Computer disassembly

1. How to disassemble &rebuildadesktopPC
Whetheryou’re takingapartyourcomputerto scrap it, install new components,cleanit,orjusttosee
howit works,ourguide showsyouhowto take it all apart, thenputit back together.
Computerdisassembly
Our guide coversthe mostcommonwayscomputersare put together,butcomputersand
manufacturerscanvary. If you can’t accessa particularcomponentwhenit’slistedinthe guide,skipto
the instructionstoremove the otherpartsuntil youcan reach the original component.
Generally,the processistounplugall the cordsand cablesconnectingacomponenttoother
components,thenremove the partfromthe case or frame.Componentscanbe attachedto the case
withspecial clips,screws,orbyinsertionintoaholder.Ineachcase,no more thana small amountof
force is neededtoremove the part.If it’snotmoving,checkformore attachmentsthatare holdingthe
componentinplace.
You will need a small Phillips-head screwdriver and depending on the manufacturer of your components,
possiblyaflatheadscrewdriver.The metal insidethe computercase canbe sharp, so youmightwant
gloves,aswell.
If you are rebuildingthe computer,be sure todocumentwhatareayouremovedcomponentsfrom,the
orderyou removedthem,andwhatcablesattachto each part.You can take picturesbefore each
removal orwrite itdown.Keepcareful trackof the screws,as well.Keepthe screwswiththeirrelevant
componentbyscrewingthembackinthe holeseitheronthe component oron the frame or by taping
themto the correct location.
Step1 – Unplug yourcomputerand peripheral items
Turn off the computer,unplugthe powercordand unpluganyperipheral itemsattachedtothe
computer,suchas the keyboard,mouse,monitor,headphones,andanyexternal drives.
Wear a groundingstrapor touch an unpaintedmetal partof the computerto discharge anystatic
electricity.If youwalkacrossa carpetat anypoint,touchan unpaintedmetal partof the computeragain
to discharge the builtupstaticelectricity.
Person'sfingertouchinganunpaintedmetalsurface withinacomputertodischarge staticelectricity
Step2 – Remove side covers
Remove atleastone of the side covers,usuallythe rightside asyouface the frontof the computer.You
mightfinditeasiertoaccess all the parts if you remove bothside covers;there are sometimesthumb
screwson the coversto make access easier.
Desktopcomputer'scase has beenremovedtoexposeinternal hardware components
Step3 – Disconnectconnectors

2. Disconnectall the connectors,thenremove anycardreadersandinternal DVDplayers.These are usually
screwedintoplace.
Step4 – Remove standalone fans
Remove anystandalone fans.Thisisagood time toremove anydust,lint,andpethair from the fansif
you’re planningonreusingthem.
Small brushremovesdustandlintfromthe exposedfanof a desktopcomputer
Step5 – Remove the storage drive
Disconnectthe cablesandremove the storage drive.Generally,storage drivesare heldinplace by
multiple screws.If youhave a harddrive,be gentle whenmovingthe drive ashardbumpscan damage
the internal parts.
Persondisconnectingcablesfromthe storage drive of adesktopcomputer
Step6 – Remove memory(RAM) modules
Remove the memory(RAM) modulesbypushingthe clipsonbothendsof the module down.Thiswill
cause the module topopup foreasyremoval.Donot touch the goldconnectorsonthe chipsif you’re
reusingthe modules.If you're notreusingthe RAM,findouthow itcan be usedinotherapplications.
PersonremovingRAMmemorymodulesfromadesktopcomputer
Step7 – Remove powersupplyunit
Remove the powersupplyunitbyunpluggingthe remainingconnectors,thenunscrewingthe unitfrom
the frame.
Step8 – Remove motherboardadapterorexpansioncards
Remove anyadapteror expansioncardsfromthe motherboard.Althoughthese cardsusuallyslideinto
preconfiguredslots,there canbe screws.Donot touchthe goldconnectorsonthe cards if you’re
reinstallingthe cards.
Step9 – Remove the motherboard
Disconnectall the cablesfromthe motherboard,thenunscrew itfromthe frame bylooseningeach
screwa little bitbeforegoingaroundagaintolooseneachscrew properly.Thispreventsanypotential
warpingof the motherboardbygraduallyreleasingthe tensiononit.
All the componentsshouldnowbe outof the computercase.If you’re reusingthe case,thisisa good
time to getrid of all the dust and lintthatmighthave collected.
Computerreassembly

3. If you are rebuildingthe computer,insertthe componentsinthe opposite orderyouremovedthem,
startingwiththe motherboard.Pluginall the cablesasyou insertthe component;mostitemswill plug
intothe motherboardandthe powersupplyunit.
Congratulations,you’ve disassembled,andpossiblyreassembledyourcomputer!