Repairing or upgrading a laptop indeed requires a certain level of expertise, primarily due to the intricate design and integration of its components. Unlike a light bulb, which operates on a simple electrical circuit, laptops are complex assemblies with parts like the motherboard, CPU, and storage drives working in unison. These components are often soldered or tightly packed within the laptop’s slim casing, making them difficult to access without specialized tools and knowledge. Furthermore, the risk of static damage to sensitive electronics adds another layer of challenge. So don’t try this at home and let the professionals handle such tasks to avoid any potential damage or data loss.
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Contents
Dilemma At Hand: Broken Laptops
I bought my first computer, a Hewlett-Packard model, on installment for home after I started working, and my salary was enough to pay the monthly installment. We used it mainly to play games and surf the internet (that only happened after we had subscribed to a telephone line). That desktop computer stayed with us for a long time until we started to get laptops at work that we could bring back home, and surfing the internet was done on smartphones rather than computers.
The next big buy was a DELL laptop which I used for work as well as it has slightly better specifications and was not controlled by the company software constraints. It was ancient, according to the standards of laptops in the current market. Although I got a better laptop replacement for work from my workplace, the old laptop remained in service as the family would use it for emails, surfing the internet, and instant messages whenever I was away on overseas assignments. We finally disposed of it after it started to have hardware issues and it was cheaper to get a better laptop than to repair the current one.
Laptop No. 1
We were forced to repurchase a brand-new laptop in 2019 when my son needed to use it for his school assignments and to have it shared with the rest of the family. Since we did not need a high-specification laptop for his school assignments, we finally settled with a DELL Inspiron 14 3476 costing RM2,400.
It had an Intel i3 processor, 4GB RAM, 1TB SATA hard drive, Windows 10 Home OS, and Microsoft Office Home and Student 2019 pre-installed. As it was not meant to be used as a gaming laptop, the low specifications were more than enough to do most of the school assignments although we cannot run multiple applications at the same time due to low RAM & SATA hard drive.
Laptop No. 2
We were forced to get another laptop during the height of COVID19 in 2021 for my daughter as the school decided to push all classes to online classes. At first, we used the existing DELL laptop but since the classes were running simultaneously, we had a problem with one laptop being shared by 2 persons. It was time to buy another laptop so everyone had one and it would not disrupt their online classes.
Again I decided on a low-specification laptop as we only needed a laptop with a working mic and webcam to join the online classes. Shopping around online, I found a good deal – an ultra-thin AST branded laptop costing RM1,900 which had an Intel i7 processor, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD drive, Windows 10 Home OS, and Microsoft Office Home pre-installed.
Combining Two into One
The problem with the second laptop although it was fast with 8GB RAM and SSD HD was that the quality of the construct was poor. Barely several months after we bought it, the monitor hinges broke and caused a crack in the motherboard casing. We were able to use it after a simple DIY patchwork using glue and metals but this led to another problem, we could not close the monitor without risking another crack on the casing.
So it was left open till it got worse and we can replace this laptop. In the meantime, the first laptop was not in use because we bought another laptop as my son required a higher-specification laptop for his college assignments & coding work. However, the first laptop was slow and its camera & mic were not working (we suspected it was due to static electricity which happened when we had to change the battery a few years ago).
After reviewing the budget and the financial need, instead of buying another new laptop, we decided to upgrade the DELL laptop so it is fast enough to handle my daughter’s school. To keep the upgrade cost low, we decided to do the upgrades ourselves using the guides on the internet and salvage parts from the AST laptop.
Solid State Drives (SSDs) are known for their faster data transfer speeds, which can significantly improve the performance of a system, especially in terms of boot times, file access times, and overall system responsiveness. They are also more durable due to the lack of mechanical parts, making them less prone to physical damage and data loss from impacts or drops. However, SSDs tend to be more expensive per gigabyte compared to SATA drives, which means they often come with less storage capacity for the same price.
Lesson 1: Upgrading to SSD
We had an AST laptop with a fast 128GB SSD drive, and we wanted to use this SSD to speed up a DELL laptop that had a slower 1TB SATA HDD. The first step was to take apart the AST laptop to remove the SSD and RAM from its motherboard.
