Lesson 1Optional components: webcam module, microphone array, fingerprint reader, sensors and their connectorsReview optional laptop parts like webcams, microphones, fingerprint scanners, and sensors. Learn their usual positions, connector types, and how missing or faulty ones show up during hardware checks.
Webcam and microphone array zonesFingerprint reader and palmrest areaAmbient light and hall sensorsFlat flex and micro connector typesHandling and replacement precautionsLesson 2Wireless module and antenna routing: M.2/minicard modules, antenna placement in lid, ground/connectorsStudy wireless modules and antenna setups, including M.2 or minicard types. Learn antenna routing through hinges to the lid, grounding techniques, and how bad connections or damage affect signal quality and reliability.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth card formatsMain and aux antenna connectorsAntenna paths through hinges and lidGrounding, shielding, and placementDiagnosing weak wireless receptionLesson 3RAM modules: types (DDR3/DDR4/LPDDR variants), slots vs. soldered, keying and channel configurationStudy laptop memory setups, from SO-DIMM slots to soldered LPDDR. Identify DDR types, keying notches, channel arrangements, and common failure signs to aid upgrades, compatibility checks, and troubleshooting.
SO-DIMM vs soldered RAM layoutsDDR3, DDR4, LPDDR visual cuesSlot keying and notch positionsSingle vs dual-channel routingRAM upgrade and compatibility checksLesson 4CPU: function, socket vs. BGA, power delivery requirements, thermal interface locationUnderstand CPU functions in laptop systems, including BGA vs socketed types, power needs, and thermal interface spots. Spot VRM phases, sense lines, and mounting parts that impact stability, upgrades, and fixes.
CPU roles and integration levelSocketed vs BGA CPU identificationCPU VRM phases and power railsThermal paste and pad contact zonesHeatsink mounting and pressure pointsLesson 5Motherboard layout: common zones (CPU area, power delivery, storage connectors, I/O region)Learn to read laptop motherboard layouts by spotting CPU, power, storage, and I/O areas. Understand trace routing, copper pours, and connector groups to reveal signal paths and navigate schematics easily.
Identifying CPU and chipset regionsLocating VRM and power delivery areasStorage connectors and data path groupingI/O edge regions and port clustersUsing silkscreen and layer cuesLesson 6Display assembly components: LCD/LED panel, inverter/LED driver area, display cable/connector and hinge mechanicsExamine display assemblies, including LCD or LED panels, driver boards, and hinge zones. Trace display cables, identify backlight power areas, and see how mechanical stress causes flicker or no-display issues.
LCD and LED panel identificationDisplay cable and eDP/LVDS routingLED driver and backlight power areaHinge mechanics and cable strainTypical display-related failure modesLesson 7DC jack and power input circuit: jack types, barrel vs. board-mounted, common failure pointsUnderstand DC jack designs and power input circuits. Learn barrel and board-mounted types, current paths to charger IC, and common mechanical or electrical faults causing power interruptions.
Barrel vs proprietary jack stylesBoard-mounted and cabled jacksInput filtering and protection partsTracing adapter voltage to charger ICMechanical stress and arcing damageLesson 8CMOS/RTC battery and BIOS flash chips: typical placement, identification, and removal considerationsIdentify CMOS or RTC batteries and BIOS flash chips on laptop boards. Learn their shapes, markings, removal tips, and links to timekeeping, firmware storage, and reset processes.
CMOS and RTC battery typesTypical RTC battery locationsBIOS flash chip package stylesIdentifying firmware chip markingsSafe removal and reset practicesLesson 9Storage devices: SATA HDD, 2.5" SSDs, M.2 SATA vs. M.2 NVMe physical locations and interfacesCompare laptop storage types and placements. Distinguish SATA HDDs, 2.5-inch SSDs, M.2 SATA or NVMe drives, and trace connectors to chipset or controllers.
2.5 inch bay and caddy arrangementsSATA HDD vs 2.5 inch SSD cuesM.2 SATA vs NVMe keying and lengthStorage connector and cable routingMapping drives to controller portsLesson 10Audio subsystem: speaker placement, amplifier ICs, audio jack circuitryExplore laptop audio path from codec to speakers and jacks. Identify amplifier ICs, filters, protection parts, and link board areas to issues like no sound or jack failures.
Audio codec and amplifier IC locationsSpeaker placement and wiring routesHeadphone jack and detect circuitryAudio filters, ESD and protection 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. Locate chips, cooling needs, and map PCIe, SATA, USB lanes for better fault finding.
PCH, chipset, and southbridge basicsLocating platform controller hubsPCIe lane routing to devicesSATA and USB controller mappingThermal and shielding considerationsLesson 12Keyboard and touchpad modules: ribbon cable connectors, backplate layout, common mounting pointsExplore keyboard and touchpad assemblies, backplates, screws, ribbon connectors. See how placement affects disassembly, cable strain, and failures from spills or bending.
Keyboard frame and backplate layoutTouchpad module and bracket designRibbon cable routing and strain reliefMounting screws and clip locationsSpill and flex-related damage signsLesson 13Overview of a typical modern laptop chassis and service access pointsGet an overview of modern laptop chassis and service points. Learn hidden covers, clips, screws, and how layouts guide disassembly and safe part replacement.
Bottom covers and service hatchesHidden screws, clips, and latchesAccess paths to RAM and storageKeyboard and palmrest removal flowUsing service manuals effectivelyLesson 14Motherboard nomenclature: connectors, sockets, buses, and labeled landmarksLearn common motherboard labels, connector codes, landmarks. Understand silkscreen abbreviations for power rails, buses, test points to orient with schematics.
Reading connector reference labelsCommon power rail abbreviationsBus labels for PCIe, SATA, and USBTest pads and measurement pointsMatching board labels to schematicsLesson 15Cooling system components: fan, heat pipes, heatsink plates, thermal paste/pads placementAnalyze cooling systems with fans, heat pipes, heatsinks. Learn thermal paste spots, airflow, and how dust or dried paste causes overheating.
Fan types and control signalsHeat pipe routing over hot zonesHeatsink fins and exhaust ventsThermal paste and pad applicationCommon overheating fault patternsLesson 16I/O ports and daughter boards: USB, HDMI, Ethernet, SD reader board locations and flex cablesIdentify main I/O ports and daughter boards. Learn USB, HDMI, Ethernet, SD connections via flex cables, trace failures to connectors or controllers.
USB, HDMI, and Ethernet port zonesSD reader and card cage placementDaughter boards and flex cablesESD protection near external portsDiagnosing damaged I/O connectorsLesson 17Battery pack and power management ICs: typical placement, charging circuitry and protectionExplore battery placement and power ICs. Learn charging paths, protection, communication to spot pack faults vs controller issues.
Battery pack form factors and mountsPack connector pinout basicsCharging and protection MOSFETsFuel gauge and SMBus linesBattery safety and handling rules