Q&A for How to Build a Laptop Computer

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Question

Is it possible to upgrade a processor in a laptop?

Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist
Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.

Luigi Oppido

Computer & Tech Specialist

Expert Answer

That depends on the motherboard. If, instead of having pins sticking out of the bottom of the processor, it has little pads, and these pads are soldered to a ball system, upgrading is impossible. On some other machines, you can use a screwdriver to take the processor off and put a new processor in, but you're still limited: your motherboard will only take certain processors, with a certain speed and pin configuration. On a Mac, the processor is soldered to the mainboard, so it is not upgradable.

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Question

How do I choose the right graphics card?

Matt Ham
Computer Repair Specialist
Matt Ham is a Computer Repair Specialist and the CEO and President of Computer Repair Doctor. With over a decade of experience, Matt specializes in Mac, PC, iPhone, iPad, and Smartphone repairs and upgrades. Matt holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina State University and an MS in Mechanical Engineering from Columbia University. Matt has expanded Computer Repair Doctor to seven different locations. He is also a Co-Owner of Repair Life, a full-scale marketing agency specializing in driving both online and offline leads to cell phone and computer repair shops and device retailers.

Matt Ham

Computer Repair Specialist

Expert Answer

It should really depend on your needs. You want to choose a graphics card which best fits the need that you're going to use. High end graphics cards are commonly used in gaming systems, or graphics cards can also be used for data processing as well these days.

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Question

How do you clean a laptop screen without damaging it?

Matt Ham
Computer Repair Specialist
Matt Ham is a Computer Repair Specialist and the CEO and President of Computer Repair Doctor. With over a decade of experience, Matt specializes in Mac, PC, iPhone, iPad, and Smartphone repairs and upgrades. Matt holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina State University and an MS in Mechanical Engineering from Columbia University. Matt has expanded Computer Repair Doctor to seven different locations. He is also a Co-Owner of Repair Life, a full-scale marketing agency specializing in driving both online and offline leads to cell phone and computer repair shops and device retailers.

Matt Ham

Computer Repair Specialist

Expert Answer

We use Windex to clean our laptop screens. Don't spray directly onto the screen, instead spray Windex straight on to a paper towel, and then clean the screen with that paper towel. You don't want to spray it directly on the machine or it'll drip down.

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Question

Does upgrading RAM make laptop faster?

Matt Ham
Computer Repair Specialist
Matt Ham is a Computer Repair Specialist and the CEO and President of Computer Repair Doctor. With over a decade of experience, Matt specializes in Mac, PC, iPhone, iPad, and Smartphone repairs and upgrades. Matt holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina State University and an MS in Mechanical Engineering from Columbia University. Matt has expanded Computer Repair Doctor to seven different locations. He is also a Co-Owner of Repair Life, a full-scale marketing agency specializing in driving both online and offline leads to cell phone and computer repair shops and device retailers.

Matt Ham

Computer Repair Specialist

Expert Answer

Yes upgrading your RAM, aka memory will increase your laptops performance, but this is also dependent on your solid state drive. However, I suggest upgrading your solid state drive this will significantly increase performance of your laptop compared to upgrading your RAM.

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Question

Is it less expensive than buying a laptop?

Community Answer

This depends on the parts you use, but generally the price will be less because of manufacturing and miscellaneous costs on the pre-built laptop.

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Question

Can a laptop computer connect to WiFi?

Community Answer

Only if you installed a WiFi modem into it. Most laptop motherboards already have that installed, but if it doesn't, you can install your own or buy a USB WiFi stick.

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Question

Will the processor overheat without a fan?

Aroly Seven

Community Answer

Yes.

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Question

How long does it take to build a laptop?

Community Answer

It can take anywhere from hours to days depending on your skills set, materials and the complexity of the machine which you are building.

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Question

Can I add an HDMI and a USB port?

