Do It Yourself Laptop
November 11, 2005 at 12:01:00 AM, by Thai Tan
The basic guide on how to to build a laptop using the MSI-1029 barebone notebook.
Overview
Building a Laptop
If you own a desktop computer, chances are you've upgraded at least one component before -- maybe a new video card to play the latest 3D game, or added a second hard drive to store those extra music files. Laptop computers on the other hand are a different story when it comes to user-upgradeability; for years internal components were not widely available to consumers and in most cases were too pricey. Lastly, laptop computers are less upgradeable than desktop computers due to the proprietary nature of their internal components.Consumers were limited with the selecting specific hardware components. One would have to purchase a pre-configured notebook and select particular models that contain the features with the user desired. As desktop computers are becoming a thing of the past and notebook prices continually dropping, the versatility of a mobile computer is growing in popularity.
Today consumers are demanding the same flexibility as they had with their desktop counterpart. Laptop makers such as Dell, Sony, and HP for example have began offering more options for consumers to customize a model that fits their needs, such as:
- The ability to choose a faster processor
- Different size of the LCD panel
- Different size and speed of the hard drive
- Wi-Fi card support, Docking Station support
- Different performance grade of the Discrete Graphics Controller
- VRAM size or increasing storage size.
But what if you wanted to go beyond the limits the manufacturer was offering and wanted a wider range (brand, specification, model) of processors, hard drive and RAM? Now you can within the initial design goal of the motherboard inside a barebone notebook, also known as a Whitebox notebook.
Required Components Barebone
A barebone is basically a ìnakedî notebook sold with only a few main components, allowing the end-user to select and install parts of their choice. A typical barebone notebook is composed of a motherboard, graphics processing unit (GPU), LCD panel, speakers, touchpad, keyboard, connectivity ports, and of course the chassis.There are several barebones manufacturers, including:
- Asus
- MSI
- ECS
These companies offer barebones equipped with the components mentioned above while allowing users to choose their own hard disk, Mini PCI Wireless LAN card, processor, memory, and optical drive for you to install or choose on your own. While you can't swap out or install the LCD panel on your own yet, barebones manufacturers offer models with various LCD panel sizes and resolutions for you to choose from.
Although barebones do not offer the full upgradeability and flexibility of desktops, it is slowly but surely moving in that direction.
What are the benefits of selecting a barebone over a pre-built notebook?
Price & Need
Barebones can range anywhere from $500 to $1200 depending on the pre-installed components. Since the consumer can decide the essential component that makes up the notebook, they can pay according to what their budget permits currently and have the potential to upgrade in the future. The configuration a consumer selects can even be cheaper than a similar pre-built model provided that the end-user is willing to invest his or her time to install the missing components and Operating System.Flexibility & Control
Consumers decide the brand, specification, and model when selecting the CPU, memory, Hard Disk, optical drive and Wireless option that meets one's needs and preference. Extending Life: Intel and AMD are constantly increasing processor speeds. Hard Disk makers will always be improving drive performance. One can easily purchase a specific component (CPU, RAM, Wireless LAN, Optical Drive) to optimize performance without having to buy a complete new system. For this guide, we selected the MSI MS-1029 barebone, an AMD based notebook equipped with an ATI chipset, ATI Mobility Radeon X700 Discrete Graphics Controller and 15.4-inch WXGA LCD screen.This kit costs approximately $800 at the time of this writing.The extra components required to run this barebone notebook include:
- Processor
- Hard drive
- Mini PCI WLAN
- Memory
Here are the components we selected and their associated cost (approximate retail price):
- AMD Turion 64 Mobile Processor Model MT-37 (2.0 GHz) - $280
- MSI Wireless LAN Card (802.11b/g) with Bluetooth - $35O
- CZ 512MB DDR400 (PC 3200) SODIMM Memory (2 x 512MB - $50
- eachWestern Digital Scorpio 2.5-inch 80 GB Hard Disk Drive (WD800VE) - $139
- Windows XP Professional (OEM) - $100
The MS-1029 included a Dual Layer DVD burner but of course, you can always select a different model/make/spec if you choose to. If you prefer an Intel based system, there are also several Intel models available. Now onto assembly of our barebones test unit!
Step 1:CPU, Fan, Heatsink, processor and CPU fan.
