Build your own laptop
by bmlbytes Download 13 Steps + Collection Favorite Intro
Intro: Build your own laptop
Why would someone go out and buy a computer from a manufacturer like Dell or Gateway, when they could build a more powerful computer for less money? T... 1
Step 1: Buy parts
The first thing you will need is the barebones notebook, or a barebook as some call it. These can easily be found by using the Google Product Search.... 2
Step 2: Things you will need
You don't need that much to do this. I suggest using a multi tipped precision screwdriver. I use the one pictured below. You can buy these at Home Dep... 3
Step 3: Remove the bottom panel(s)
I suggest you remove all of the bottom panels. For purpose of demonstration, I will only be removing the panels that are needed.To remove the bottom p... 4
Step 4: Remove cooling system
The next thing you need to do is remove the cooling system. This is the big metal system with a fan in one part of it. It should connect to where the... 5
Step 5: Install the processor
To install the processor you need to check the layout of the pins. One or more of the corners may have pins missing in order for you to line up the pr... 6
Step 6: Install the graphics card
You should now install the graphics card, if your computer does not have it built in.Install it by pushing it up into the graphics card socket. Make s... 7
Step 7: Reinstall the cooling system
You can now put the cooling system back in. Make sure that all screws are tight, but do not use power tools to make them tight. If you use power tools... 8
Step 8: Install the memory (RAM)
There should be two slots on the motherboard for memory. Install them at a slight angle and push down on them to snap them in place. Make sure they go... 9
Step 9: Install wireless card
There should be a small slot that looks like the memory slots, only smaller. This is the slot for the wireless card. Insert the wireless card in a sim... 10
Step 10: Install Hard Drive
To install the hard drive, you will need to take the cradle out of the computer. This should be a little metal cage that is 2.5 inches wide and about... 11
Step 11: Install CD Drive
You may not need to do this if your CD drive was already installed.To install a CD drive, just slide it in the side of the computer. It should click i... 12
Step 12: Connect the battery
Replace all of the panels back on the laptop if you have not done so already. Make sure you replace all the screws and the plastic tabs are back under... 13
Step 13: Done!
You have built the laptop and it is ready for use. You will need to install Windows on your computer, but that will be explained in a later Instructab... Why would someone go out and buy a computer from a manufacturer like Dell or Gateway, when they could build a more powerful computer for less money? The answer, they do not know how to build it.
This may sound like a complicated process, but in all actuality, it is very simple.
This guide will help you build your very own laptop computer.
DISCLAIMER: I am not responsible for any damage done to hardware during installation.
I also do not want to be contacted about computer problems. Go to your local repair shop (NOT GEEK SQUAD) and get it fixed. If the computer that is having problems was the one that you built (or tried to) then I will help. I just don't want a bunch of people who are asking how to fix unrelated issues.
I hope you enjoy building your computer. I did. In fact I'm using the computer pictured right now.
how to make your computer talk
Step 1: Buy parts
The first thing you will need is the barebones notebook, or a barebook as some call it. These can easily be found by using the Google Product Search. The barebones notebook should be the base, screen, keyboard, and touchpad of the laptop. Many sellers will offer almost every part to go with the laptop. I suggest that the only thing you buy with the laptop is the CD/DVD drive. These are different for every laptop so go ahead and buy it with the laptop.
I used an Alienware base for my computer.
As for the other parts, you should be able to find them separate. Here are the parts you will need besides the CD drive: -Processor (check the barebones notebook for socket type, new ones should have socket M or P for Intel and socket S1 or FS1 for AMD)
-RAM or Memory (check the barebones notebook for memory type, new ones should have DDR2 style)
-Graphics card (some may have it already built into the motherboard, check to make sure it's not before buying one)
-Hard Drive (check the notebook for hard drive type, new ones should be SATA)
-Wireless card (check the notebook for wireless card type, new ones should be Mini PCI-E)
You should be able to find most of these parts at Newegg.com, or eBay. « PreviousNext »View All Steps
Flag this comment as: Not Nice Inappropriate Spam Preview Your Comment"I Made It" comments require images. Uncheck for normal comment. ErikPH 1 month agoReply This made it so much easier for me to build my laptop,thanks for posting ~Erik stormyxia 3 months agoReply I was wondering if anyone has tried to crack the case of a Toshiba Qosmio?
the laptop is an 18.4" and I'm needing to upgrade it. I am having trouble finding a motherboard that would fit this laptop motherboard is going out. Specific specs are:
Qosmio X500Q930X with Serial#: 3B174363W and Mfg part #: PQX34U-01F01U.
