Laptop Upgrade & Repair Facts

Why use known good external components like a keyboard or monitor during laptop troubleshooting?

To isolate whether the failure is in the internal component or the external device.

Why should you consult a service manual before replacing laptop parts?

Laptop designs vary; manuals show correct placement, screw locations, and disassembly order.

Why might a replacement laptop part need to be OEM?

Laptops lack standardization for parts other than CPU, RAM, and storage.

How should you pry apart plastic snap-in laptop case parts?

Use a plastic tool to avoid damaging the case.

What factors must you verify before replacing a laptop storage device?

Interface type, speed, RPM (if HDD), and whether a special caddy or connector is needed.

Where is laptop RAM commonly located?

Under the keyboard or behind a bottom panel.

Why might base memory in a laptop reduce upgrade capacity?

It takes up a portion of the total memory slots, limiting additional RAM installation.

What problem might you face replacing RAM in some laptops?

Some laptops have soldered-in memory that cannot be replaced.

What extra step may be needed before accessing some internal laptop components?

Removing the keyboard (e.g., to reach CPU, GPU, wireless card, etc.).

Where might keyboard screws be located on a laptop?

Under a top bevel that must be pried off.

How is a laptop keyboard typically connected to the system board?

With a ribbon cable.

Why might a laptop's touchpad stop working when a USB mouse is connected?

A system setting may automatically disable the touchpad when an external mouse is present.

How can you fix touchpad calibration issues?

Use a touchpad recalibration utility if available.

Where might a wireless card be located inside a laptop?

Under the RAM or storage drive, possibly requiring keyboard or palm rest removal.

What connections must be reattached when replacing a wireless card?

Card connector and both antenna wires.

Where is the laptop processor typically located?

Under the keyboard.

What prevents upgrading CPUs in some laptops?

The processor is soldered to the motherboard.

What does the laptop CPU cooling assembly typically include?

A heat pipe with a side-mounted fan.

How can you tell an LCD is LED-based versus CCFL?

LED-based screens don’t use inverters; CCFLs do.

What might cause a display to not power on after a laptop lid is closed?

Damaged display power cables inside the hinge.

Where is the wireless antenna often routed in laptops?

Through the display bezel; must be reconnected during screen replacement.

Where are LCD display screws commonly hidden?

Under rubber screw covers on the bezel.