Laptop project.....

Vidar · 25 Apr 2013 at 18:10

I've been given an old HP Pavilion large laptop that the motherboard has died on (don't have it to hand for the model number sorry). Now I have no experience working with laptops but figured its about time I learned... Id like to moderately bring it up to date, new mobo, ram, CPU and maybe an SSD.... But what are my options?

MagicBoy · 25 Apr 2013 at 18:12

Buy an expensive spare part from HP!

Vidar · 25 Apr 2013 at 18:18

Kinda defeats the object besides its about 6 years old and other components will need replacing anyway.... I want to learn how to replace everything in a laptop

MagicBoy · 25 Apr 2013 at 18:21

Laptop mainboards are not a standard form factor, they're make and model specific.

It's pretty much a non-starter as a project idea.

tereu5 · 25 Apr 2013 at 18:29

as was said ...if a laptop is based on something like Clevo them maybe, just maybe you could fiddle with it...years back no one even thought probably in HP that you can do stuff yourself ... especially when they charge extra for anything with "laptop" in name/description/etc

Vidar · 25 Apr 2013 at 18:57

So id need to find out the form of the main board and see if I could get an alternative board that would take say an I3? Or get the same board and repair it as standard?

tereu5 · 25 Apr 2013 at 19:47

Good luck with any of this!
Will the mobo accept i3? If yes- could be lucky and change only CPU (unless is soldered)
Any chance of getting new mobo that will support newer ish "guts" are very slim ....
If only interested in the build/taking apart - don't even bother to look for a spare parts as they would be very expensive- just have fun and strip the lappy to the bones and put together as a exercise

Vidar · 25 Apr 2013 at 20:21

I would want it to work though..... lol But I see your point.... I'll put more when I can get the model number etc for you more experienced guys to help me...

MagicBoy · 25 Apr 2013 at 20:38

Vidar said:
So id need to find out the form of the main board and see if I could get an alternative board that would take say an I3? Or get the same board and repair it as standard?

There are no standard laptop mainboard form factors - they're generally all bespoke. As said above a handful of companies like Clevo provide what amounts to a barebones kit for companies like OcUK to offer their own laptop range.

Either get the same board and repair it as standard, or bin it!

GeX · 26 Apr 2013 at 12:36

If it's an old dead HP laptop then it's probably died due to the GPU failing; http://news.cnet.com/8301-13924_3-10037632-64.html

Either get the same board and repair it as standard, or bin it!

This. If you were to get a board from a newer laptop that had, say, an i3 on it - then even if it did fit inside the actual chassis (doubtful), it's less likely that the cooling system would fit back on and be up to the task.

tereu5 · 26 Apr 2013 at 16:43

heh it would like putting a jet engine in the old mini :>

Dangerous · 26 Apr 2013 at 17:47

Everything will be soldered onto the board = You are ******

Throw it it in the bin

tereu5 · 26 Apr 2013 at 21:04

Dangerous said:
Everything will be soldered onto the board = You are ******

Throw it it in the bin

Or - as was given this - flog on bay for spare/repair

Vidar · 27 Apr 2013 at 22:45

I think it really sucks that parts for laptops are not more standardized... I believe it is the you that died...

Kreeeee · 27 Apr 2013 at 22:49

The best you could probably do it strip out the monitor and power board, and turn it into a projector.