How to Build a Laptop

When it comes to buying a computer, it is never an easy choice. First, you have to decide if you want a laptop or desktop computer. Once you have chosen a laptop, you have to decide where to buy one, what you want it to do for you and more. However, during those processes, to build a laptop from scratch is generally never an option consumers consider. While it seems like building a laptop might be something out of your league, it does not have to be with a little time, skill and effort. There are instructions online, and in books, on how to build a laptop to help anyone through the process, but there is another option to consider and that comes in the form of a build to order laptop.

As you can see, there are two primary ways to build a laptop: You can build a laptop yourself or you can build a custom laptop through a company, such as Hewlett-Packard or Dell. The first option is achievable although it might prove to be cumbersome and overwhelming for some. In order to build a custom laptop through a manufacturer, you can either visit their web site or stores in order to place an order for a laptop that meets your specifications. Either way, you can find the right solution for your laptop needs.

So, let us start with the basic question on your mind: Should you build a laptop by yourself or not? It seems like a simple question, but it really is not. There are several factors to take into consideration on how to build a laptop. How to build your own laptop is not an easy thing to do. That is the first thing you must understand. It can be expensive, time consuming as well as touch and go. You may make many mistakes before you come up with something that works. You need to understand that before you seriously begin to consider doing it yourself. While it is doable, it may not be within your budget, means or skills to do so successfully. If you take a realistic approach to build a laptop, you will be ready to take on the challenge.

Building Your Laptop From Scratch

(This is merely a rough guide to building your own laptop from scratch using a barebones laptop as a guide. If you are truly serious about doing it yourself, you will want to do further research for more in-depth and accurate instructions, including pictures to help you on your way.)

There are four primary components you want to gather before you begin to build a laptop: A barbones notebook system, a central processing unit, memory chipsets and a hard drive. The three former parts will all be based on the type of barebones system you initial purchase. Once you have all the components, you are ready to begin assembling your custom laptop.

If you take the time to preload the operating system of your choice onto the laptop hard drive, once it is assembled, it should be easy to get up and running. For the beginning, this process could take 45 minutes to an hour; for a more advanced computer user, someone who has built computers before, it could take under a half an hour. Take your time as you build a custom laptop, and it should be relatively easy.

Before you begin to build a laptop, make sure you have both a Phillips head and flathead screwdriver at your disposal. Make sure the battery is taken out of the barebones case and set it to the side. Also, make sure you have unplugged the AC adapter to ensure no electricity is flowing into the unit while you work. Otherwise, you might be shocked, blow out the basic system or worse.

Since the motherboard, cables and other essential units are already pre-built into the barebones laptop, all the hard work is taken out of the equation. First and foremost, you must locate the heat sink before installing the CPU. Since the space is going to be tight, you need to be very careful from start to finish not to accidentally damage the motherboard. Even the tiniest scratch, dent or bang can destroy the entire unit and end your attempt to build a custom laptop. Once you have located them on your particular motherboard, you will need to remove both the heat sink and fan.

When that is done, set them aside and line up the CPU to fit into the sockets. Once the CPU is secure, you can screw it in. Make sure the screws are tight and that the unit does not move in any way, shape or form. Gather the heat sink and fan and reinstall them securely. Again, make sure screws are tight and pieces do not giggle. Now that you are passed the hardest part when you build a laptop, you can move on to the memory installation.

On most laptops, the memory bay is on the bottom of the case. You will need to unscrew the tiny screws, make sure to keep them in a safe place. You can use a piece of masking tape or similar tape to keep them all in place while you work. Add the amount of memory you desire by snapping them essentially into place in the pre-built slots you identified from pictures on how to build your own laptop computer instructions obtained from more detailed sources. If the barebones system came with any memory itself, you can remove them and install your own so long as it does not exceed the maximum amount of memory allowable for the motherboard.

Next up when you build a custom laptop comes the installation of the hard drive. Most laptop hard drives must be mounted to their respective brackets first before being installed. Once you have ensured your laptop is mounted securely, you can slide it into the appropriate spot. Again, refer to more detailed instructions on how to build a laptop to ensure you are installing it in the right spot. Now, slide the hard drive into the chamber making sure that the pins are facing into the unit. Push the hard drive in until it is secured and close the chamber.

Since all the major components are now installed into the barebones laptop, you have successfully built your own laptop in the most basic form. From here, screw the case onto the laptop and then insert the battery. Once the battery is secure, you can plug in to the AC adapter and turn the unit on.

If you pre-loaded the operating system onto the hard drive before installing it, you should be able to boot up the system no problem. If you decided to wait to do that, you will now want to follow the steps of your given operating system to install it. Once it is installed, you will be up and running. How to build your own laptop computer starts here. From here, the sky is the limit as to what you can do, add and customize once you get the hang of the basics of how to build a laptop.

Customizing Your Own Laptop

If you think building your own laptop might be out of your range, perhaps you would want to build a custom laptop through a manufacturer. Most companies now offer the choices from start to finish as to how to customize a computer. You can choose everything from hard drive size, how much memory is in it to the size of the screen and more. Pretty much anything you would want to do can be utilized when you build to order laptops.

Build to order laptops can also be made at many retail stores nowadays. If they do not carry something that works for you, they may be able to custom order one to meet your specifications. Check with your local retailers to see if they offer the service or check online to find a place to build a custom laptop. If building a laptop from barebones or scratch is not up your alley, perhaps customizing your own laptop is the right course of action for your computing needs.

Buying a computer is never an easy task, no matter what you are looking for. Taking the time to find one that is right is key. If you cannot find one that will work, consider the option to build a custom laptop. How to build your own laptop computer does not have to be an insurmountable task, it can be one of the most rewarding and worthwhile shopping experiences. If you have even an inkling to do-it-yourself, take the time to research your options and see if building your own laptop is worth the challenge.

If you do not believe that building your laptop is the right path, perhaps a build to order laptop is right up your alley. Check out the different web sites available, along with your local retail stores to see what they have to offer. Most have in-store kiosks you can use to build a custom laptop along with associates who can help guide you through the process. Any questions you have, any concerns that might be wandering in your mind, you will have the help and support needed to find the right solution for the computer of your dreams.

As you can see, there are many different ways to build a laptop. You can do it yourself, or you can have someone do it for you. Either way, how to build a laptop can be done in many different ways. It all comes down to what you want to get out of your laptop, how you want to go about getting it and how much work you want to put into it. Take the time to research your options, consider your choices and make your decision on how to build a custom laptop on your own.