Would anyone like to take the challenge and please help me figure out if they make a motherboard that is better than the one it came with and one that would fit this huge case. please email me at stormyxia@hotmail.com. or respond to post. Thanks all!! Bscool 4 months agoReply What is the list of what parts you bought and from where exactly did you buy them.
mikkel250 10 months agoReply Thanks for posting! I'm sure I could have figured this out on my own, just like I did with building a desktop, but it's really great to have a way to approach this task with as much info as possible to avoid (costly, annoying, easily avoidable) mistakes. This guide is great. amitra1 11 months agoReply I don't know really it is possible or not, i read in this post it can. Let try, and come back post again! I found it as in social bookmarking site www.mspidy.com telling also it would be by ppl continuous try. Social media news and web tips also telling the same.!! Aaron Stein 1 year agoReply ya you can totally see the license key. I don't wanna say how, but you seriously needa get rid of that. XxsonicxX 1 year agoReply Can you list all the parts that are needed for the computer? Also can you list optional parts. Don't forget to add the price to the list oberge031375 1 year agoReply How much did this cost
you???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? Briguy9 4 years ago
Reply"Why would someone go out and buy a computer from a manufacturer like Dell or Gateway?" The answer: because building a laptop is usually harder, more time consuming, and usually more expensive. That's why someone would go have a laptop customized for them and have it built. mahinder Briguy9 1 year agoReply This is definitely a good option to learn about laptops and computers while doing so. But presently with lots of low cost laptops available in the market, and specially with they being more reliable. Buying a laptop is a better option I fell. However this is only my opinion and the content is really good and helpful for many geeks like me. kelcylane Briguy9 2 years agoReply it maybe harder and time consuming...but it sounds fun.
static kelcylane 2 years agoReply As always it's all relative, and there are pros, cons both ways. I'm capable of assembling a computer. Every time it's time for me to upgrade, when I put the pencil to to paper, purchasing as assemble computer give me more for my money. By the time upgrade, it's time to upgrade Windows, and the monitor is getting dim. The average computer buyer will be happy with the packages Dell markets, and so far their sales reps do give me the computer I want, less expensive than I can assemble one for, with Windows and new monitor. Yes proprietary cases, and mother boards are the pits, when it come to getting the most milage out af a computer, but I Saturn V Briguy9 3 years ago
Reply Why buy what you can make? Anyone can cough up some cash for a laptop, but not everyone knows exactly what's in it, and how it works. Mr. walrus Saturn V 2 years ago
Reply EXACTLY! For some reason people are surprised and sometimes shocked when they find out that my computer is scratch built. Its just way more fun to build! dungeon runner Briguy9 3 years ago
Reply Then either you are horrible at building computers, lazy, don't know what you're talking about, simply don't know how to balance performance with price, or most likely all four. People like you are why any potential computerist gets discouraged from the start and wastes an opportunity to learn more about computers, have fun being able to say they made one, and possibly get a career out of the whole deal.
And if you think the whole deal is a waste of time, you might disagree with that guy who built a computer system in his garage, what was his name? Oh yeah...
Steve Wozniak.
