Is it possible to modify the laptop. Modernization of old components

Any technique over time is obsolete. It concerns this pattern and laptops. In most cases, they are not particularly engaged in updating, preferring the acquisition of a new model. However, there are a number of components that can be successfully replaced by new ones. Next, consider the potential of laptops in the upgrade plan.

When do you need to upgrade a laptop?

First of all, the upgrade of the hardware portable computers is required in cases where the current configuration lacks resources to perform the tasks and work with the new software. If the computer and so copes with everything that is required by the user, then there is no need to update.

For example, changing the processor on a laptop intended for Internet surfing, watching movies and work with text does not make sense. Another thing is, if it is used as a workstation for editing video, three-dimensional graphics and other demanding resources, tasks.

What can be improved

Unlike desktop computers, the modernization of laptops is very limited. In a stationary PC, almost any component can be changed independently. Portable solutions are more difficult with this.

RAM

The easiest and easier way of upgrading - extension random access memory. We will have to search the bar suitable for a particular model, but it will not be established. It is worth remembering that components for laptops are different high price And not so unified as items for desktop PCs.

Adding RAM Runs will not be superfluous anyway. The greater the volume of RAM, the higher the performance. However, before such a step, it should be carefully familiar with the requirements of the motherboard to RAM strips. If a specific model The laptop was produced with the maximum available volume RAM, then increase it, naturally, will not work.

HDD

The main data warehouse is changing in three cases: when the "native" Winchester came into disrepair, during replacement more capacious or hard disk With SSD elements. The first case in the comments do not need. The second is relevant when storing an impressive data archive (although here you can do and external drives).

Replacing the hard disk on SSD increases the speed of the system, as well as the extension of RAM, so these two procedures are often produced in the complex. The need for the operation depends on the needs of the user. If the system performance is sufficient and at such a level, then it is not necessary to change the hard disk.

CPU

The upgrade of the central processor of the laptop is possible and is practiced by many users. However, in this matter, much depends on the method of fastening the CPU to the motherboard. If it is equipped with contact "legs" (PAC - PIN Array Connector), then its replacement is relatively not difficult and can be produced without special tools.

If the CPU "put" on the fee with the help of solder balls (BGA - BALL Grid Array), then it will take infrared soldering station and strict temperature control to replace it. Therefore, BGA soldering services are far from every workshop.

Another nuance lies in compatibility with motherboards. As a rule, it is limited by the models of processors that are equipped with a specific product line of laptops. That is, the possibility of installing a more productive chip is limited to the top model of the line. And if the computer and so was purchased in the most expensive configuration, then there is nowhere to build up.

Video card

Updating video card or graphic processor The laptop in order to improve the quality of the display of the graph - the task is risky and in most cases is unjustified. Laptops are very rarely found, where the video card is made in the form of a separate node, which is easy to replace (more difficult to get it).

In the remaining cases, the graphics processing corresponds to the chip, ship-off to the board with the help of previously mentioned balls. Therefore, it should be resorted to this step only if the graphic chip is output.

Thus, using the installation of more advanced components, you can conduct a laptop upgrade. However, by virtue constructive features Laptops, it will be more difficult and more expensive than in the case of desktop systems.

One of these laptops was 8 years old, but he does not look at the old man

It is fear that a new laptop from the previous manufacturer will be less convenient than the old one, it is not worthwhile - in all models, except for acrobatic "transformers", the design and basic elements of the controls have not changed a good ten years. Yes, and technical progress in laptops slowed down, especially over the past 4 years, when manufacturers of mobile processors have been put down in a sweet way of mutual competition, after which the increase in power in computers began to flow "on a teaspoon" once a year or two. To deny progress as such, since 2011 a lot of water has flowed, and the outdated model will not be able to be comparable for the price of the novelty on equal. Therefore, the replacement of a three-four-year-old computer on topical with a similar design will most often give the owner that the most sense of quality, which eventually disappeared from the previous laptop.

It is also possible that destroying is not in the "body", but in the "head" of the device - before proceeding to the opening of your mobile computerWe advise you to make sure that the reason for slowness lies not in the software.

