A Basic Guide to Identifying the Major Components of a Laptop (2023)

TheMemoryin aLaptopis not compatible with that fitted in Desktops. TheMemoryDIMMis onlytwo incheslong andone inchtall, with a golden fringe along the bottom. The golden fringe has a notch cut out as a key for installation purposes.

ToreleasetheMemorythat you pull apart the clips at either side of theMemory.It rises at a 45-degree angle which is far enough up that you can pull it out of the slot.

ToreseattheMemorythat you push theMemoryinto the slot and then push straight down. Ensure that it is the correct way round and that the clips either side of the slot locks theMemoryin place. This secures theMemoryin place. If the clips do not lock theMemoryin place, you need to reseat it. If you see any of the gold fringes along the bottom of theMemoryoutside of the slot, then it is not seated properly.

TheMemorycard has a notch cut in the bottom which matches a bar in theMemoryslot. It only allows you to fit theMemorythe correct way round. The position of the notch denotes which type of memory and memory slot that you have. This is different on everything from DDR to DDR4.

TheCD/DVD Driveis a smaller, more slimline version of the drive fitted in a Desktop. It is thin, rectangular with a white of Black facing plate, where the media is inserted.

The drive hasnocables that connect to it. The drive plugs straight to a connector on theMotherboard.

There is aneject, a locking catch, or aPhillips head screw, whichlocksthe drive in place.

TheBatteryis usually a rectangular shape and fits the base of the computer. It is normallythe same color as the chassis.

ToremovetheBattery,you need toreleaseit from the bay on the computer. There are locking slides around theBatterythat you must move to an open position before theBatterycomes loose.

Toreseatthe Battery,you need to locate theBatteryinto the correct position. Push down into the bay until it firmly seats in place and the locking slides click into the locked position.

TheSystem Fanis used to pull air out of your computer to cool the computer down. This stops it from overheating and makes it work more efficiently.

TheSystem Fanis black and is often surrounded by a black shroud.

The fan has aPower/Controlcable which plugs to theMotherboard.

The fan is secured to the chassis usingPhillips head screws.

This is an external device and is composed of two separate parts. TheAC Adapterplugs to your DC In connector. It is usually rectangular in shape and thePower Cablewhich plugs from yourMains Powersocket to theAC Adapter. (The picture that is shown here is of a UK plug with three prongs. Your mains lead should end in your locations plug style.)

These cables connect by pushing them in place or pulling them out.

TheAC Adaptershave anLEDwhich lights up when it is plugged toMains Power.

TheHeat sinkis the part of your computer which directs heat away from your Processor which is the brain of your computer. Sometimes it comes as an assembly with a fan to pull heat through the heat sink.

TheHeatsinkin aLaptopusually takes the form of a twisting heat pipe in copper with a fan in a shroud at one end.

Toremoveit, take out the screws and disconnect the fan cable andremovethe Assembly from the computer.

Toreseatit, reconnect the fan cable and having put theHeatsinkback in place, put the screws back in.

TheHeatsinkand fan secure to the Chassis withPhillips head screws.

Only experienced technicians would be asked toremovethis part.

All the other parts of your computer plug to this central component. Access to it on most laptops is through the base of the computer.

Check yourOwner's manualor theCRU removal guidefor yourlaptop type, to get the best steps for gaining access to theMotherboard.

TheMotherboardhas your Processor fitted to it and is secured to your chassis withPhilips head screws.

TheWLAN Cardis usually aone inchbyone inchsquare with a golden fringe along the bottom.

Toremove,disconnect the aerial cables and take out the screw securing the card. The card opens at a 45-degree angle, you can then pull it fully out of the slot.

Toreseat, push it back into the slot at an angle and then when fully seated push down and secure with the screw. Reconnect the aerial cables and check it is fully seated.

TheWLAN Cardis secured to aMini PCIslot on theMotherboardwith aPhillips head screw.

TheWWAN Cardis usuallyone and half inchlong byone inchwide, with a golden fringe along the bottom of the card.

Toremove,disconnect the aerial cables and take out the screw securing the card. The card opens at a 45-degree angle, you can then pull it fully out of the slot.

Toreseatit, push it back into the slot at an angle and then when fully seated push down and secure with the screw. Reconnect the aerial cables and check it is fully seated.

TheWWAN Cardis secured to aMini PCIslot on theMotherboardwith aPhillips head screw.

TheBluetooth Cardcan be seen in one of two formats. Most commonly it is a small rectangular card with a cable connection slot at one end and a screw-hole at the other. Sometimes it is included as an added feature on certainWLAN Cards. These cards are often calledCombi Cards.

Toremove,disconnect theBluetooth cableand take out the screw securing the card. You can then pull it fully out of the slot.

Toreseatit, push it back into the slot and secure with the screw. Reconnect the Bluetooth cable and check it is fully seated.

The card is secured to a slot on the chassis with aPhillips head screw.

TheKeyboardlooks like a flat/compact version of a regularKeyboard.

Toremoveorreseat,I would recommend using yourOwner's manual.Alternatively, you can check out theCRU removal guidefor yourlaptop type, to get the correct steps.The steps change from Laptop to Laptop.

TheKeyboardis integral to the computer and secured to the chassis withPhillips head screws.It useseither aRibboncable or anOption Cardconnector to connect to the motherboard.

TheLCDis the integral screen that is built into the computer which lets you see and interact with your computer.

TheLCDis integral to the computer and only experienced technicians are asked toremoveorreseatthis part.

You can be asked to reconnect theLCDcable where it connects to theMotherboard.

TheOwner's manualis your best guide for your particularlaptop type.

TheLCDconsists of theLCDpanel, theLCDbezeland theLCD back cover.

It connects to your computer by theLCDcable, and the Hinges which attach to theLCD back cover.