Community Answer

Those connectors in a laptop usually come with the motherboard, so how many USB ports you have, for instance, depends on which motherboard you choose.

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Question

Do I need to have a charger for the computer's battery?

Community Answer

Yes, if you are building a laptop, you need a charger for the battery.

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Question

Where are bare bone notebook computers sold?

Community Answer

Bare bone laptops can be bought online through an independent vendor, or in an electronics store, like Fry's or Best Buy.

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Question

How much would it generally cost me to build my own laptop?

Community Answer

It varies. A cheap one would be around 200 to 300 dollars, but it would have a tiny hard drive and only 2 gigs of RAM. An expensive one would be over 1000 dollars. It really depends on what you buy.

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Question

Can I just get a cheaper computer and replace certain parts to make it faster?

Community Answer

Unfortunately, most laptops have their components soldered. Unless you have the proper tools (or go risky and use a hair dryer), it's impossible to replace the parts. It's doable, but not feasible.

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Question

Can I make my own case using a laser cutter?

Community Answer

Yes. If you can do it well in fact it would be a better idea. But don't try if you're not skilled.

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Question

Can I build a laptop out of cardboard?

Community Answer

No. Cardboard is too flimsy and will get too hot.

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Question

Isn't this just remaking a computer that's already built?

Community Answer

No. You can use different parts than the ones that were originally installed to make a new laptop.

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Question

Where can I buy a laptop online?

Community Answer

Search in an Internet search engine for "laptop" and you will find many options. Some companies focus on office builds while others are more flexible and cater to people with more personal usage needs. Try Amazon.com or Bestbuy.com for an idea of what's available.

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Question

How do I know if my RAM is compatible?

Community Answer

Just check the number of pins your RAM has and see if it lines up with the pins on your shell.

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Question

Is it harder or easier to build a desktop?

Community Answer

Harder, as there are more incompatibility issues.

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Question

If I am a kid is it possible to actually build a laptop? Will I need a parental guardian to help me out?

Community Answer

It depends on your skill level. I know kids who build computers for fun by themselves. If this is your first build, consider having an adult help you.

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Question

Can I use a raspberry pi for the motherboard and a power bank as the battery?

Isaac Tag

Community Answer

Yes, you can. You'd also need a case (3D printed), slim screen, mousepad, and slim keyboard.

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Question

What is an estimate of costs for all of the parts?

Community Answer

First, list out the parts.Then, search the price on the internet for those parts. Calculate the price.

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Question

Do the batteries come with the notebook shells?

Community Answer

Usually, no. You have to find a suitable battery along with the other components of the laptop.

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Question

I want a good computer for gaming. Is it possible to buy a cheap computer and replace certain parts to make it faster? What parts would I have to change?

Community Answer

It is possible. However, you must change its graphics card, processor (also known as CPU), and memory (RAM) to make it better. You might have to change the hard drive unless you think it already will be enough storage for all your games.

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Question

Can I rebuild my laptop without the optical drive, and with a newer battery that lasts longer?

Community Answer

It really depends on the laptop. The DVD drive in most cases should be removable, and depending on the manufacturer of your laptop, there may be 1st or 3rd party battery upgrade kits available.

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Question

Will any processor work?

Vijil Kotheri Kunnummal

Community Answer

Not all processors will work. Check the motherboard. It should have a compatible processor list written somewhere on the box or in the manual.

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Question

How do I light up the keyboard?

Community Answer

Add LEDs under the keyboard, or buy a laptop keyboard that has backlit installed already.

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Question

If I want to install a dedicated graphics card, is it the same as installing the CPU?

Community Answer

No, it's not. Installing the GPU usually requires inserting into a PCI or PCIE slot on the motherboard.

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Question

Where do I get said parts?

Noah Sennett

Community Answer

There are a few sites, but shells are commonly available from MSI, and parts can be found for cheap on Newegg.com.

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Question

Can I make a laptop from a desktop?

Community Answer

No.

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