Risk Group: Laptops Available to Modernization

Almost every laptop has the so-called "Service Manual" - the repair instructions in which the manufacturer explains the order of disassembling the model (in English, truth). Before you "dive with your head to the Out" and try to disassemble your favorite yourself, it will be worthwhile to evaluate the experience of other users and tips of the manufacturer: "Podlakov" in the design of the laptop can be much more than it seems at first glance.

We form entirely classes of devices that are not suitable or extremely troublesome in the issue of modernization at home. First of all, these are "laptops-tablets" with a removing keyboard, hybrid laptops - "reversals" with a display that can unfold 360 degrees, and simply extremely thin and light computers of the UltraBook class: In the latter case, RAM is almost always planted on motherboardThe graphics are integrated into the processor, and the drive is represented by the SSD capacious, to get to which is extreme.

Instead of buying a new laptop, you can upgrade the old: a competent upgrade will save money and make your laptop almost the same quick as the laptops of the last generation.

After removing the bottom cover of the laptop, all its components becomes available. In some models there are several small caps with icons for which you will understand which device you will get access.

Large memory, high performance, fast work In wireless networks - to get all this, not at all be sure to buy a new laptop. The replacement of several components of the laptop will help to avoid buying a new and expensive. Serious upgrade laptopespecially relatively old models are made without problems, as almost all the main components for them (processor, hDD, RAM, Module wireless communication) comes on sale. The motherboard specification imposes certain limitations. The processor can only choose such a socket to which your motherboard belongs. The main requirement for RAM modules and a hard disk is compatible with motherboardSo before start choosing components for your laptop, find on the Internet (for example, on the manufacturer's website or Yandex.Market) specifications Your model, or install the FinalWire program to your laptop, which will help get information about the hardbook hardware. A video card in the overwhelming majority of cases will not be updated, as it is integrated into the motherboard.

Before disassemble the laptopIt should be understood which components of the laptop determine its low performance.

RAM

If yours laptop slows down Only in cases where many programs work at the same time, or when you open files big sizeHe obviously lacks RAM. As a consequence, the operating system is forced to continuously save data on the hard disk, which are later read from it. All this slows down the work of the computer. It is recommended to increase the amount of memory if less than 1 GB of RAM is installed in a laptop on Windows XP. If we are talking about Vista or "seven", it will be wiser to set at least 2-3 GB. Use 4 GB and more makes sense only in cases where you have a 64-bit version of the OS.

Today, you can find the RAM MODULES DDR1, DDR2 and DDR3 standards (though the first type is much less), working on various clock frequencies. The CPU-Z utility will help you determine the type and characteristics of the installed RAM, and also prompt how many modules is under the cover of the case. Maximum productivity You will receive if you have two identical RAM Modules with the same timings (CAS Latency), now in stores it is easy to find such sets, 2 modules of 1 GB or 2 modules of 2 GB.

HDD

If your laptop is required to download OS more than two or three minutes, it should be revision to start installed programs and remove unnecessary from the autorun list, what will help you free program CCleaner or free PC Decrapior utility. If it does not save, the problem can be in the hard disk. Budget laptops for the mass market are often equipped with rather slow HDDs. The maximum increase in speed is even more than when replacing a central processor or RAM - can give installation solid-state drive. True, until the purchase of SSD cannot be called a budget solution, but now you can find quite affordable models worth about 3000 rubles. (For example, OCZ), but using the SDD disk, do not forget to perform OS optimization: Disable or transfer to another drive swap files, disable defragmentation, indexing, and other services (for this you can use the SSD TWEAKER program).

A compromise between the high speed of the SSD drive and large capacity Classic HDD is a Seagate Momentus XT hybrid disk. However, if your laptop is made in 2006-2007 or even earlier, it is most likely equipped with an IDE interface for connecting the hard drive, which can be accurately found out with the help of the same Everest utility. Hard drives with the IDE interface today are found quite rarely, and their maximum volume is 320 GB. In addition, the cost of one gigabyte is almost twice as much as the models with the SATA interface.

CPU

The laptop processor is outdated, the user says delays during the system operation and when playing high definition video files. Before making a decision on replace the processor in a laptop,should find out on the official website intel companies or AMD socket type (processor connector), as well as the maximum level of power consumption of your CPU. These parameters of the new processor must necessarily be identical to those posted by the old component.

