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Disassemble a Computer
by Shadow Ops on April 26, 2009

Table of Contents

intro: Disassemble a Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Picture Quality Notice (and HD pics!): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

step 1: Unplugging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

The first thing you do, is unplug every cable that's plugged in to your computer. That includes the following cables: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

step 2: Outer Shell/Casing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Now that your computer is fully unplugged, move your PC to a clean work space, preferably a carpet. The carpet is better than tile, because screws and
other small parts will roll around. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

step 3: Outer Shell/Casing (cont.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

In the last step I removed both side panels. In this step, I will be removing the front and top panels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

step 4: System Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Now that the case is off, I will begin to remove the internal components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

step 5: CPU Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Now that the system fan is out, we can remove the CPU fan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

step 6: Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

The power supply manages all the power for the machine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

step 7: CD/DVD Drive[s] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

I have one CD/DVD drive, but you might have two. If so, follow this step twice! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

step 8: Card Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Most new computers have built in card readers, but old computers almost never have them. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

step 9: Hard Drive & Portable Hard Drive Slot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

I have included both components together in one step, because in order to remove the hard drive, you must remove the portable hard drive slot first. . . . . 20

step 10: Expansion Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Expansion cards are like small upgrades to your computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

step 11: Connectivity Center Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Most new computers have a connectivity center located at the front of the computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

step 12: RAM (Random Access Memory) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

RAM allows for the near instantaneous transfer of information to and from the CPU. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

step 13: Power Button & Power LED + HDD LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

The power button, power LED, and hard drive LED are all within a plastic "chasis". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

step 14: Connectivity Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Not every computer has a connectivity center, but most new ones do. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

step 15: Motherboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

The motherboard is well, the mother of the computer! It is what links every component in the computer together. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

step 16: Done! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

This concludes my Instructable "Disassemble a Computer"! In this step, I will give an overview of every component you get out of a computer with a fried
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 motherboard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

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Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

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intro: Disassemble a Computer
In this Instructable, I will give a full documentation of how to disassemble a desktop PC, for parts. The specific computer that I will demonstrate with is an HP Media
Center PC m7640n with a dead motherboard. Every computer is different, but this is a general guide.

If you don't fully grasp what I mean when I am describing something, please refer to the pictures!

Picture Quality Notice (and HD pics!):

Due to the amount of pictures I uploaded, they are of low\medium quality. Click the "[i]" in the top left corner of a picture, then click "original file: (3072x2304) 1 MB" to
see the high quality HD pictures!

step 1: Unplugging
The first thing you do, is unplug every cable that's plugged in to your computer. That includes the following
cables:

Power
USB
Firewire
Mouse
Keyboard
Internet
Ethernet
Modem
AM\FM Antenna
Cable TV
etc...

So pretty much just unplug every cable from your computer.

Image Notes Image Notes

1. Sub Woofer 1. Yes, that is a tackle box.
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 2. I know, I need to organize it...
3. HP Media Center PC m7640n with a dead motherboard- The Victim!

Image Notes
1. Unplug all of these...
2. Unplug him too...

step 2: Outer Shell/Casing

Now that your computer is fully unplugged, move your PC to a clean work space, preferably a carpet. The carpet
is better than tile, because screws and other small parts will roll around.
NOTICE:
If you are working on a carpet, about every five minuets touch something that is grounded (Sink faucet\pipe, wire coming from the ground part of a wall
outlet). This is so you don't shock your motherboard or other parts.

First off, unscrew the four screws on the back of the computer. On most computer cases, there will be large knobs that you can unscrew by hand or by screw driver on
the back-right side of the computer. The left side has small screws because on that side you can't access much on the inside.

Once the screws are removed, you can remove the side panels. On most computers, they just slide off. Start with the left side panel (the side that once had the knobs),
slide it towards the back of the computer. Now you can remove the left panel. Just like the other one, slide it towards the back of the computer.

Please refer to the pictures if you are confused!

