Lesson 1Optional components: webcam module, microphone array, fingerprint reader, sensors and their connectorsLook over extra laptop parts like webcams, microphones, fingerprint scanners, and sensors. Find out where they usually sit, the kinds of plugs they use, and signs of missing or broken ones when checking the hardware.
Webcam and microphone zonesFingerprint reader in palmrestLight and hall sensorsFlex and micro connectorsHandling and replacement tipsLesson 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 links or harm on signal quality and steadiness.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth formatsMain and aux antenna plugsAntenna paths via hingesGrounding and shieldingFixing weak wirelessLesson 3RAM modules: types (DDR3/DDR4/LPDDR variants), slots vs. soldered, keying and channel configurationExplore laptop memory setups, from SO-DIMM slots to fixed LPDDR. Spot DDR types, notch guides, channel setups, and usual breakdown signs to aid upgrades, matching checks, and fault-finding.
SO-DIMM vs soldered layoutsDDR3, DDR4, LPDDR signsSlot keying and notchesSingle vs dual-channelRAM upgrade checksLesson 4CPU: function, socket vs. BGA, power delivery requirements, thermal interface locationGrasp CPU jobs in laptop setups, covering BGA against socket types, power needs, and heat link spots. Spot VRM stages, sense wires, and fixings that impact steadiness, upgrades, and fixes.
CPU roles and integrationSocket vs BGA spottingCPU VRM and power railsThermal paste zonesHeatsink mounting pointsLesson 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 spots. See how track paths, copper areas, and plug groups show signal routes and aid in using diagrams and board maps.
CPU and chipset spotsVRM and power areasStorage connectors groupingI/O edge and port clustersSilkscreen and layer guidesLesson 6Display assembly components: LCD/LED panel, inverter/LED driver area, display cable/connector and hinge mechanicsCheck display setups, including LCD or LED screens, driver boards, and hinge parts. Follow display wires, spot backlight power areas, and see how stress spots link to flicker or blank screen problems.
LCD and LED panel spottingDisplay cable eDP/LVDS routesLED driver and backlight areaHinge mechanics and strainDisplay failure modesLesson 7DC jack and power input circuit: jack types, barrel vs. board-mounted, common failure pointsUnderstand DC jack styles and power entry circuits. Learn barrel and board-fixed jack types, current routes to charger IC, and usual mechanical or electric weak spots causing spotty power.
Barrel vs proprietary jacksBoard-mounted and cabled jacksInput filtering partsAdapter voltage to charger ICStress and arcing 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 tie to timekeeping, firmware holding, and reset steps.
CMOS and RTC battery typesRTC battery locationsBIOS flash package stylesFirmware chip labelsSafe removal practicesLesson 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 plugs back to chipset or special controllers.
2.5 inch bay setupsSATA HDD vs 2.5 SSD cuesM.2 SATA vs NVMe keyingStorage connector routingDrives 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 ICs, filters, and guard parts, and link board areas to issues like no sound, distortion, or jack sense failures in troubleshooting.
Audio codec and amp locationsSpeaker placement and wiresHeadphone jack circuitryAudio filters and protectionAudio failure signsLesson 11Chipset and southbridge functions: role in I/O, PCIe lanes, SATA, USB controllersGrasp chipset and southbridge jobs in linking CPU, memory, and I/O. Spot these chips, know their cooling needs, and map PCIe, SATA, USB lanes to plugs for sharper fault spotting.
PCH, chipset basicsPlatform controller hubsPCIe lane routingSATA and USB mappingThermal shieldingLesson 12Keyboard and touchpad modules: ribbon cable connectors, backplate layout, common mounting pointsCheck keyboard and touchpad setups, including backplates, screw spots, and ribbon plugs. See how their positions affect taking apart, wire strain, and usual breakdown patterns from spills or bending.
Keyboard frame layoutTouchpad bracket designRibbon cable strain reliefMounting screws and clipsSpill and flex damageLesson 13Overview of a typical modern laptop chassis and service access pointsGet a broad view of current laptop frame builds and service entry spots. Learn where covers, clips, and screws hide, and how inside layouts shape taking apart order and safe part swaps.
Bottom covers and hatchesHidden screws and latchesAccess to RAM and storageKeyboard removal flowUsing service manualsLesson 14Motherboard nomenclature: connectors, sockets, buses, and labeled landmarksLearn usual motherboard tags, plug codes, and key marks. Understand screen print shorts for power lines, buses, and test spots to quickly find your way with diagrams or probing live boards.
Connector label readingPower rail shortsBus labels for PCIe, SATATest pads and pointsBoard labels to schematicsLesson 15Cooling system components: fan, heat pipes, heatsink plates, thermal paste/pads placementBreak down laptop cooling setups, including fans, heat pipes, and heatsinks. Learn heat link spots, air flow paths, and how dust, dry paste, or bent plates cause overheating and slowdowns.
Fan types and signalsHeat pipe over hot zonesHeatsink fins and ventsThermal paste applicationOverheating patternsLesson 16I/O ports and daughter boards: USB, HDMI, Ethernet, SD reader board locations and flex cablesSpot main I/O plugs on the motherboard and extra boards. Learn how USB, HDMI, Ethernet, SD readers link via flex wires, and trace plug breakdowns to connectors, ESD guards, or separate controllers.
USB, HDMI, Ethernet zonesSD reader placementDaughter boards and flexESD near portsDamaged I/O diagnosisLesson 17Battery pack and power management ICs: typical placement, charging circuitry and protectionExplore battery pack spots and power management ICs. Learn charging routes, guard circuits, and comm lines to tell pack faults, MOSFET breakdowns, and charger controller problems apart.
Battery pack forms and mountsPack connector basicsCharging MOSFETsFuel gauge and SMBusBattery safety rules