We also note that if we are talking only about slow reproduction of HD video on an old laptop, a simpler alternative can be equipped with a Broadcom Crystal HD hardware decoder that is installed in the free MINI slot PCI EXPRESS. and is engaged only by hardware acceleration of high-definition video playback. On the Internet auction eBay, it can be purchased at a price of $ 40 (1120 rubles), but this method will not suit the owners of laptops until 2008 release.

Wi-Fi Module

In case you are tired of the slowness of the laptop in wireless network, it is necessary replace Wi-Fi Module. It is recommended to replace this component and for safety reasons, since the chip released for a long time, instead of the current WPA2 encryption algorithm, only WPA supports WPA or outdated WEP. The maximum increase in connection speed and range will provide you with the installation of the WLAN module of the modern standard 802.11n. As a rule, for the mobile computer of the 2006-2007 releases and older models you will need a MINI PCI module, and for newer laptops - MINI PCI EXPRESS format module. In the latter case, I recommend the Intel 6200 or the Three-Animed version of Intel 6300.

Blu-ray drive

To install Blu-ray drive, you need your laptop enough powerful processor, level not lower than Core 2 Duo. This is the main thing, but not the only condition - the screen resolution should be at least 1280 × 720 points. It makes sense to install this type The actuator also in the event that the laptop is equipped with an HDMI connector for connecting to the TV. The cost of the Bluray Form factor Slim Line today is about 4,000 rubles, but it will be interesting to enthusiasts that want to save on the purchase of the Bluray player for their LCD or plasma TV.

Battery

Replacement of the battery in a laptop It does not represent difficulties, it is enough to "score" in the search engine model of your laptop and the word "battery" and you will find in stores as an analogue of the original battery and the battery of high-tank. Over time, laptop batteries inevitably lose their capacity, reducing time autonomous work. New battery can cost 3,500 rubles. And above, especially for old models.

Selection of components for upgrading a laptop

RAM, hard drives and Blu-ray drives for laptops are standard "hardware" that can be bought almost in any computer store. However, keep in mind that components of obsolete standards are much more expensive than modern components. Therefore, it is unlikely that it makes sense to acquire a new hard drive if your laptop is equipped with an IDE interface. Today, a 320-gigabyte model with this obsolete connector costs more than a 750 GB SATA disk.

The same can be said about RAM modules: 1 GB of DDR1 Standard today is more expensive than 4 GB of memory of the current DDR3 standard. It is more complicated with the possibility of buying a central processing: in stores, as a rule, you can meet only modern models. Nevertheless, on the Internet and in the markets it is still possible to find the processors of previous years, such as Core 2 Duo / Quad. Products are even more respectable age (meaning WLAN-modules and single-core processors) will have to be taken former in use, but their price, as a rule, turns out to be quite democratic.

Replacing the old laptop component

To work, you will need a cross screwdriver, thermalcaste and a little alcohol. The location of the components on the example sAMSUNG laptop P10 is shown in the photo. The simplest upgrade procedure is the replacement of RAM modules: unscrew the bottom cover of the laptop and pull the module from the socket, squeezing from both sides of the latch and pulling the component to the side opposite to the slot. Installing a new memory module is simply simply: you need to insert it into the slot, press the laptop housing and fix the latches.

If you bought a new hard disk or SSD drive, you should immediately purchase a separate case with a USB connector for it. Install new Disc In this case and connect it to the laptop. Using the image creation program, such as Acronis True Image, Paragon Drive Copy or any other program to archive data, transfer the contents of the old disk to the new one. After that you can replace the drive and run a laptop with your operating system and a full package of installed programs.

Before proceeding to replacing the processor, you should update the BIOS by setting the most last version Firmware that is available for download on the manufacturer's website. Otherwise, if the motherboard cannot recognize the new CPU, the computer is simply not started. Do not forget together with the processor to buy a tube thermal paste (domestic, verified KPT-8). You can remove the processor yourself by turning the locking screw counterclockwise (see photo). Perve a layer of heat-conducting paste, if necessary, remove the residues with alcohol or liquid for washing glass. Now you can install new processor And, applying a new thermal path on its surface, mount the cooler.

