Lesson 1Optional components: webcam module, microphone array, fingerprint reader, sensors and their connectorsLook at extra laptop parts like webcams, microphones, fingerprint scanners, and sensors. Find out where they usually sit, the kinds of connectors they use, and signs of missing or broken ones when checking the hardware closely.
Webcam and microphone zonesFingerprint reader in palmrest areaLight and hall sensorsFlex cable and micro connectorsPrecautions for handling and replacingLesson 2Wireless module and antenna routing: M.2/minicard modules, antenna placement in lid, ground/connectorsExamine wireless parts and antenna setups, covering M.2 or minicard types. Understand how antennas run through hinges to the lid, grounding ways, and effects of bad connections or damage on signal quality and steadiness.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth card typesMain and aux antenna linksAntenna routes via hinges and lidGrounding, shielding, and positioningChecking weak wireless signalsLesson 3RAM modules: types (DDR3/DDR4/LPDDR variants), slots vs. soldered, keying and channel configurationExplore how laptop memory works, from SO-DIMM slots to fixed LPDDR. Spot DDR types, key notches, channel setups, and failure signs to help with upgrades, matching parts, and fixing problems.
SO-DIMM vs fixed RAM setupsDDR3, DDR4, LPDDR signsSlot keys and notch spotsSingle vs dual-channel pathsRAM upgrade and matching checksLesson 4CPU: function, socket vs. BGA, power delivery requirements, thermal interface locationGrasp CPU roles in laptop setups, including BGA vs socket types, power needs, and heat spreader spots. Identify VRM stages, sense wires, and fixings that impact steadiness, upgrades, and fixes.
CPU roles and integrationSocket vs BGA CPU spottingCPU VRM stages and power linesThermal paste and pad areasHeatsink fixing and pressure spotsLesson 5Motherboard layout: common zones (CPU area, power delivery, storage connectors, I/O region)Learn to understand laptop motherboard designs by spotting CPU, power, storage, and I/O areas. See how wire paths, metal layers, and connector groups show signal routes and help with diagrams and board maps.
Spotting CPU and chipset areasFinding VRM and power zonesStorage links and data groupsI/O edge areas and port clustersUsing labels and layer hintsLesson 6Display assembly components: LCD/LED panel, inverter/LED driver area, display cable/connector and hinge mechanicsCheck display parts, including LCD or LED screens, driver boards, and hinge spots. Follow display wires, spot backlight power areas, and link mechanical stress to issues like flickering or no picture.
LCD and LED screen spottingDisplay wire and eDP/LVDS pathsLED driver and backlight powerHinge workings and wire strainCommon display failure typesLesson 7DC jack and power input circuit: jack types, barrel vs. board-mounted, common failure pointsUnderstand DC jack designs and power entry circuits. Learn barrel and board-fixed jack types, current routes to charger chips, and usual mechanical or electrical weak spots causing on-off power problems.
Barrel vs special jack typesBoard-fixed and wired jacksInput filters and safety partsTracing adapter voltage to chargerMechanical stress and spark damageLesson 8CMOS/RTC battery and BIOS flash chips: typical placement, identification, and removal considerationsSpot CMOS or RTC batteries and BIOS flash chips on laptop boards. Learn their forms, labels, and removal care, and how they link to timekeeping, firmware saving, and reset steps.
CMOS and RTC battery kindsUsual RTC battery spotsBIOS flash chip package typesSpotting firmware chip labelsSafe removal and reset waysLesson 9Storage devices: SATA HDD, 2.5" SSDs, M.2 SATA vs. M.2 NVMe physical locations and interfacesCompare laptop storage types and their spots. Tell apart SATA HDDs, 2.5 inch SSDs, and M.2 SATA or NVMe drives, and follow their links to chipset or special controllers.
2.5 inch bay and holder setupsSATA HDD vs 2.5 inch SSD signsM.2 SATA vs NVMe keys and sizesStorage links and wire pathsMapping drives to controller portsLesson 10Audio subsystem: speaker placement, amplifier ICs, audio jack circuitryLook into the laptop sound path from codec to speakers and jacks. Spot amplifier chips, filters, and safety parts, and connect board areas to issues like no sound, distortion, or jack sense failures in troubleshooting.
Audio codec and amplifier spotsSpeaker spots and wire routesHeadphone jack and sense circuitsAudio filters, ESD and safety partsCommon audio hardware failure signsLesson 11Chipset and southbridge functions: role in I/O, PCIe lanes, SATA, USB controllersUnderstand chipset and southbridge roles in linking CPU, memory, and I/O. Spot these chips, their cooling needs, and map PCIe, SATA, and USB paths to links for better fault pinpointing.
PCH, chipset, southbridge basicsSpotting platform controller hubsPCIe path routing to devicesSATA and USB controller mappingThermal and shielding needsLesson 12Keyboard and touchpad modules: ribbon cable connectors, backplate layout, common mounting pointsLook at keyboard and touchpad parts, including backplates, screw spots, and ribbon links. Learn how their positions affect taking apart, wire strain, and usual failures from spills or bending.
Keyboard frame and backplate designTouchpad module and bracket setupRibbon wire paths and strain reliefMounting screws and clip spotsSpill and bend damage signsLesson 13Overview of a typical modern laptop chassis and service access pointsGet a broad view of current laptop casing builds and access spots for service. Learn hidden cover spots, clips, and screws, and how inside layouts guide taking apart and safe part swaps.
Bottom covers and service doorsHidden screws, clips, and catchesPaths to RAM and storageKeyboard and palmrest removal stepsUsing service manuals wellLesson 14Motherboard nomenclature: connectors, sockets, buses, and labeled landmarksLearn usual motherboard labels, connector codes, and key markings. Understand printed shortcuts for power lines, buses, and test spots to quickly find your way with diagrams or testing live boards.
Reading connector reference labelsUsual power line shortcutsBus labels for PCIe, SATA, USBTest pads and measure spotsMatching board labels to diagramsLesson 15Cooling system components: fan, heat pipes, heatsink plates, thermal paste/pads placementBreak down laptop cooling setups, including fans, heat pipes, and heatsinks. Learn heat spreader spots, air flow paths, and how dust, dry paste, or bent plates cause overheating and slowdowns.
Fan types and control signalsHeat pipe paths over hot areasHeatsink fins and exhaust openingsThermal paste and pad useCommon overheating fault patternsLesson 16I/O ports and daughter boards: USB, HDMI, Ethernet, SD reader board locations and flex cablesSpot main I/O ports on the motherboard and extra boards. Learn how USB, HDMI, Ethernet, and SD readers link via flex wires, and trace port issues to links, ESD guards, or separate controllers.
USB, HDMI, Ethernet port areasSD reader and card holder spotsExtra boards and flex wiresESD safety near outside portsSpotting damaged I/O linksLesson 17Battery pack and power management ICs: typical placement, charging circuitry and protectionLook at battery pack spots and power management chips. Learn charging routes, safety circuits, and comms lines to tell pack faults, MOSFET issues, and charger controller problems apart.
Battery pack shapes and fixingsPack link pin basicsCharging and safety MOSFETsFuel gauge and SMBus linesBattery safety and handling rules