-Y gatorgrip dungeon runner 3 years ago
Reply I have built 12 computers and taken apart/fixed countless more. Briguy9 DOES know what he is talking about, and sounds a lot smarter than you. Building your own computer from scratch is usually ALWAYS more expensive. It goes without saying that it is more time consuming. Briguy9 makes an exceptionally well-put and thoroughly true statement on this matter, without making himself look like a snobby jerk (ala yeturbumi). People like yeturbumi are the reason potential computerists get discouraged from the start when they take his advice and try to make their own computer and it ends up costing twice what a premade would cost and has driver issues up the wazoo or refuses to start altogether. If it's your first time building a computer, you should try to build one from old scrap computer parts, so you don't risk wasting money and feeling burned in the end. Bottom line: I'm someone who has built a boatload of computers, and I personally would buy a premade for stability and peace of mind. I would not discourage anyone from attempting to build there own. I would, however, tell them that you should know building your own computer is not a cost saving measure, as it is almost always more expensive.
The reason people build their own computers is because of the endless customization and personalization it affords them. ngeil gatorgrip 2 years ago
Reply How could building your own computer possibly be more expensive? If you do comparison shopping and buy certain items in a group there's no way it should cost more. You don't have to pay for the labor, shipping costs, and addition cost companies charge to make a profit on a computer. Building a computer is not hard at all. As long as you know all of the components to get, it's as simple as following the user manuals to plug everything in. I built my own computer with no prior knowledge or experience and had no issues whatsoever. metrogdor22 gatorgrip 3 years ago
Reply Actually, the cost of my desktop-in-the-making adds up to $600-800, whereas the Alienware Area-51 is $1600 minimum. They don't have the exact same specs, but they're pretty close. Mohan Miglani 1 year ago
Reply hey i wanted to know how much hdd and ram you used to make the laptop and can i use a nvidia card instead of intel graphic card does the both cards have same arrangement pins pls reply ASAP Mohan Miglani 1 year ago
Reply hey i wanted to know how much hdd and ram you used to make the laptop and can i use a nvidia card instead of intel graphic card does the both cards have same arrangement pins pls reply ASAP actionjksn 1 year ago
Reply Although it would be fun to build a barebones laptop it is certainly not cheaper and you would get more bang for your buck with a store bought model. With desktops it is cheaper to build a high end computer but not a low end model. If I was getting just a tower and spending at least 500 dollars I would come out pretty well. But that's the cutoff point, if you're spending any less you might as well buy something already built. Even at 500 bucks it probably wouldn't be spec'ed any better it would just allow you to use a better motherboard and power supply. As far as your quote of"I suggest that the only thing you buy with the laptop is the CD/DVD drive. These are different for every laptop so go ahead and buy it with the laptop"
This is completely untrue. The bezel can be changed out to whatever drive you install in it. Anything new will be a SATA interface and will fit. I installed a DVD burner from an HP laptop into my wife's Lenovo and it went right in there. The only exception I have seen is my newer Lenovo T 410 Thinkpad uses an extra thin drive but it is not a very common form factor... yet. By the way it's called an Ultra bay.
I do regularly do RAM, Hard Drive and even processor upgrades on my and other peoples laptops. The Processor upgrades become affordable after the laptop has been out a few years. I upgraded my wife's 4 yo Lenovo laptops single core Celeron to a T7300 Core 2 Duo for only $40.00. That made a huge difference. TheGreatS 2 years agoReply When your done, you can add a laptop handle. casino_dave 4 years agoReply Or Linux ;) I say this only because I'd say someone who would build a laptop would certainly be a fan of Linux. pancake flavoured waffles casino_dave 4 years agoReply Mint is my favourite teamcoltra pancake flavoured waffles 4 years agoReply Mint is your favorite because it is the best :)
I am a mint guy too!