For replace the WLAN module Check how many antennas are available in the old component of your laptop. One antenna allows you to communicate with a data transfer rate of no more than 150 Mbps, two - 300 Mbps. To work at a speed of 450 Mbit / you will need the most modern wireless module connected to three antennas. To replace the old module, remove the antenna plugs from it, press both holder outward, then pull the module up and gently remove it. Inserting new module, Align it on the guides and connect the antennas. The Blu-ray drive is easily installed at the place of the old optical drive of your laptop. To do this, unscrew the drive fastening screws at the bottom of the case and remove it. In the rear of the drive there is a holder to remove from the old component and secure the screws on the new. In most cases, pre-put forward tray, from the old optical device You can disconnect the front panel and rearrange it to a new drive. Then insert it into place, tighten the screws - and ready.

Installing RAM

Small RAM slots. Modules of RAM for laptops have a SO-DIMM form factor - they are two times less than ordinary modules for desktop PCs.

Module replacement procedure: To extract the old memory module, you need to click on the latch on both sides. New need to insert into the slot and press it up to it until it clicks.

Installing a hard disk

Extraction. When the bottom cover is open, you should unscrew the screws of the hard drive chassis and disconnect the loop (most often, the plastic clip is used for fastening the loop, which must be raised up).

Install new drive In the chassis of the old and mounted it in the old place.

Replacing CPU.

The processor is fixed with a screw. CPU In the laptop is attached not as a similar component in desktop computer. Here, for its dismantling, you will need to unscrew a special screw.

Replacing the thermal paste. Throughout the surface of the chip, it is necessary to evenly distribute the thermal planer with a thin layer for a better heat exchange between the processor and the radiator of its cooler.

Replacing the old Wi-Fi module on WLAN

WLAN module. MINI PCI Express Expression Map with 802.11n WLAN Module can have three plugs for connecting antennas (left).

Installing the Wi-Fi module.Like the RAM bar, the WLAN module must first insert into the guides, and then apply an effort directional down.

Blu-ray drive

Extraction of an old DVD drive. After unscrewing the attachment screw, the optical drive is easily removed from the laptop housing.

Set the holder and the front panel to the new drive, before you start mounting a DVD or Blu-ray drive into a mobile computer case.

One of these laptops was 8 years old, but he does not look at the old man

It is fear that a new laptop from the previous manufacturer will be less convenient than the old one, it is not worthwhile - in all models, except for acrobatic "transformers", the design and basic elements of the controls have not changed a good ten years. Yes, and technical progress in laptops slowed down, especially over the past 4 years, when manufacturers of mobile processors have been put down in a sweet way of mutual competition, after which the increase in power in computers began to flow "on a teaspoon" once a year or two. To deny progress as such, since 2011 a lot of water has flowed, and the outdated model will not be able to be comparable for the price of the novelty on equal. Therefore, the replacement of a three-four-year-old computer on topical with a similar design will most often give the owner that the most sense of quality, which eventually disappeared from the previous laptop.

It is also possible that the devastation is not in the "body", but in the "head" of the device - before you begin to open your mobile computer, we advise you to make sure that the reason for slowness lies not in the softe.

Risk Group: Laptops Available to Modernization

Almost every laptop has the so-called "Service Manual" - the repair instructions in which the manufacturer explains the order of disassembling the model (in English, truth). Before you "dive with your head to the Out" and try to disassemble your favorite yourself, it will be worthwhile to evaluate the experience of other users and tips of the manufacturer: "Podlakov" in the design of the laptop can be much more than it seems at first glance.

We form entirely classes of devices that are not suitable or extremely troublesome in the issue of modernization at home. First of all, these are "tablet laptops" with a removing keyboard, hybrid laptops - "reversals" with a display capable of unfolding 360 degrees, and simply extremely thin and light computers of the UltraBook class: In the latter case, RAM is almost always planted on the motherboard, graphics Integrated into the processor, and the drive is represented by the SSD capacious, get to which is extreme.

This material shows how to increase the volume of RAM in the laptop, how to replace the DVD drive, as well as how to replace the laptop hard drive.

