Article Number: 000139511 Print

A Basic Guide to Identifying the Major Components of a

Laptop System.
Summary:
This article provides a visual guide to each of the major components you will find on any
notebook computer currently shipping or having shipped in the last 10 years.

Article Content

Symptoms

The following guides will provide a visual guide to each of the major components you will find on any notebook computer currently
shipping or having shipped in the last 10 years. They will also give some basic info on each component as well. If this guide doesn't
answer your question then please contact your Local Support.

Visual Guides to the Various Notebook Components

Note: Colour and Configuration may change depending on your System Type. This guide is only meant to provide a basic knowledge
of what each part is and does in your Computer.
 
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Identifying the Storage Device (i.e HDD or SDD)

What it Looks like and What it does?
 

(Fig.1.1 HDD and SSD notebook drives)

The HDD (Hard Disk Drive)/SSD (Solid State Drive) is the part of your Computer which holds your Software and Data.

(Fig.1.2 Removing drive caddy from Notebook)

The HDD in a Notebook is 2.5" wide and is Silver on top, with a circuit board on the base.
The SSD in a Notebook is 2.5" wide, usually Black on top, with a circuit board with chips on the base.

The HDD/SSD has no cables which connect to them. The drives plug straight to a connector on your Motherboard.

There are some System Type's which will use a Ribbon cable to connect the HDD/SSD to the Motherboard, but these are System
Types where the HDD/SSD will not be considered to be a Customer Replaceable Part (CRU).

The HDD/SSD will be secured in place, either in a Cage or with Phillips head screws, depending on your System Type.

HDD's are older technology with spinning platters that can store a lot of data. SSD's are newer technology which ups the drives
access speeds by using flash memory instead of platters. SSD's are a common upgrade part to improve the speed of most systems,
but the storage sizes are still short of what an HDD can handle. Combinations of both are used for fast boot and seek speeds, while
still holding space for saved data.

Identifying the Memory

What it looks Like and What it does?
 

(Fig.2.1 Memory Dimm (Dual Inline Memory Module))

The Memory is the part of your Computer which lets it transfer Data between your Software programs and the more you have the
more it speeds up your experience of using the programs.

(Fig.2.2 Memory Retaining Clips)

The Memory in a Notebook is not compatible with that fitted in Desktops. The Memory DIMM is only 2" long and 1" tall, with a
Golden fringe along the bottom and there will be a notch cut out of the fringe.

To release the Memory you pull apart the clips at either side of the Memory and it rises at a 45-degree angle which is far enough up
that you can pull it completely out of the slot.

To reseat the Memory you push the Memory into the slot and then push straight down, making sure it's the correct way round and
the clips either side of the slot will catch the Memory in place. This secures the Memory in place and if the clips do not catch
the Memory in place or you can see any of the gold fringes on the bottom of the Memory outside of the slot, then it isn't seated
properly.

The Memory card has a notch cut in the bottom which matches a bar in the Memory slot. It will only allow the Memory to be fitted in
the Memory slot the correct way round. The position of the notch denotes which type of memory and memory slot you have. This is
different on everything from DDR to DDR4.

Identifying the Media Drive (CD/DVD/BRay)

What it Looks Like and What it does?
 
The CD/DVD Drive is the part of the Computer which reads CD/DVD media. Depending on the type of drive you have it may allow you
to create your media as well.

(Fig.3.1 Optical Disc Drive)

(Fig.3.2 Removing drive from Notebook)

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

The drive has no cables that connect to it. The drive plugs straight to a connector on the Motherboard.

There are is usually either an eject/locking catch, a Phillips head screw - or both, locking the drive in place.

Identifying the Battery

What it Looks Like and What it does?
 

(Fig.4.1 Notebook Battery)

The Battery supplies power to your computer when you are mobile and can't use Mains Power.
(Fig.4.2 Battery Securing Clips)

The Battery is usually a rectangular shape and fits the base of the system. It will usually be the same colour as the chassis.

To remove the Battery you will need to release it from the bay on the system. There will be locking slides around the Battery you will
need to move to an open position before the Battery will come loose.

To reseat the Battery you will need to locate the Battery into the correct position and push down into the bay until it firmly seats in
place and the locking slides click into the locked position.

Identifying the System Fan

What it Looks Like and What it does?
 

(Fig.5 Notebook Fan)

The System Fan is used to pull air out of your Computer to cool the System down. This stops it from overheating and makes it work
more efficiently.

The System Fan is black and usually surrounded by a Black shroud.

The fan has a Power/Control cable which plugs to the Motherboard.

The fan is secured to the chassis using Phillips head screws.

Identifying the AC Adapter and Cable

What it Looks like and What it does?
 

(Fig.6.1 Notebook AC Adapter)

The AC Adapter and Power Cord is the part of your Computer which powers the machine and all of its components using Mains
Power.

(Fig.6.2 AC Adapter UK Power Cord Diagram)

This is an external device and will be composed of two separate parts. The AC Adapter which plugs to your DC In connector on your
System and is usually rectangular in shape and the Power Cord cable which plugs from your Mains Power socket to the AC Adapter.
(The picture shown here is of a UK plug with three prongs. Your mains lead should end in your countries plug style.)