Image Notes
1. Unscrew
2. Unscrew
3. Unscrew
4. Unscrew

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 Image Notes
1. Slide the whole panel <<<</td>

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 Image Notes
1. Slide the panel >>>

step 3: Outer Shell/Casing (cont.)

In the last step I removed both side panels. In this step, I will be removing the front and top panels.
Just like the side panels, the top panel slides off. Also like the side panels, the top one slides toward the back of the computer. The front panel clips on to the metal frame
with four tabs, so you must push them in and slide the whole panel forward.

Refer to the pictures to see what I mean by "clips".

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 Image Notes
1. <<Slide the top panel off<<

Image Notes
1. >>Push the tabs out>>

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 Image Notes
1. >>Push the tabs out>>

Image Notes
1. >>Push the tabs out>>

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step 4: System Fan
Now that the case is off, I will begin to remove the internal components.
Most computers have two fans: the system fan, the one blowing air into the computer, and the CPU fan, the one blowing air onto the CPU heat sink. I will start by
removing the system fan first. It is located at the back side of the computer, the side with all the component plugins.

First, unplug the fan from the motherboard. You can find the plug by following the wire from the fan. It should be labeled "SYS_FAN1". Next, you will have to unscrew the
fan from the outside. You should now be able to lift the fan out of the PC.

Image Notes Image Notes

1. System Fan 1. System Fan
2. CPU Fan

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 Image Notes Image Notes
1. Unplug SYS_FAN1 1. SYS_FAN1 Unplugged

Image Notes
1. Unscrew
2. Unscrew
3. Unscrew
4. Unscrew

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 Image Notes Image Notes
1. Good. Three more. 1. You can now lift the fan out!

step 5: CPU Fan

Now that the system fan is out, we can remove the CPU fan.
The CPU fan is located right on top of the CPU heat sink, which is a large piece of metal with fins on the top. The CPU fan plugs into the motherboard in an awkward
place, that is hard to access. But just follow the wires and you should easily find it. It is labeled "CPU FAN1". To remove the fan from the heat sink, remove the four
screws securing it in place.

Image Notes
1. The CPU fan's plug, CPU_FAN1, is located beneath these wires...

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 Image Notes
1. Unplug

Image Notes
1. Unscrew
2. Unscrew
3. Unscrew
4. Unscrew

Image Notes Image Notes

1. Unscrew 1. Three more to go!

step 6: Power Supply

The power supply manages all the power for the machine.
The power supply is a large metal box located at the upper-back part of the computer. They sometimes come with an on/off switch that is acessable from the back of the
computer. The main power cord also plugs into the back of the power supply.

The power supply supplies power to every component in a computer, therefore it has the most wires out of every other component in the computer. The first thing I will do
is unplug every wire coming from the power supply. The list below is every thing that I had to disconnect:

Motherboard (very large connector/plug)

CD/DVD drive[s] power
Internal hard drive power
Portable hard drive slot power

Once everything is unplugged, unscrew the four screws holding the power supply in place, on the back of the computer. Next, push the power supply from the outside,
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then lift it out.

Image Notes
1. Unplug the "very large" motherboard plug

Image Notes Image Notes

1. See why I call it big.. 1. Unplug CD/DVD Power

Image Notes
1. Unplug Hard Drive Power

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 Image Notes
1. Unplug Portable Hard Drive Power

Image Notes
1. Unscrew

Image Notes
1. Push the power supply in..

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 Image Notes
1. ..and lift out!

step 7: CD/DVD Drive[s]

I have one CD/DVD drive, but you might have two. If so, follow this step twice!

The CD/DVD drive is one of the easiest components to remove. First, unplug the ribbon from the back of the drive. Once that is completed, pull on the tab securing the
drive in place, then push it out from the inside.

If you don't have a second drive, there should be a flat piece of metal covering the drive slot. Follow the inscribed instructions to remove it.

Image Notes
1. Pull out

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 Image Notes
1. Pull tab, and push from the box to the left.
2. Pull the tab in the box to the right, then push here.

Image Notes Image Notes

1. Now you can pull the drive out from here. 1. Going, going!

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 Image Notes
1. Gone. It's just gone.

