hand, if you are handy with a screwdriver you could perform the task yourself and save money. Disassembling the Inspiron 9100 is not difficult, but it does take some patience.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips #2 screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• Anti-static wrist strap

Instructions

Prepare the Laptop for Disassembly

1. Power off the Dell Inspiron 9100. Remove the AC adapter.

2. Close the notebook monitor screen and flip the laptop over so that it is facing bottom side up.

3. Slide the battery latch into the unlocked position and remove the battery from its bay.

Remove the LCD Hinges

1. Turn the laptop back over so that it is right side up. Open the LCD screen. Push the left hinge cover forward and then to the side to remove it. Repeat for the right hinge cover.

2. Close the LCD monitor screen until it snaps shut. Press in on the center hinge cover snaps and then pull them up to disengage them from the laptop casing. Open the LCD display until fully extended (180 degrees).

3. Raise the center hinge cover a little, so that you can access the flex-cable connector underneath the cover. Disconnect the flex-cable from the connector on the motherboard.

Remove the Keyboard

1. Loosen and remove the captive screws located just above the top row of keys on the keyboard. Gently rotate the keyboard up and out of the laptop.

2. Disconnect the ribbon cable from the motherboard connector and set the keyboard aside.

3. Turn the computer over again so that it is upside down. Loosen and remove the two LCD retaining screws that have a "D" next to them (they are located on both outside edges of the notebook).

Detach the LCD Screen

1. Turn the laptop back over and disconnect the two antenna cables that lead from the LCD screen to the motherboard.

2. Unplug the LCD display cable from the motherboard tab connector.

3. Pull the LCD screen forward until it is at a 90-degree angle with the laptop, then detach the screen from of the laptop.

Remove the Keyboard Bracket

1. Remove the four screws that secure the keyboard bracket.

2. Loosen the bracket slowly and slide the bracket forward slightly.

3. Lift the keyboard bracket out of the laptop and set it aside.

Remove the Video Card

1. Remove the four screws used to secure the video card assembly.

2. Slide the video card assembly to the rear until it no longer makes contact with the rear of the laptop case.

3. Lift the video card assembly out the laptop and set it aside.

Remove the Thermal Cooling Assembly

1. Remove the four screws that hold the thermal cooling assembly in place. Be sure to remove them in the correct order (refer to labels one through four on the cooling assembly).

2. Lift one side of the thermal cooling assembly out of the laptop case and then the other.

3. Slide the assembly to the rear and lift it out of the case and away from the motherboard.

Remove the Processor

1. Loosen the processor ZIF socket by turning the cam screw counterclockwise with a flathead screwdriver. Turn the screw until it comes to a complete stop.

2. Slide the socket away from the cam screw.

3. Lift the old processor out of the socket. The motherboard is now accessible for repairs and upgrades.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear an anti-static wrist strap when handling the components inside your Dell Inspiron 9100 because they are very sensitive to damage caused by electrostatic discharge.

References

• Dell Support: Dell Inspiron XPS and Inspiron 9100 Service Manual