However, fitting the SSD from the AST into the DELL laptop wasn’t straightforward because the SSD’s size and connectors didn’t match the DELL’s SATA slot. To make it fit, we needed a special piece of equipment called a 2.5-inch SATA adapter. There are many types of adapters available, but we needed a specific one that matched our SSD.
For info, SSD comes with different types of adapters to connect with a computer. The most common is the SATA connector, which has been in use for a long time and is compatible with many systems. Another type is the M.2 connector, which is used in modern laptops and desktops for faster data transfer. There’s also the NVMe protocol, which works with M.2 connectors to increase speed even more. Other adapters include PCIe, mSATA, and U.2, each with its unique features and uses.
The SSD from the AST laptop was an M.2 type, so we searched online and found the right adapter. It was a 2.5-inch SATA Adapter designed for M2 NGFF SSDs of sizes 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280mm, and it cost RM23. This adapter would allow us to connect the M.2 SSD to the DELL laptop’s SATA slot, enabling the DELL laptop to benefit from the faster SSD speed.
The AST’s SSD after it has been installed into the DELL laptop’s SATA slot using the SSD adapter. Although it is supposed to be a plug & play once we have the adapter, fixing the adapter to the laptop casing was a bit tricky as the screws slots were small & hidden.
Lesson 2: Adding More RAM
To enhance the computer’s performance, the initial plan was to increase the memory by replacing the existing 4GB RAM with 8GB RAM from an AST computer. However, upon inspecting the DELL computer, it was discovered that it had two memory slots, which allowed for additional memory rather than just a replacement.
A complication arose when the 8GB AST RAM was found to be incompatible due to it being DDR3, while the DELL required DDR4 RAM. Consequently, the decision was made to purchase a new 8GB DDR4 RAM for RM85. Installing this RAM into the available slot increased the total memory to 12GB, which is a substantial upgrade from the original 4GB. This upgrade is expected to significantly boost the computer’s start-up speed and overall performance.
When selecting the new DDR4 RAM, it’s important to consider the speed of the RAM, measured in MHz. The online store offers RAM speeds of 3200MHz, 2400MHz, and 2666MHz. For the computer to operate smoothly and efficiently, it’s advisable to use RAM sticks that operate at the same speed. If RAM sticks of different speeds are used, the computer will default to the speed of the slowest stick, leading to underutilization of the faster RAM’s capabilities. Therefore, matching the speed of the new RAM with the existing one is crucial to maximize the performance benefits of the upgrade.
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Nowadays, upgrading your computer’s main parts is simpler than ever. You can find easy-to-follow guides on YouTube that show you each step of the process. There are also detailed blueprints available online that can help you understand exactly what needs to be done. Plus, purchasing the necessary components is convenient, as many online stores sell these parts. This means you can improve your computer’s performance from the comfort of your home, without needing professional help.
Lesson 3: Fixing the AUX Jack
Switching the laptop’s storage from a SATA drive to a solid-state drive (SSD) and adding more RAM made the computer faster and more efficient. Now, it’s important to address the remaining issues with the DELL laptop. The first issue is the auxiliary (aux) jack, which is necessary for connecting headphones.
While Bluetooth headphones are an alternative, having a working aux jack provides more connectivity options. The second issue is the malfunctioning webcam, which is essential for participating in online classes. Repairing the webcam will ensure that it can be used effectively for virtual learning.
I thought that some of the laptop’s cables might have been damaged when we replaced the batteries previously. So, I brought it to the computer repair shop we visited before. The technician attempted to open the laptop’s case but was concerned about causing further damage, and charged us RM20 even though he didn’t succeed.
We then went to a different repair center, which had better service. They were able to open the case and confirmed that the issue was indeed with damaged IO cables. Unfortunately, they didn’t have the necessary replacement IO cables and mentioned they would need to order them from China. However, they didn’t charge us for this diagnostic service.
The IO cables required replacement, so I removed them to verify the serial numbers. During this process, I observed debris on the cable ends, which I took the opportunity to clean. After reinstalling the cables, the auxiliary jack began functioning properly again. This simple maintenance resolved the immediate issue (I can plug in wired headphones and one of the USB slots that was not working, started to work giving me an extra USB slot which will come in handy) and saved the cost of buying new IO cables.