Image Notes
1. You can't see from the image, but there is instructions on how to remove this
cover inscribed on it.

step 8: Card Reader

Most new computers have built in card readers, but old computers almost never have them.
Just like every other component, unplug the wire first. On my computer, there is just one screw holding the card reader in place. Your computer might have more, so just
unscrew them all! After that, the card reader should be removeable.

Most card readers have a protective plastic cover on the part that you can see from the external computer, which can be removed by lifting the tabs on the top and
bottom. Refer to the pictures.

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 Image Notes
1. Unplug

Image Notes
1. Unscrew

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 Image Notes Image Notes
1. Pull this up. 1. Now pull down.

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step 9: Hard Drive & Portable Hard Drive Slot
I have included both components together in one step, because in order to remove the hard drive, you must
remove the portable hard drive slot first.

First off, de-attach the connector at the back of the slot, and unplug the other end from the motherboard. Also unplug the SATA cable from the motherboard and the hard
drive. The portable hard drive slot is secured the same way the CD/DVD drive is, with a tab. Pull on the tab, then slide the slot out.

To remove the hard drive from the side of the slot, unscrew the four screws securing it in place. You must be very careful to not drop the hard drive, as it is very delicate!

Image Notes
1. The hard drive is behind here...

Image Notes
1. Pull the tab up..

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 Image Notes
1. ..and push from here, or pull from the front.
2. ..and pull from here, or push from the back.

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 Image Notes
1. Unscrew

Image Notes
1. Unscrew
2. Unscrew

Image Notes
1. DO NOT DROP!!!
2. I say he's little. Most people say he's big!
3. Pretty sweet name...

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 Image Notes
1. My computer is compatable with 4 HDDs.

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step 10: Expansion Cards
Expansion cards are like small upgrades to your computer.

Expansion cards give a computer new capabilities, once installed. Different examples are:

Bluetooth
Wireless Internet
Ethernet
TV

Different computers come stock with different cards. My computer came stock with a TV and Ethernet card. If you only have one, remove that one. If you have two,
remove the two!

There should be a single screw on top of each expansion card slot, whether it's occupied, or empty. Remove the screws on the occupied card slots. Once the screws are
removed, you should be able to remove the cards by pulling them carefully upward. Some expansion cards have cables leading to other parts of the computer, for
example, my TV card is connected to the connectivity center on the front of my computer. You will have to unplug any cables attached to an expansion card.

Image Notes Image Notes

1. TV Card 1. TV
2. Ethernet Card, I never use it... 2. Ethernet

Image Notes
1. Unscrew
2. Unscrew
3. Unscrew

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 Image Notes
1. Lift Up ^

Image Notes
1. Unplug

Image Notes
1. Unplug

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step 11: Connectivity Center Cables
Most new computers have a connectivity center located at the front of the computer.

The connectivity center is the area on the front of the computer where there is many input sections, like usb, firewire, microphone, headphones, video, etc.. I won't
remove the whole connectivity center in this step, but I will unplug all the cables coming from it.

Do that (unplug all cables), then unplug the wires leading from the power button, hdd light, and power light.

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step 12: RAM (Random Access Memory)
RAM allows for the near instantaneous transfer of information to and from the CPU.
So pretty much, the more RAM you have, the faster your computer runs. Most computers have 4 RAM slots, and two RAM chips. My computer came stock with two, but
yours might have more or less. To remove the RAM, push down on both tabs holding the RAM in place, which are located at both ends of the RAM. Please see the
pictures.

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step 13: Power Button & Power LED + HDD LED
The power button, power LED, and hard drive LED are all within a plastic "chasis".
There is a zip tie holding the wires/cables for the front connectivity center and front power button/LEDs. Cut it.

To remove the chasis, press in on the tabs that are located on the chasis' side. Refer to the pictures to see the tabs. Once the tabs are being pressed in, pull the whole
chasis out of the computer.

