1.1 Laptop Hardware / Components Flashcards
Given a scenario, install and configure laptop hardware and components.
List common laptop components that can be replaced/fixed.
Keyboard, HDD, Memory (RAM), Smart Card Reader, Optical Drive, Wireless card/Bluetooth Module, Cellular Card, Video Card, Mini PCIe, Screen, DC Jack, Battery, Touchpad, Plastics/Frames, Speaker, System Board, CPU.
How would you replace a battery on a laptop?
It should be a simple swap replacement, unless the battery is built in to the device.
How would you know when it is time for a battery replacement?
If a battery’s performance falls below and acceptable level.
If you replace the battery and are still experiencing low performance battery issues, what could the problem be?
It could be an inadequate or malfunctioning charging system.
How would you replace a laptop keyboard?
Getting a keyboard off a laptop often requires little pry bars, but also look for screws, clips, and so on. Keyboards connect via a tiny, short, and VERY delicate cable often held down by tape.
How would you replace an optical drive on a laptop?
If the drive is part of a modular system, just pop out the old drive and pop in the new one. If the drive is part of the internal chassis of the laptop, you are looking at a full dissection.
How would you replace the speaker on a laptop?
If the speaker is mounted on the outside of the chassis, you pry off the covers, pull out the little speakers, disconnect the cable, and then reverse the process to replace the speakers. If the speakers are inside the chassis, you need to dismantle the laptop to get to them.
How would you replace expansion cards?
The more modular varieties of expansion cards will have a hatch that gives you access to the expansion slots including RAM, Wireless cards, Bluetooth modules, M.2 drives, and Mini-PCIe slots.
Explain the process of replacing a CPU in a laptop.
Other than the tiny screws, there is no difference in the process than replacing a desktop CPU.
1) Remove all power from the laptop including the battery if possible. 2) Remove the hatch to expose the CPU. 3) Remove the heat-sink and fan assembly and lift out the CPU. 4) Replace with the new CPU. 5) Apply a small amount of thermal paste and re-attach the heat sink and fan assembly. 6) Reconnect the fan power connector.
What components could be found in a laptop display?
Wi-Fi antenna, webcam, microphone, touch screen display.
Is the process to replace displays different between LCD and OLED?
No. The process for replacing OLED screens and components within the screen should mirror the process with LCD.
What is the process for replacing a laptop screen and/or screen components?
Pry the plastic frame off the display, most commonly using a spudger tool, then remove any exposed screws. The screen will lift out, then you’ll need to gently disconnect data cables for each component, and remove any tiny screws. Some parts are attached using compression and mild adhesive. Take pictures on your phone and keep track of which connectors go where. DOCUMENT the locations and types of screws.
Can you replace the DC jack on a laptop?
This part is soldered on the main board, so replacing it means you’ll not only have to strip the laptop to the bare metal but also unsolder the old part and solder the new part. Then, you’ll rebuild the laptop. It CAN be done, and that is what CompTIA will want to know.
What’s the difference between SSD, Magnetic Disk, and hybrid drives?
SSD drives use flash memory. Magnetic disk drives use spinning platters. Hybrid drives COMBINE flash memory and spinning platters; a compromise of speed an power efficiency of SSD’s, and the capacity of magnetic disk drives.
What is an HHD?
HHD = Hybrid Hard Drive. They combine flash memory and spinning platters to provide fast and reliable storage.
