Buying a laptop assembled in a store is usually very frustrating. The features you want aren't usually all available on one computer, and the price tag can be exorbitant. Not to mention all the software that companies put there. You can avoid this if you are willing to get your hands a little dirty. Building your own laptop is a difficult but incredibly rewarding undertaking. Follow this guide to learn how to proceed.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Finding the Pieces
Step 1. Decide what the laptop's main purpose will be
A laptop for word processing and checking mail will have very different specifications than a laptop for playing the latest games. Battery life is also an important consideration; if you intend to roam unplugged, a laptop that does not consume much is recommended.
Step 2. Choose a processor that meets your computer's needs
The shell you buy will need to match the processor you want to install, so choose the processor first. Compare various models to determine which one offers the best speed with respect to power consumption and cooling. Most large online retailers allow you to compare processors side by side.
- Make sure you buy a laptop processor and not a desktop processor.
- There are two main processor manufacturers: Intel and AMD. Each brand has many advantages and disadvantages, but AMDs are generally less expensive. Do as much research as possible on the processor models you are interested in to make sure it is worth the money.
Step 3. Choose the case for your notebook, which will determine which parts you will be able to use for the rest of the notebook
The structure will already have the motherboard associated and the motherboard will only accept a particular type of memory.
- Also take into account the screen size and keyboard layout. Since the shell is not particularly customizable, it will be merged with the screen and keyboard of your choice. A larger laptop will be more difficult to carry around and perhaps significantly heavier.
- Finding shells for sale can be difficult. Type "blank frame notebooks" or "portable custom shells" in your favorite search engine to track down retailers who market the shells. MSI is one of the few manufacturers that makes empty laptop shells.
Step 4. Buy the memory
Your laptop will need memory to function and the format differs from that for desktops. Look for SO-DIMM memory that can work with the motherboard in your shell. Faster memory will perform better, but can reduce battery life.
Try to install between 2 and 4GB of memory for optimal daily performance
Step 5. Choose a hard drive
Laptops typically use 2.5 "drives, as opposed to the desktop 3.5" drive. You can choose between a standard 5400 rpm or a 7200 rpm unit; alternatively you may prefer a solid state drive with no moving parts. Solid state drives are generally faster, but can be more difficult to use for long periods.
Get a hard drive with enough space to do whatever you want with the laptop. Most shells don't have room for additional drives, so it can be difficult to upgrade later. Make sure there is enough space on the hard drive after installing the operating system (usually between 15 and 20GB)
Step 6. Decide if you need a dedicated graphics card
Not all shells allow you to insert a dedicated graphics card for laptops. Instead, the graphics will be handled by the motherboard contained in the shell. If you have the space to install a dedicated card, decide if you need it. It definitely serves gamers and graphic designers more.
Step 7. Find an optical drive
This is becoming more than an optional step in computer development, since it is possible to install operating systems and download most software from USB drives.
- Some shells come with hard drives included. Not all notebook disks will fit all shells, so make sure the disk fits into the structure of your choice.
- Deciding to buy it or not is simple. Consider how often you would use hard drive memory. Keep in mind that you can always use an external USB optical drive if you need to.
Step 8. Choose a battery
You will need to find one that is the appropriate shape for the context and that has the same connectors (laptop batteries have multifunctional connectors). the battery contains integrated circuits which individually communicate information such as temperature, whether the battery is charged or not, and so on to the central computer. If you plan to carry your computer around often, use a long-lasting battery. You will need to try several before finding the most suitable one.
Buy one that has good reviews. Read customer reviews to get an idea of their experience using a particular product
Part 2 of 3: Assembling the Laptop
Step 1. Get the tools
The ideal would be to have a set of jeweler's screwdrivers, preferably magnetic. Laptop screws are much smaller and more difficult to turn than desktop screws. Find a pair of pliers to retrieve any screws that fall into the crevices.