To remove the LEDs from the "chasis", push them from the front with a screw driver. To remove the button, you will need to push it from the back, the side with the wires.
For clarification, see the pictures.

Not all computers may be set up like this, so your computer will probably be different. Just use common sense to find a way!

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step 14: Connectivity Center
Not every computer has a connectivity center, but most new ones do.
Like I said in step 11, "The connectivity center is the area on the front of the computer where there is many input sections, like usb, firewire, microphone, headphones,
video, etc.". But this time, I will remove the whole component, not just unplug the cables\wires!

First thing, unscrew the single screw holding it in place. There might be a different amount of screws, in different locations on your computer, but just unscrew them all!
One the screw[s] are removed, the whole component should slide into the inside of the computer, which can then be removed.

Just like every other step, refer to the pictures if you are confused!

http://www.instructables.com/id/Disassemble-a-Computer/
step 15: Motherboard
The motherboard is well, the mother of the computer! It is what links every component in the computer together.
My motherboard is fried, but I will remove it anyway. The motherboard links every component in the computer together. The CPU, RAM, and expansion cards are
attached directly to it, and every other part of the computer is in one way or another attached to it.

The motherboard has seven screws holding it to the frame, which are indicated by large white circles around them. Remove those seven, then lift the motherboard out of
the frame.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Disassemble-a-Computer/
step 16: Done!
This concludes my Instructable "Disassemble a Computer"! In this step, I will give an overview of every
component you get out of a computer with a fried motherboard.
Please remember to rate, and ask questions if you find something confusing!

Case:

Metal Right Panel

Metal Left Panel
Plastic Front Panel
Plastic Top Panel
Metal & Plastic Frame

Hardware:

Hard Drive
CD/DVD Drive
Power Supply
Card Reader
Expansion Cards
RAM Chips
Connectivity Center

Cables\Wires:

SATA Cable (Hard Drive to Motherboard)

Portable HDD Dock and Wires (Power and Data from Portable HDD to Motherboard)
Accessory Wire (Connected Card Reader to Motherboard)
Drive Ribbon (CD/DVD Drive to Motherboard)

Miscellaneous:

33 Screws
Drive Slot Cover
2 Expansion Card Slot Covers
Plastic Piece (I refured to it as a "chasis" for a button and LEDs in step 13)
Large System Fan
Small CPU Fan
Portable HDD Slot

http://www.instructables.com/id/Disassemble-a-Computer/
 Image Notes
1. Portable HDD Slot
2. CD/DVD Drive
3. Hard Drive
4. Small CPU Fan
5. Large System Fan
6. Power Supply
7. RAM Chips
8. Expansion Cards
9. Ethernet Card
10. TV Card
11. 33 Screws
12. Connectivity Center
13. Card Readers
14. Plastic Top and Side Panels
15. Metal Left and Right Panels
16. Metal and Plastic Frame
17. Drive Slot Cover
18. Expansion Card Slot Cover
19. Card Reader Cover
20. Plastic Piece
21. Different Wires/Cables/Ribbons
22. Amber LED, Blue LED, and 6 pin Button

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Comments
50 comments Add Comment view all 53 comments

Cracknel says: May 14, 2009. 3:00 AM REPLY

I've never fried any of my computer components and I put them on the carpet every time :) Well, I discharge myself by touching the unpainted parts of the
metal case.

The problem is with synthetic materials that produce lots of static electricity.
So when you wear polyester clothes don't touch any chips.

Also when doing this on a carpet, try not to play "wacky racers" (as someone said above) with the components. You could just place them on a piece of
cardboard.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Disassemble-a-Computer/
 Shadow Ops says: May 15, 2009. 7:02 PM REPLY
I've never fried any of my computer components and I put them on the carpet every time :) Well, I discharge myself by touching the unpainted
parts of the metal case.

