How to assemble a laptop

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bare-bones laptop system
• Screwdriver
• Anti-static wrist strap
• Operating system installation CD
• Remaining laptop hardware components

1. Consider the primary function of your new laptop. Think of whether you will be using the computer for work or gaming, and how often you will be using it away from home. Select a bare-bones system that has the screen size and expansion ports that meet your needs.
   
2. Take note of the number of RAM module slots it has and the type of processor socket it uses, such as "Socket 7" or "Slot 1." Find out the battery life of the unit if you will frequently be away from an electrical outlet. Get a CD or DVD drive that is sized for a laptop. Purchase an installation CD for the operating system you want to use on the laptop, such as Windows Vista or Linux.
   
3. Acquire a processor that matches the socket type on the motherboard. Pick a hard drive that has enough space to hold the software you will be installing and then buy the RAM modules for the laptop. Acquire a wireless network card if the bare bones system does not come with one.
   
4. Turn the bare-bones laptop case over so that you can see the bottom half of the case. Remove all of the screws on the case. Pull off the plastic pieces held in place by the screws that cover the RAM ports, hard drive port, network card port, and DVD drive port.
   
5. Slide the CD or DVD drive into the open port on the left side of the laptop. Reattach the screw to hold it in place. Push the hard drive into the open port on the lower-left end of the case. Put the plastic piece back on and reconnect the screw.
   
6. Line up the notches on the bottom edge of the RAM modules with the keyed holes on the RAM ports. Insert the modules into the ports at a 45 degree angle until they snap into place. Replace the plastic cover and then reconnect the screw.
   
7. Insert the wireless card into the open port on the right side of the case. Attach the wire running from the motherboard to the small antenna on the side of the wireless card. Put the plastic cover back on and reattach its screw.
   
8. Turn the laptop case over and lift open the LCD screen lid. Slide the screwdriver underneath the plastic bezel above the keyboard. Pop the plastic bezel off and set it aside. Remove the cable connecting the keyboard to the motherboard.
   
9. Lift the keyboard off of the case and set it aside. Locate the processor socket at the lower-right end of the motherboard. Line up the processor pins with the holes on the socket. Push the processor firmly onto the socket.
   
10. Place the heat-sink unit that came with the processor on top of the processor. Put in the screws to hold the heat sink in place. Reconnect the keyboard and the plastic bezel.
    
11. Put the battery into the open port on the bottom of the laptop. Power the machine on. Insert the operating system installation CD into the CD or DVD drive. Follow the on-screen installation instructions to finish assembling your new laptop.