Build your own laptop
From barebones and upgrades to thermal service, BIOS/OS bring-up, and debugging. Each lesson uses the classroom layout (video + Scribd-style reader). Replace default videos in academy-laptop-track.php or via Academy Admin.
Safety. Disconnect AC and the internal battery when working inside a laptop. Lithium batteries can be dangerous if damaged — follow OEM guidance.
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Lessons
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Course overview — building a laptop vs buying
(22 min)
What “DIY laptop” really means, safety (ESD, batteries), and how this track is organized.
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Platforms & barebones — what you can actually assemble
(30 min)
Barebone kits, whitebooks, upgradeable vs soldered designs, and realistic expectations.
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Parts planning — CPU, RAM, storage, Wi‑Fi compatibility
(34 min)
Sockets, DDR generations, NVMe lengths, and BIOS whitelists.
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Chassis, display & input — panels, eDP, keyboard/trackpad
(32 min)
Screen swaps, connector types, and keyboard layouts.
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Assembly order — thermal paste, cables, torque
(36 min)
Step-by-step mindset: motherboard, cooling, storage, reassembly checks.
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Power & battery — adapters, cells, safety
(28 min)
Wattage, barrel vs USB‑C PD, and why repacking lithium cells is expert-only.
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BIOS/UEFI & OS — first boot, drivers, Linux vs Windows
(32 min)
Firmware settings, secure boot, chipset drivers, and power profiles.
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Troubleshooting — no POST, thermals, display issues
(30 min)
Minimal boot, RAM reseat, thermal throttling, and when to seek a repair shop.