Could you tell other people that too!? I'm pretty ticked right now b\c I have disassembled many computers on carpet and they still work to this day!

herb21 says: May 24, 2009. 8:49 AM REPLY

From my experience and the that of a number of friends the problem of static is only a problem if the atmospheric conditions where you live are
condusive to static. None of the people I know around here even bother grounding themselves to build computers cos static isnt an issue (well I
guess about once a year in a thunder storm it might be but meh)

Alexizupinhea says: May 18, 2009. 3:50 PM REPLY

Yeah, I too have disassembled many computers on carpet, and never had any problems, but then again, I KNOW I'm kind of lucky when it comes to
computers. When I first built my computer years ago, I forgot to install spacers between the mobo and the case. Bottom line, the WHOLE ENTIRE
BACK OF THE MOBO WAS ALL SHORTING OUT!!! I didn't realize why everytime I turned it on, it would immediately turn off. lol.

The second time I was lucky was that my liquid cooling system (upgraded to liquid after a year or two) began to LEAK and I didn't notice why
computer kept turning on and off... It ended up leaking ALL OVER MY GRAPHICS card (well, one of them... I have dual, cheap HD Radeon
2600XTs) and also there was literally FOG/STEAM over by the CPU since that was where the leak was and there wasn't much water flowing through,
thus it was burning itself out. So now only one of my graphics cards works, but other than that, everything else works fine lol.

Not to mention I've been lucky about carpeting I guess since I've definitely placed all my parts on carpet at least a few times.

Idk why I'm saying all this, just saying it because I guess I've never really thought about how lucky I am :)

Shadow Ops says: May 15, 2009. 7:02 PM REPLY

I'm not often mad on Instructables...

ReCreate says: May 15, 2009. 7:38 PM REPLY

Its ok,You are not going to get banned

Shadow Ops says: May 15, 2009. 8:27 PM REPLY

I know that! I just wrote that "because".

reactos.org says: May 21, 2009. 6:48 PM REPLY

I'm amazed that you didn't take the time to show how to remove the CPU heatsink and the CPU itself. The motherboard might have died, but that doesn't
mean that the CPU isn't worth keeping.

This isn't really a complete guide until you show people how to remove the heatsink from the CPU, and the CPU from the socket. You should also inform the
readers how to handle the CPU to prevent damaging it, both physically and from static. I've been building my own systems for almost sixteen years now,
beginning with an AMD 386DX-40 CPU (yes, a 40 MEGAhertz CPU), which was faster than the Intel 386-33 MHz CPU, and I still have it in a box
somewhere. I can't tell if you simply overlooked this step, or if you actually think that people should simply throw the CPU and heatsink away still attached to
the motherboard... Back in the 386 days the ZIF (zero-insertion force) socket didn't exist; the LIF (low-insertion force) socket used by the 286 / 386 CPUs
required the user to (GENTLY) pry the CPU out of the socket to replace it; I've personally never damaged a CPU, though I've seen a few that didn't survive
the removal process.

Shadow Ops says: May 22, 2009. 7:12 AM REPLY

I tried removing the CPU, and it turns out that it is attached to the heatsink itself, and in order to remove a CPU, you must lift a locking bar, that unlocks
the pins. The heatsink is in the way of the locking bar, so I cannot unlock the pins.

Derin says: May 23, 2009. 7:14 AM REPLY

My theory:
If something can be put together,they can also be separated.
Try wiggling the heatsink to break the bond from any thermal paste in there.

Fashim says: May 22, 2009. 9:15 PM REPLY

Weres the motherboard?

Adrianb says: May 21, 2009. 8:49 AM REPLY

Is it wise to lay all the components on a carpet? I'd suggest using a clean (!) wooden desk or something. For one, the carpet is dusty and, although I'm
completely not certain about the probability, the carpet may have static electricity..

EDIT: Oops, didn't read correctly.. You already warned for static electricity!
Adrian

http://www.instructables.com/id/Disassemble-a-Computer/
 dombeef says: May 21, 2009. 5:34 PM REPLY
How do you edit a comment?