How to replace the processor is shown in this material :.

How to replace the video card is shown in the manual:

[b] If you have the opportunity, it is better to trust the upgrade procedure to qualified specialists in the service center

[b] Everything related to the upgrade laptop is discussed in this topic of the forum:

Increase the volume of RAM

The increase in the main memory volume is the most typical type of upgrade. This issue is discussed in this theme of the forum:

Consider the feasibility of such an upgrade. If you have 512 or 1 GB of RAM in your laptop, then an increase in its volume to 2 GB makes sense. Now the optimal volume of RAM is 2 GB. An increase of up to 3 or 4 GB makes sense in case you work with graphics, video and CAD systems. Also, a small increase is observed in some toys.

[b] Note: It is worth noting that 32-bit systems cannot work more than 3 GB of RAM. That is, if you have 4 GB of RAM installed, then the 32-bit system will actually use only 3 GB. To work with all 4 GB, it is worth putting a 64-bit operating system.

Another point: memory frequency. Many believe that if they, for example, take memory for 800 MHz, then it will work for 800 MHz. It is not always so. The memory frequency is determined by the chipset (in the case of Intel) and the processor memory controller (in the case of AMD). If the chipset is not cleared to work with memory at a frequency of 800 MHz, then the memory at such a frequency will not work. Frequency will be automatically reduced to maximum for chipset

For example, the Intel PM965 chipset supports memory at a frequency of 667 MHz. If you install the memory modules for 800 MHz in such a system, then they will work for all the same 667 MHz. If you set the memory modules to 533 MHz, then they will work for 533 MHz. If there are 2 memory modules in the laptop, then the frequency of their operation will be determined by the smallest rated frequency of the installed memory. That is, if 2 modules are installed in the laptop: one is designed for 667 MHz, and the second is 533 MHz, then as a result, both will work at the lowest rated frequency - 533 MHz. The same applies to both timings. If there are 2 memory modules, then the workers are selected maximum timings that are stitched to SPD for operating frequency.

It is extremely desirable to install the memory modules of the same volume and, if possible, the same manufacturer. This will allow you to activate a two-channel mode, in which the speed of working with memory increases by about two times ideally (in practice it is an average of 1.5-1.7 times). If the volume of memory modules are not the same, the hybrid two-channel mode turns on. The average increase in this case is not so big.

Before going to the store must be determined with what needs to be bought

First you need to download the program [b] CPU-Z (download page)

Run the program and go to the [B] tab] MEMORY

As we can see, the laptop has 2 GB of RAM, which operates at a frequency of 667 MHz (in the window indicates 333.4 MHz, but taking into account the memory of the DDR memory, then the effective frequency will be 2 times higher - that is, approximately 667 MHz )

Memory works in two-channel mode ([b] dual). Just below are timings.

To get more complete information about memory modules, go to the [B] SPD tab.

The upper window indicates the memory slot number. As a rule, in laptops there are only two of them. This means that you can set a maximum of two memory modules.

As you can see, the first slot is installed in the memory module of Hyundai Electronics (HYNIX) calculated on 667 MHz. The same module is installed in the second slot

If I want, for example, to increase the volume of RAM up to 4 GB, then I will have to sell my 2 modules per 1 GB and buy 2 modules for 2 GB.

If you have one slot free, and the second memory module is installed on 1 GB, then to increase the rolling memory volume to 2 GB, it is enough to just buy another module for 1 GB and install it in the second slot. When choosing a memory module is preferably (but not necessary) to take memory of the same manufacturer and which is designed to the same frequency as the first.

When it was determined with the necessary volume of RAM and acquired the appropriate RAM modules - you can proceed to directly installed.

Consider in more detail the process of replacing memory modules:

First [b] in obligatory Turn off the laptop from the power supply and take out the battery. Then remove the lid that covers access to memory modules. Sometimes it happens that the memory modules are covered with a separate lid.

