Lesson 1Optional components: webcam module, microphone array, fingerprint reader, sensors and their connectorsCheck out extra laptop parts like webcams, mics, fingerprint scanners, and sensors. See where they're usually placed, their plug types, and signs of missing or broken ones 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/connectorsLook at Wi-Fi modules and antennas, including M.2 or minicard types. Learn how antennas run through hinges to the screen lid, earthing methods, and how bad links or damage cut signal power and steadiness.
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 configurationDive into laptop RAM setups, from SO-DIMM slots to fixed LPDDR. Spot DDR types, notch guides, channel setups, and fault signs to handle upgrades, checks, and fixes.
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 locationGrasp CPU jobs in laptops, BGA vs. socket types, power needs, and heat spreader spots. Spot VRM stages, sense wires, and fixings that impact steadiness, swaps, and mends.
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)Read laptop board maps by noting CPU, power, storage, and I/O spots. See how tracks, copper fills, and plugs show signal routes to ease schematic and boardview navigation.
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 mechanicsStudy screen setups with LCD/LED panels, driver boards, and hinge zones. Trace screen cables, find backlight power bits, and link stress points to flickers or blank screens.
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 pointsKnow DC jack styles and power entry paths. Learn barrel and board-fixed types, routes to charger chips, and usual break spots causing on-off power glitches.
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 considerationsFind CMOS/RTC batteries and BIOS chips on boards. Note shapes, marks, pull-out tips, and their links to clock, firmware store, and resets.
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 interfacesMatch storage types and spots. Tell SATA HDDs, 2.5-inch SSDs, M.2 SATA or NVMe apart, and track plugs to chipsets 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 circuitryTrace audio from codec to speakers and jacks. Spot amp chips, filters, guards, and link board zones to no sound, buzz, or jack fails in fixes.
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 controllersKnow chipset/southbridge roles in linking CPU, RAM, I/O. Find chips, cooling needs, map PCIe/SATA/USB to plugs for sharp fault pinning.
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 pointsSee keyboard/touchpad builds, backplates, screws, ribbon plugs. Note placement effects on strip-down order, cable pull, spill or bend fails.
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 pointsOverview of current laptop cases and entry spots. Find hidden covers, clips, screws, and how innards guide safe strip-down and part swaps.
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 board tags, plug codes, key marks. Grasp screen shortcuts for power lines, buses, test spots to quick-start schematics or live probes.
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 placementBreak down cooling with fans, heat pipes, sinks. Note paste spots, air flows, dust/old paste/warps causing heat and slow-downs.
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 cablesSpot main I/O on boards and add-ons. Trace USB/HDMI/Ethernet/SD via flexes, link port fails to plugs, ESD guards, 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 protectionSee battery spots and power ICs. Trace charge paths, guards, comms to split pack faults, MOSFET breaks, charger woes.
Battery pack form factors and mountsPack connector pinout basicsCharging and protection MOSFETsFuel gauge and SMBus linesBattery safety and handling rules