Shadow Ops says: May 21, 2009. 5:55 PM REPLY

Delete, Add Comment

dombeef says: May 22, 2009. 3:29 PM REPLY

Ok but, Nevermind

reactos.org says: May 21, 2009. 3:41 PM

(removed by author or community request)

Shadow Ops says: May 21, 2009. 4:05 PM REPLY

I tried removing the CPU, and it turns out that it is attached to the heatsink itself, and in order to remove a CPU, you must lift a safety bar, that unlocks
the pins. The heatsink is in the way of the safety bar, so I cannot unlock the pins.

So that is my excuse.
P.S.
I did remove the CPU, but bent some pins, which I had to manually fix!

reactos.org says: May 21, 2009. 6:51 PM REPLY

Gee, I wasn't looking for an "excuse" for why you didn't cover removing the CPU and heatsink... any CPU in a ZIF socket CAN be removed from the
socket, and I simply wanted to know why you hadn't covered that process, so thanks for filling in the missing details.

I'm glad that you've now described your adventures with the CPU and heatsink, for those who've never looked inside their computer cases. Pin-
straightening is an art in itself; probably some tutorials available on the 'net for those who don't know how to approach it.

I'm also glad to learn that you didn't do more damage to your CPU getting those pins lined up again... I've dealt with a lot of CPUs with bent pins over
the years (problems caused by customers who THOUGHT they knew what they were doing), and even though I've always been able to get the pins
realigned properly, it isn't always easy. Guess I finally have a good reason to be thankful that I'm nearsighted...

Lastly, the "safety bar" you've mentioned is actually the locking bar for the ZIF socket, just to clarify that point...

Shadow Ops says: May 22, 2009. 7:10 AM REPLY

I was just joking with the excuse part!

I find that straightening pins is not that hard. t takes a while, but it's easy!

Technochicken says: May 15, 2009. 1:17 PM REPLY

In step ten, that's a modem card, not Ethernet, which is much wider, but thats not really important.

Good, well written instructable. And you computer has the most front panel connectors of any I have ever seen.

reactos.org says: May 21, 2009. 3:17 PM REPLY

In step ten, that is an ETHERNET card; dial-up modems have TWO RJ-11 connectors on the back, one to connect the phone wire to the wall, the other
to connect to a phone. That way, the modem is directly wired to the wall, though some people make the mistake of putting the phone between the wall
and the computer, which can cause lots of connectivity problems.

That low-profile ETHERNET card has a SINGLE RJ-45 connector on it; don't know how you could confuse it with a dial-up modem...

Shadow Ops says: May 15, 2009. 6:49 PM REPLY

It's labeled Ethernet, but like you said, it doesn't matter.

If so, I better keep it for my next computer!

whatsisface says: May 9, 2009. 3:03 PM REPLY

Preferably not a carpet, they can cause static build up which kills components. Best to be on some kind of desktop work surface or antistatic mat, using an
antistatic wrist band.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Disassemble-a-Computer/
 cyrozap says: May 9, 2009. 3:22 PM REPLY
This is true. I saw how he was disassembling it on a carpet and thought: lots more dead components.

Shadow Ops says: May 9, 2009. 3:59 PM REPLY

I constantly grounded myself, by touching a ground wire. Also, my mobo is already fried, so I didn't bother with it. All the other components should be
fine, as I have done this many times before on other computers on carpet. Those computers are still running.

ReCreate says: May 13, 2009. 10:46 PM REPLY

You have Been Lucky,Sadly,I Killed 2 main boards and 4 peices of ram with carpet.
If you ground yourself,your not doing anything,you are just grounded,but not the carpet

Shadow Ops says: May 15, 2009. 6:52 PM REPLY

I'm surprised! All the other computers I disassembled were all on the same carpet... It must be some non-static carpet, if there is a thing!

ReCreate says: May 15, 2009. 7:40 PM REPLY

Well you'r Lucky,Very Lucky,Do NOT think that that is a myth,it is NOT,And it is a VERY common problem,Why do you think they sell
those stuff in antistatic bags?

Joe Martin says: May 9, 2009. 2:37 PM REPLY

Bloody hell, Very informative & lots of fantastic and relevant pictures.

5* No questions!