Fortunately, the input/output cable (IO) functioned properly once the debris was cleared from both ends. This was particularly relieving because an extensive search for this specific cable, with its unique serial number and brand, yielded no results across various online platforms.
Lesson 4: Using a USB for Mic & Webcam
The integrated webcam and microphone on the DELL laptop ceased functioning, which was likely attributed to a short circuit issue, similar to what had previously affected the IO cable. Unlike the IO cable, which could be disassembled for cleaning, the webcam and microphone’s wiring and hardware are fused into a single unit, making such maintenance impossible. Inspection revealed no detached cables, confirming that a repair would necessitate replacing the entire assembly—a process both time-consuming and costly.
In light of this, a decision was made to switch to USB-based peripherals as a more economical and convenient solution. A mini USB webcam was selected for its affordability, costing under RM30, despite its lower resolution. This choice was driven by the need for a quick and cost-effective replacement.
Meanwhile, audio clarity being a priority, a standalone USB microphone was chosen. This microphone also presented a cost-effective solution, priced similarly under RM30. The USB connectivity of these devices offers the advantage of effortless installation and removal, providing a flexible and user-friendly alternative to the integrated components.
Lesson 5: Online Guides
If it had been a couple of years before, we would probably have sent it to a service center for troubleshooting and upgrades costing more than what we would have budgeted or to make things even easier, just ordered a brand new computer. But things have changed these days with computer parts from small to big, from cheap to expensive ones now being sold online and you only need the right tools (in this case, a small screwdriver).
Websites
For those looking to enhance their computer’s performance, a wealth of resources is available online.
- PCMag offers a comprehensive guide that walks users through upgrading various laptop components, ensuring even the less tech-savvy can confidently make improvements.
- TechSoup has a plethora of articles and how-tos, including video tutorials, for upgrading computer components, making it a valuable resource for step-by-step guidance.
- TechRadar‘s guide on PC upgrades is another excellent resource, offering advice on how to boost application speed, increase data storage, and enhance graphics performance.
- How-To Geek presents a roundup of guides for replacing almost any PC component, ensuring users have a smooth experience with their upgraded systems.
Youtube
For enthusiasts looking to enhance their computer and laptop performance, YouTube is a treasure trove of channels offering in-depth guides for hardware and software upgrades.
- Linus Tech Tips, is a channel that combines entertainment with a wealth of knowledge on tech upgrades and reviews.
- Gamers Nexus stands out for its detailed analysis of hardware performance and benchmarking, often delving into the technicalities that appeal to a more niche audience.
- Jonathan Morrison offers visually stunning content with a focus on the latest hardware trends.
- Austin Evans is known for his engaging delivery of tech reviews and DIY upgrade guides.
- Techquickie breaks down complex topics into easily digestible information, making it ideal for quick learning.
Compared to in the early years of computers, there are more user guides and step-by-step online. We found a detailed service manual online for the DELL model that we were upgrading. Image source: DELL
Final Say
Upgrading an old laptop was an enlightening and fulfilling journey. The process of enhancing the laptop’s performance and functionality proved to be both challenging and rewarding. As I replaced outdated components and optimized software, the transformation of the device became evident. The laptop, once slow and unreliable, now operates with a newfound efficiency and speed, making it a valuable tool for my kids’ educational and recreational activities.
Engaging in this project provided me with an opportunity to develop and refine a variety of technical skills. From troubleshooting hardware issues to navigating software updates, each step demanded a hands-on approach that expanded my understanding and capabilities. Moreover, the experience underscored the importance of perseverance and problem-solving, skills that are transferable to many other areas of life.
Beyond technical proficiency, the personal satisfaction derived from the successful completion of the upgrade cannot be overstated. There is a unique joy in making something old work like new again, especially when it serves a meaningful purpose. The end result is not just a revitalized laptop but also a testament to the potential of DIY upgrades. Such projects highlight the value of resourcefulness and the ability to breathe new life into seemingly obsolete technology.
In an age where consumerism often drives us to replace rather than repair, undertaking personal upgrades serves as a reminder of the rewards that come from restoring functionality to older devices. The experience has instilled a greater appreciation for the longevity and adaptability of technology. Ultimately, the project was not just about the laptop itself but also about the journey of learning, improving, and achieving a sense of accomplishment that will be cherished for years to come.