Keep the screws in plastic bags until you need them. This will help you avoid rolling them away or losing them
Step 2. Download to the ground
Electrostatic discharge can ruin computer components right away, so be careful about your grounding before assembling your laptop. A cheaply available antistatic wristband can do this for you.
Step 3. Turn the shell so the bottom is facing up
You need to be able to access the motherboard from several removable plates located on the back of the unit.
Step 4. Remove the panel covering the drive bay
This panel covers the 2.5 space that will hold your hard drive. The location varies depending on the cover structure, but the bay is usually located towards the front of the laptop.
Step 5. Mount the hard drive into the bracket
Most notebooks require the hard drive to be mounted on a bracket suitable for the drive. Use the four screws to make sure the hard drive is secured to the bracket. Screw holes will typically make sure you have it installed in the correct direction.
Step 6. Slide the hard drive with the brackets into the space provided
Use non-slip tape to apply enough pressure to accommodate the drive. Most brackets will line up with two screw holes once the drive is in place. Insert the screws to secure the drive.
Step 7. Install the optical drive
The method varies by shell, but is typically inserted from the front of the opening bay and slides into the SATA connectors.
Step 8. Remove the panel covering the motherboard
This panel will likely be more difficult to remove than the hard drive panel. It may be necessary to pry it open after removing all the screws.
Step 9. Install the memory
Once you open the panel, you will have access to the motherboard and memory slots. Insert the slanted SO-DIMM memory chips into their slots and then push them down until they snap into place. Memory blocks can only be installed in one direction, so don't strain them.
Step 10. Install the CPU
There may be a CPU switch around the housing where it is installed. You may need to use a flathead screwdriver to move it to the "unlocked" position.
- Flip the CPU over so you can see the pins. There should be a pinless corner. This notch aligns with the one on the socket.
- The CPU will only fit into the one-way housing. If the CPU does not sit well, do not force it or you could bend the pins, ruining the processor.
- Once the CPU is inserted, put its switch in the "locked" position.
Step 11. Install the cooling fan
The CPU should be sold with a cooling fan. Most fans will have thermal paste already applied to the bottom where it connects with the CPU. If your fan doesn't have any, you'll need to apply some thermal paste before installing it.
- Once the paste has been applied, the fan can be installed. The drain must line up with the openings on your shell. This part can be tricky when you try to align everything. Don't try to strain the heatsink and fan assembly - instead, try to position them with small forward and backward movements.
- Keep the heatsink at an angle until you find the right position. This will avoid spreading the thermal paste over all components.
- Install the fan and connect its power cable to the motherboard. If you don't plug in the fan, the laptop will overheat and shut down after a few minutes of use.
Step 12. Close the panels
After installing all the components, you can put the panels back over the openings and fix them with screws. The laptop is complete!
Part 3 of 3: Getting started
Step 1. Make sure the battery is inserted
It's easy to forget the battery in the assembly process, but make sure it's inserted and charged correctly before starting your computer.
Step 2. Check your memory
Before installing an operating system, run Memtest86 + to make sure that the memory is working properly and that the computer in general is working. Memtest86 + can be downloaded for free online and can be started from a CD or USB drive.
You can check the BIOS to make sure the system recognizes the memory. Check the Hardware or Monitor section to see if the memory shows
Step 3. Install an operating system
For self-assembled laptops, you can choose between Microsoft Windows or a Linux distribution. Windows isn't free, but it offers a much wider variety of hardware and software compatibility. Linux has no cost and is supported by a community of volunteer developers.
- There are many versions of Linux to choose from, but the most popular include Ubuntu, Mint, and Debian.
- It is recommended to install the latest released version of Windows, as older versions are no longer supported after some time.
- If you don't have an optical drive installed, you'll need to create a bootable USB drive with your operating system files.
Step 4. Install the drivers
Once the operating system is installed, you need to install the drivers for the hardware. Most modern operating systems will do most of this work automatically, but there may be one or two components that you need to manually install.