dungeon runner teamcoltra 3 years ago
Reply My favorite is Puppy. Weird, I know, but I just like it :). lolcat360 dungeon runner 3 years ago
Reply I like SuSE. I don't know why... I just do. techboy411 lolcat360 2 years agoReply I like Ubuntu, but Damn Small Linux(DSL) must be good drresearch casino_dave 3 years ago
Reply I also would install Linux, Ubuntu to be precise. spawnos3717 2 years agoReply If one knows where to look (with an insane amount of luck), it's possible to get some parts for low cost or even free (legally). Fortune favors the bold, and as such, will reap benefits far beyond the dogmatic limitations of retail corporations. I'm not dismissing the hard work of manufacturers, but if they can build low cost machines, why can't we? Hegamonia 2 years agoReply Hey, I was wondering if I could gut my HP Tablet PC TC1100 that I got off of Ebay and replace everything with a different motherboard that is far more powerful so I can run games like Supreme Commander 2 and X3-Terran Conflict on it. link to a picture of the model, copy/paste if it does not highlight: http://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-TC1100-Tablet-PM-1-0GHz-512MB-40GB-XP-Tablet-Case-/200670176221?pt=Laptops_Nov05&hash=item2eb8dfe3dd agrossi2 2 years ago
Reply I built my laptop but my computer will not acknowledge my wireless card I used a Mini PCIe card but it is asking for an Ethernet cable not wireless connection any help. I could use it. agrossi2 2 years ago
Reply Hi great guide. but Im purchasing a mini pci card and I am not sure does the model need to be specific to the laptop or can I get any PCI card. if this question seems dumb its because its my first lapotop and im learning on the fly mparanjpe 2 years ago
Reply Can you run an apple operating software on this instead of windows? Pr.TOSHIBA mparanjpe 2 years ago
Reply You could make it a Hackintosh, which means running Mac OS X on non apple hardware. Not all hardware is compatible though, and it isn't quite legal. Pr.TOSHIBA 2 years ago
Reply Could anyone tell me if it is possible for me to build my own laptop out an existing laptop. Specifically a 1996 Sharp PC-3040. It has a 100 mghz Pentium processor and 54 mb of RAM. I would probably need to put in a new motherboard. Is that possible? I think that it would be funny to have that old laptop with an i5 or i7 processor and 8 gb of RAM. grundisimo 2 years ago
Reply The laptop i'm using right now only cost me a box of pepsi cans. The seller lost about two hundred dollars in doing this. epicnoobpwn 2 years ago
Reply Once you total up the price of all the components, its cheaper to just get one from a manufactuer with the same or better specs. I calculated the price of a barebone laptop plus all the parts and it was like $400 (I think it was an ocz) more. My asus (republic of gamers series) laptop is allows me to upgrade my cpu (socket p) and hdd (2 drive bays), though not the ram (maximum amount already inserted. braxtonb110 2 years agoReply i've been searching around for a while where did you get the barebones alien ware case? bmlbytes (author) braxtonb110 2 years ago
Reply It's not a barebones system. It was just an old system I had. I demonstrated the process by first disassembling it, then reassembling it. Now that Dell owns Alienware, they don't make the laptops as flexible as they used to.
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TITLE: Build Or Create Your Own Laptop Or Notebook Computer - Computer Shopper
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Build Your Own Laptop
Why buy a retail notebook when you can build a faster, cheaper portable system from scratch?
By Denny Atkin
Building a desktop PC is like dining at one of those huge buffet restaurants: You have dozens of choices for every dish, the variety ranging from hot dogs to filet mignon and everything else in between. Building a laptop reminds us more of a prix fixe menu: You can make a few decisions here and there, but you don't have much opportunity to customize your meal.
Indeed, building your own laptop is chock-full of challenges. Parts are harder to find, choices are fewer, and you need a steady hand to deal with small screws and the tight confines of a portable case. What's more, there's not nearly as much information available in books and on the Web about assembling portable systems from the case up.
Look past these limitations, however, and your DIY laptop dream can become a reality. With a thirst for challenge and a $1,400 budget, you can assemble a speedy, well-equipped mobile machine that performs better and costs less than many comparable pre-built systems. As for the difficulty in putting it all together, that's where we come in: We'll walk you through all the steps it takes to build a high-performance laptop from as close to scratch as you can get.
Read More
Introduction
Preparing For Your Build
Assembling Your Laptop Parts
Finishing Your Laptop Build
Slide Show: Build Your Own Laptop Step-By-Step
Build Your Next Desktop
Plus check out OCZ's Neutrino and how to build your own netbook!
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