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

The AC Adapter will usually have an LED which lights up when it's plugged to Mains Power.

Identifying the Heatsink

What it Looks like and What it does?
 

(Fig.7 Heatsink Assembly)

The Heatsink is the part of your Computer which directs heat away from your Processor which is the brain of your computer. It will
sometimes have a fan.

The Heatsink in a Notebook usually takes the form of a twisting heat pipe in Copper with a fan in a shroud at one end.

To remove it, you will take out the screws and disconnect the fan cable and remove the Assembly from the system.

To reseat it, you will reconnect the fan cable and having put the Heatsink back in place, put the screws back in.

The Heatsink and fan will secure to the Chassis with Phillips head screws.

Identifying the Motherboard

What it Looks like and What it does?
 
(Fig.8.1 Notebook System Motherboard)

The Motherboard is the part of your Computer, which every other part connects to and it controls how those parts are used.

(Fig.8.2 Motherboard in Notebook Chassis)

You will not be asked to Remove this part.

All the other parts of your Computer will plug to this one component. Access to it on most systems will be through the base of the
system.

Please check your Owners manual or the CRU removal guide for your System Type, to get the best steps for gaining access to
the Motherboard.

The Motherboard has your Processor fitted to it and is secured to your chassis with Philips head screws.

Identifying the Wireless (WLAN) Card

What it Looks like and What it does?
 

(Fig.9.1 WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) Card)

The WLAN Card is the part of your Computer which allows you to connect to WIFI/Wireless networks.

(Fig.9.2 WLAN card with antenna cables attached)

The WLAN Card is usually a 1" by 1" square with a Golden fringe along the bottom.

To remove it you will disconnect the aerial cables and take out the screw securing the card. The card will pop up at a 45-degree
angle, you can then pull it fully out of the slot.

To reseat it, you will 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's fully seated.

The WLAN Card will be secured to a Mini PCI slot on the Motherboard with a Phillips head screw.

Identifying the 3G/Broadband (WWAN) Card

What it Looks like and What it does?
 

(Fig.10.1 WWAN (Wireless Wide Area Network) Card)

The WWAN Card is the part of your Computer which allows you to connect to 3G/Cellular Wireless networks.

(Fig.10.2 WWAN Card with antenna cables attached)

The WWAN Card is usually 1.5" long by 1" wide, with a Golden fringe along the bottom of the card.

To remove it you will disconnect the aerial cables and take out the screw securing the card. The card will pop up at a 45-degree
angle, you can then pull it fully out of the slot.

To reseat it, you will 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's fully seated.

The WWAN Card will be secured to a Mini PCI slot on the Motherboard with a Phillips head screw.

(Fig.10.3 SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) Card)

There will also be a Sim Card required for full functionality, This is identical to a Sim Card from your Phone. Where it plugs into the
Computer will depend on the System Type. Please consult your Owners manual or go to the CRU removal guide for your System
Type.

Identifying the Bluetooth Card

What it Looks like and What it does?
 

(Fig.11.1 Bluetooth Module)

The Bluetooth Card is the part of your Computer which allows you to connect to the Bluetooth Wireless networks.

(Fig.11.2 Bluetooth module secured with screw)

The Bluetooth Card can be seen in one of two formats. Most commonly it's a small rectangular card with a cable connection slot at
one end and a screw-hole at the other. Sometimes it will be included as an added feature on certain WLAN Cards. These cards are
often called Combi Cards.

To remove it you will disconnect the Bluetooth cable and take out the screw securing the card. You can then pull it fully out of the
slot.

To reseat it, you will push it back into the slot and secure with the screw. Reconnect the Bluetooth cable and check it's fully seated.

The card will usually be secured to a slot on the chassis with a Phillips head screw.

Identifying the Keyboard

What it Looks like and What it does?
 

(Fig.12.1 Internal Keyboard and cable)

The Keyboard is the part of your Computer which lets you input Data and Commands to the Computer. It will be used in conjunction
with the Touchpad to control the Computer.
(Fig.12.2 Keyboard fitted in Notebook)

The Keyboard will look like a flat/compact version of a regular Keyboard.

To remove or reseat I would recommend using your Owners manual or to check out the CRU removal guide for your System Type, to
get the correct steps. The steps will change from System to System.

The Keyboard is integral to the Computer and will secure to the chassis with Phillips head screws and by either a Ribbon cable or by
an Option Card connector.

Identifying the LCD

What it Looks like and What it does?
 

(Fig.13 LCD Display)

The LCD is the integral screen built into the Computer which will let you see and interact with your Computer.

The LCD is integral to the Computer and you will not be asked to remove or reseat this part.

You may be asked to reconnect the LCD cable where it connects to the Motherboard.

The Owners manual is your best guide for your particular System Type.

The LCD comprises the LCD panel, the LCD bezel and the LCD back cover.

It connects to your Computer by the LCD cable and the Hinges which attach to the LCD back cover.

 
Article Properties

Affected Product
Inspiron, Latitude, Vostro, XPS

Last Published Date

21 Feb 2021

Version

Article Type
Solution