Shadow Ops says: May 9, 2009. 6:31 PM REPLY

Now that I think of it, this is the first comment that I have got where someone has been thrilled with my work!..
(You could drop the "Bloody hell" though!)

ReCreate says: May 13, 2009. 10:44 PM REPLY

Well,Hell would be bloody,Its not a good place,and you don't want to end up there either.

Shadow Ops says: May 15, 2009. 6:52 PM REPLY

True, true.

ReCreate says: May 15, 2009. 7:38 PM REPLY

Indeed

Joe Martin says: May 11, 2009. 12:05 PM REPLY

Never!!

I just to tell all the negative people that in a lab you would dissemble a computer on a antistatic grounded mat with a grounding strap on you but in the
home when the computer is dead anyway doing it on a carpet isn't going to harm it unless your going to play "wacky racers" with the components on
the carpet ;)

Bloody Hell

aaevann says: May 13, 2009. 11:27 PM REPLY

Well, maybe this is just me (doubtful), the purpose of disassembling the computer extends beyond simply taking it apart. If I'm going to take apart
a computer it is to salvage whatever working parts I can.

Just because the mobo is done doesn't mean the ram, CPU or expansion cards are also done.

I think this instructable could be very helpful in aiding someone strip an older computer for useful parts, but it shouldn't be done on a carpet!

Shadow Ops says: May 15, 2009. 6:57 PM REPLY

If you read some of the other comments on my 'ible:

For some reason, not one computer or electronic device that I have disassembled on my carpet has been ruined or shocked in any way. I
have disassembled many computers on carpet, and they all still to this day work. I don't know if it is my carpet, or if I'm just lucky, but I have
never run into any problems!
(I will take your advice though, no more carpets+electronics!)

http://www.instructables.com/id/Disassemble-a-Computer/
 Shadow Ops says: May 9, 2009. 3:03 PM REPLY
Hey thanks! I'm still not done half of the image notes though!

ALISTAIRELLIOTT says: May 13, 2009. 9:17 PM REPLY

very good instructable step by step good for people who need the help

8 out of 10

advice
computer chips such as ram and carpet are not good together i would have used a desk or maybe antistatic mat

Shadow Ops says: May 15, 2009. 6:58 PM REPLY

...

Shadow Ops says: May 15, 2009. 6:59 PM REPLY

I've been told about the carpet about 10 times now, just try and find those comments and I have an explanation...

mwhpro says: May 15, 2009. 7:51 AM REPLY

hey i am interested in that tv card and the connectivity center let me know if you want to work out a deal.

thanks

steelnix says: May 14, 2009. 4:58 AM REPLY

Now that you disassembled it??
What do you do with it??
I mean are you trying to sell parts??
Building a new computer??

ReCreate says: May 13, 2009. 10:43 PM REPLY

Oh my gosh,Ram on the carpet!
Carpet is like Ram serial killer.

ReCreate says: May 13, 2009. 10:43 PM REPLY

Ah Mainboard on the carpet!
Don't tell me you put the CPU on the carpet also?
I cant see this(covers eyes)

blckpythn says: May 13, 2009. 6:43 PM REPLY

I give you a 4.5 for shear quantity of nice pictures

luvit says: May 13, 2009. 4:46 PM REPLY

i have parts left over. : /

TATcreator says: May 11, 2009. 1:23 PM REPLY

Interesting audio system!

liteoner says: May 10, 2009. 10:56 AM REPLY

Nice Instructable for technophobes, but as I see it, those pics aren't HD ones.

Shadow Ops says: May 11, 2009. 7:13 AM REPLY

As I said in the intro:

Due to the amount of pictures I uploaded, they are of low\meduim quality. Click the "i" in the top left corner of a picture, then click "original file:
(3072x2304) 1 MB" to see the high quality HD pictures!

http://www.instructables.com/id/Disassemble-a-Computer/
 Marble of Doom says: May 9, 2009. 7:28 PM REPLY
I recently disassembled my G4 iLamp now that was hard! Great job with 'ible!

view all 53 comments

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