Buying a custom-made laptop is often a disappointment. The features you want often can't be packed into a single computer, and the price is very high. Not to mention the software that computer companies put in. You can avoid all this trouble if you want to do it yourself. It's hard to build your own laptop, but it's worth it. Read on to learn how to build a laptop.
Part 1: Finding parts
1. You need to know what the laptop is mainly used for. A laptop for work and email is very different from a laptop for gaming. Battery life is also something to consider; If you prefer to use it while walking, unplugged, then your laptop should not be too power-hungry.
2, choose a processor that can meet your needs. The case of the laptop depends on the processor you want to install, so choose the processor first. Compare processor models to see which one has low power consumption, fast cooling and fast speeds. Most online vendors will let you compare processors one by one.
Make sure you buy a mobile processor, not a desktop processor.
There are two big processor manufacturers: Intel and AMD. There is a lot of controversy and rivalry between the two, but in general, AMD's is cheaper. Knowing as much as you can about the processor can save you a lot of money.
3. Select the laptop shell. The laptop case will determine how much room you have for the rest of the accessories. The case usually comes with a motherboard, which determines what memory you should use.
Keyboard and screen size also need to be considered. Since the screen is generally not customizable, there are often problems when choosing a screen and keyboard. Some large laptops can be difficult to carry and quite heavy.
Finding laptop cases to sell can also be difficult. Type "laptop skeleton" or "laptop case" into a search engine to find out who sells the case. MSI is one of the few makers of laptop casings.
4. Buy memory. Your laptop needs memory to run, and memory varies depending on the laptop. See if SO-DIMM memory can be used on your motherboard. The faster the memory, the better, but this will reduce the battery life.
For daily use, 2-4G memory is usually enough.
5. Select the hard disk. Laptops generally use a 2.5 driver, which is different from the 3.5 driver for desktop computers. You can choose a standard 5400RPM or 7200RPM drive, or choose a fixed drive. Fixed drive is faster, but it has a shorter life.
Choose a hard drive with space that meets your needs. Most housings can only fit one drive, so the drive may be difficult to update later. Make sure the hard drive has enough space to install the operating system (about 15-20 gigabytes).
6. Determine if you need a separate graphics card. Not every case will come with a graphics card. Instead, the graphics card needs to be installed on the motherboard of the housing. If you can install a graphics card, think about whether you need one. For graphic design programs or games, the graphics card is very important.
7. Select an optical drive. This is an optional step because you can install the operating system via USB or download it from the Internet.
Some enclosures already include a drive. Not all drives will fit all housings, so make sure the drive fits the housings you choose.
It's easy to determine if you need to buy. Consider how often you use the optical drive. Keep in mind that you can use a USB external drive instead of a built-in drive.
8, select the battery. You need to find a battery with the same shape and joint (laptop batteries have multiple pins). There is an integrated circuit in the battery that lets the computer know the temperature of the battery, whether the battery is working and charging, and the percentage of battery charge). If you use your laptop a lot when you're out and about, it's best to use a long battery life. Do some comparisons to find the best batteries to buy.
Buy good batteries. Take a look at battery users' shopping reviews.
Part 2: Putting it all Together
1. Find tools. You'll need a range of screwdrivers, preferably magnetic ones. Notebook screws are small and more difficult to use than desktop screws. Find a pair of needle-nose pliers so you can grab the screws that fit inside the notebook.
Place the screws in a plastic bag until you need to use them. This will prevent the screws from getting lost.
2. Insulate yourself. Electrostatic discharge can easily damage computer components, so make sure you are insulated before assembling your laptop. Anti-static cuffs keep you insulated, and it's cheap.
3. Turn the shell over so that the bottom is facing up. You can see the motherboard through several movable plates on the back of the case.
4. Remove the plastic plate covering the drive area. This board covers the 2.5 drive area, and this is where the hard drive is. Its location varies according to the case, but this area is generally on the upper part of the notebook.
5. Install the hard drive into the bracket. Most laptops require the hard drive to be placed in a stand next to the drive. Use four screws to stabilize the hard drive. Four screw holes will ensure that you are installing in the correct direction.
6.Insert the mounted hard drive into the drive area. Use sandpaper to provide enough pressure to position the hard drive. Once the hard drive is installed in place, the bracket should be open with two screw holes against it. Insert screws to stabilize the hard drive.
7. Install the CD-ROM drive. The installation method depends on your housing, but it is usually plugged in from the front window of the drive area and then into the connection socket.
8. Remove the cover on the motherboard. This mask may be more difficult to reach than the hard disk mask. After you've removed all the screws, you need to pry it open.
9. Install your memory. Once the shutter is open, you need to find the memory socket on the motherboard. Insert a SO-DIMM type memory bar by holding down one end and then pushing down the other end. The memory can only fit in one direction, so don't force it in.
10. Install the CPU. The CPU may start off when it is loaded into the card slot. You need to twist it to the "on" position with a flat-head screwdriver.
Turn the CPU upside down to see the pins. There should be one corner with no pins. The notch is flush with the flange on the socket.
The CPU can only be plugged into the socket in one way. If the CPU doesn't fit in, don't press it, or you'll bend the pin and damage the processor.
After the CPU is installed, turn the CPU lock to the Lock position.
11. Install cooling fan. Your CPU should have a cooling fan. Most cooling fans are already built into the bottom of the CPU. If the fan is not installed, you need to hot glue the fan to the CPU.
After the hot glue has stuck, you can install the fan. The fan vents should be aligned with the vents on the housing. Be sensitive when you install it, don't force the fan in, but slowly shake it in. [1]
Keep the radiator at an Angle until you find the right position. So the hot glue doesn't stick to other components.
After the fan is installed, connect its power supply to the motherboard. If you don't want to connect a fan, the laptop will overheat and shut down after a few minutes.
12. Cover the curtain. Once all the components are in place, cover the screen and screw in the screws. Your notebook is assembled!
Part Three: Start
1. Make sure the battery is plugged in. It's easy to forget to install the battery during assembly, make sure the battery is loaded and fully charged before starting the computer.
2. Check the memory. Before installing the operating system, run Memtest86+ to make sure your memory is available and your computer is running properly. Memtest86+ is available for free download online and can be booted from a CD or USB.
You can also use the BIOS to verify that the installed memory has been recognized. Find the "Hardware" or "Display" section and see if memory appears in it.
3. Install the operating system. For a homemade laptop, you can choose Microsoft Windows or Linux. Windows costs money but offers a lot of programs, and hardware compatibility is good. Linux is free, but it is provided by a volunteer developer.
There are many Linux versions to choose from, but the most popular are Ubuntu, Mint, and Debian.
It is recommended that you install the latest version of Windows, as older versions are out of support.
If you don't have an optical drive installed, you'll need to create a bootable USB drive on your operating system.
4. Install your driver. After the operating system is installed, you need to install the hardware drivers. Most modern operating systems install it automatically, but there are still one or two components that need to be installed manually. Most components come with the drive on the disc. If your operating system cannot find the correct drive, use a CD.
