How To 'Build' My Own Laptop

Frammo · 11 Jun 2015 at 10:06

After achieving great success with building my own desktop, I now want a better laptop. Is it possible to build my own laptop?

Initially, I assumed that a laptop can be built from scratch just as a desktop is. After browsing the forums and not finding any examples of people building their own laptop I guess it is not possible. What options do I have? I presume I have the following options:

1) Use a company like Dell to build my own laptop (Too much £££)
2) Buy a crappy laptop and replace the core components to speed up the system (better CPU, more RAM, replace HDD with SSD).

Option 2 seems like a decent idea. The only problem I can see it that a low-spec laptop may lack a sufficient PSU, Mobo and heatsink to support high end components.

What do you guys think I should do?

Stas823 · 11 Jun 2015 at 11:16

Most modern laptops have soldered CPUs. Some solder their ram even. Not much you can do about them.

kristmace · 11 Jun 2015 at 13:49

The parts aren't available to retail buyers. The best you'll find is old parts stripped from dead laptops which can be used as replacements for the same model.

infernox · 11 Jun 2015 at 17:41

Or go on a website that allows you to spec your own?

PooKer · 12 Jun 2015 at 09:12

Option 2 would cost just as much as option 1. However you'll be buying 2nd hand parts or imports from china that will have no warranty. Few months back someone looked into upgrading just a gfx card on a laptop. You can get upgrade kits but they cost over £500.

Roughneck · 15 Jun 2015 at 00:35

I think your better going pre-built even custom build , just for the warranty.

Rroff · 15 Jun 2015 at 01:11

Custom/pre-built will save a lot of headaches.

You used to be able to buy a pretty much bare bones Clevo chassis and populate it with components of your own choice but generally that isn't a cost saving exercise and more about getting exactly the spec you want but those options seem to be a lot less available than they used to be.

coupe69 · 1 Jul 2015 at 18:03

Stas823 said:
Most modern laptops have soldered CPUs. Some solder their ram even. Not much you can do about them.

Most modern laptops DO NOT have the CPU soldered to the board, I've no idea where you've got that idea from? Netbooks and other low powered gear on the other hand generally DO have the CPU soldered to the board.

Occasionally you'll come across onboard RAM that's fixed to the board, but even then they'll still probably be spare slot to fit some more.