[b] Note: If you are experiencing difficulty disassembling a laptop, you download the instructions for disassembling your laptop model from this forum theme:

The installed memory modules look like this:

To remove them, you need to push the metal legs on the sides, as a result, the memory module is slightly lifted

now you can pull it out without any problems

Installing modules occurs in reverse order. First, install the memory module at an angle in the connector, and then click on it and it snaps into the connector. We set the lid, put the battery and turn on the laptop. To control everything whether it works as it is necessary - launch [b] CPU-Z and look at the [B] MEMORY and [B] SPD tabs.

[b] All questions about replacing RAM asking for the Forum in this topic :.

Replacing Winchester

Replacing the hard drive is also an ondar of the most frequent procedures.

Principal restrictions on the volume hard disk not. There are also no special restrictions on the speed of spindle speed. In a laptop, you can install hard drives as with a frequency of revolutions of 5400 rpm and from 7200 rpm.

When choosing Winchester worth paying attention to the time. Now the SATA is mainly used, but the IDE can be used in some old laptops. Placing connectors and dimensions are standardized. As a rule, 2.5 "Winchesters with a height of 9.5 mm are installed in laptops. There are also 2.5" Winchesters with a height of 12.5 mm., Which can simply be in height in the laptop. When buying it is also worth paying attention to

Old laptop hard drive can be installed in an external USB pocket. All that is connected with this is discussed in this topic of the forum :.

Now you can consider the hard disk replacement procedure more and in detail.

Before replacing the hard disk, the laptop must be turned off, the cable from the power supply is turned off and remove the battery.

[b] Note: If you are experiencing difficulties with the replacement of hard drive, you download the instructions for disassembling your laptop model from this forum theme:

Then the cap is removed, which covers the hard drive. To remove the hard drive first you need to disconnect it from the connector. To do this, it must be moved away from the connector

when they moved away - pull the winchester up

As a rule, Winchesters in laptops are fixed in a metal frame. They must be removed and put on a new hard drive. Metal frame is held 4 bolts

unscrew them ...

When finished put the frame on the new hard drive and mount it together with the new Winchester in the laptop.
How to restore on a new hard drive hidden sections - Read

Replacement DVD drive

In some old laptops, old Combo drives are installed that do not know how to record DVD discs. To this unpleasant moment correct you can install a new DVD drive. Another reason for changing the drive can serve the replacement of a multi-format DVD drive to drives with Blu-ray or HD-DVD drives. In any case, the replacement procedure is the same. Drives in most cases have standard dimensions and interfaces SATA or mini-IDE. It is raised only by the cover of the tray, which can be removed without any problems.

First turn off the laptop, turn it off from the network and take out the battery.

[b] Note: If you have difficulty with removing the drive, then you download the instructions for disassembling your laptop model from this forum theme:

In some models of laptops, replaces the drive even without removing the lid. In the overwhelming majority laptops, the drive is held in its place by one bolt, which is located approximately at one level with the center of the tray, where the disks are set and at a distance of 12-15 cm from it. Remove that bolt:

In some old laptops, that bolt is unscrewed from the bottom side, but from the keyboard side (it is placed under it)
And in order to unscrew it will come to remove the keyboard. The keyboard, as a rule, holds on the latches at the top and bottom or fastened with the bolts under the top panel. In this case, you will have to remove the decorative panel above the keyboard and unscrew the bolts.

When the bolt is removed - then you can pull the drive itself

All standard. We take out the old one, put the new and twist that bolt. It is worth noting that in some laptops the drive is installed in a plastic or metal frame. When replacing the drive, it will have to remove it from the old and install on a new drive. It also happens that the laptop uses a non-standard drive tray cover. It will also come with an old drive and install on a new one.

That's all. With the replacement of the drive finished

Replacing the processor and video card

Replacing the processor and video card is the most complex upgrade procedure.

Get new video card Or the processor can be in the service center or in online stores.

[b] If you do not know which video card or to buy a processor, you can contact for help in this topic:

When the processor or video card is purchased, you can proceed to replace.

Replacing the video card is no different from the procedure for changing the thermal paste in the laptop ,. All differences are reduced to the fact that instead old video card The laptop establishes a new one.

The procedure for replacing the processor is similar. It is described in this material :.

That's all.

[b] We ask all questions in this topic forum:

Edited: Fuzzyl - March 4, 2011
Cause: Material version 2.0