Home > Articles > Laptop Board Swaps?

Laptop Board Swaps?

Our expert discusses how to find and install a replacement motherboard on a notebook PC.

I have been searching for a replacement motherboard for a Dell Inspiron 8100. Dell offered to do the repairs for $499, which would cover a new case, palm rests, and anything else except the LCD. But I just need the motherboard, which it won't sell direct.
Baci, via PCWorld.com Forums

Senior Editor Anush Yegyazarian responds: Replacing the motherboard in a laptop is not for the faint of heart. But if you're tech-savvy and have experience poking around in the guts of your system, try searching on eBay for a used or refurbished replacement--I found some for $100 to $130--and consult FRC Tech's disassembly guide to get started. The replacement operation can take an hour or two. Don't attempt this yourself unless your warranty has already expired; doing so will void the warranty, according to Dell and HP.

Replacing your LCD screen on your own is much easier. Vendors like ScreenTek sell kits for hundreds of dollars less than laptop manufacturers do.

Anush Yegyazarian

Subscribe to PC World Magazine