Flip the notebook over and using a philips screwdriver, remove each of the screws from the main compartment cover. Simply lift the compartment to expose the internals. Below is the main compartment holds the CPU, Mini PCI slot, and Memory.Here is a closer view of the main compartment.Push the CPU socket lever away from the socket slightly and then raise the lever.Make sure the golden edge location is aligned with the notch of the CPU socket.On most AMD chips, there is one corner with 3 pins in row while the rest have 2 pins; match this up with the appropriate 3-pin corner on the socket.Carefully insert the processor into the socket. The socket is called a ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) socket, aptly named as the CPU should easily slip into place. If you have to apply any force to get the CPU into the socket, you probably have it oriented wrong and risk bending the pins, which can damage the processor.
Once seated, gently pull the lever down to secure the socket.Step 1 Cont: Install Heatsink & FanNext we are going to attach the heat sink for the GPU and CPU. There is thermal compound spread on the heat sink for better heat conduction between the CPU/GPU and heat sink. Some users may choose to use a third party thermal grease, like the popular Arctic Silver.
If you choose to do so, carefully and thoroughly clean the existing thermal compounds using a high purity rubbing alcohol. Lastly, if you choose to use Arctic Silver 5 be very careful if you ever have to remove the components later. Arctic Silver 5 is very sticky when it sets and makes it very easy to pull a CPU out of a locked ZIF socket, bending the pins and possibly damaging the processor. It is recommended to either heat the notebook up by loading the CPU and shutting the machine down, or some people carefully use a hair dryer to heat the thermal compound.
Here lies the ATI Mobility Radeon X700 Discrete Graphics processor.Position the heatsink over the CPU and the GPU. Align it with the CPU and GPU in the appropriate direction.Now insert the 4 screws to secure the processor. For this particular barebone notebook, it is recommended that you screw them in according to the number sequence 1, 2, 3, 4 engraved on the CPU heatsink.
This will ensure the heat sink is in proper contact with the processor. A good rule of thumb for securing any important mount is to lightly secure all 4 screws in proper order at first, then go back and tighten the screws in order. This helps ensure proper distribution of weight and balancing of load. Now lock down three screws for the GPU.There you have it! The heat sink is now in place. Next is to install the heat sink fan. First, plug the fan connector.Position the fan in the available slot.Lock down the fan by using the 3 given screws.You have successfully installed the processor, heatsink and heatsink fan! Step 1 Complete!
Step 2:Memory & Mini PCI WLAN
Now it's time to install the memory. This particular model accepts DDR333 or DDR400 SO-DIMM modules. We opted to use 2 sticks of 512MB DDR400 PC3200 from OCZ.In the first DIMM socket, align the RAM module so that it's inserted in the socket at about a 40 degree angle.Line up the notches in the slot and memory module so that the RAM will be properly seated.Gently push down the RAM module until the metal-locking levers from the DIMM socket are fastened. The same procedure applies for the second module in the second DIMM socket.Next is the Mini PCI Wireless LAN card.
We opted to use one that combines 802.11b/g and Bluetooth on the same card.Similar to installing the RAM, align the Mini PCI Card to the Mini PCI slot at a slight angle. Gently push down the Mini PCI Card until the metal-locking levers from the Mini PCI socket is fastened.
Now connect 3 antennas on the Mini PCI Card. Note: Check the vendor to where the wire should go on your model.Now you have successfully installed the RAM and Mini PCI Wireless LAN card!You're almost ready to begin browsing!Step 3:Hard Drive & Optical DriveMost modern laptops come with a user-friendly hard drive compartment. This particular barebone notebook includes a hard disk shielding tray.
Note that hard drive installation will be different for different models. Let's begin installing the hard drive.First remove the 2 screws holding the hard drive compartment.
Now insert the hard drive to the hard drive shielding tray. Slide the hard drive inside the shielding tray as shown below.Take the hard drive with shielding tray and slide it in until the pins are in properly inserted. Drop the hard drive in and use the plastic handle to slide the hard drive up and into the pin holes.
Now apply the 4 screws to the hard drive tray.Replace the hard drive cover. The hard drive installation is complete.Next is the optical drive. Simply slide the optical drive inside the bay until it snaps in.
Apply the screws to hold the optical drive in place.†Step 4: Battery & Double-CheckAlign the battery to the battery slot and slide it in gently.Double-check the components and screws are properly fastened. Ensure the heat sink is in good contact with the CPU. Install both the main compartment cover and hard drive cover. Apply the appropriate screws. Now you have successfully installed all the components!
Plug in the power adapter into the notebook to charge your battery and let's turn the system on!Step 5:BIOS & Operating SystemAs soon as your system turns on, press the [DEL] key to enter the BIOS setup. Adjust the proper time and then configure the boot sequence. Make sure the optical drive is the first boot sequence so that the CD-ROM will boot to the CD first to install the operating system.
Save Changes and Exit out of the BIOS. The system will now reboot.Insert the Windows disc (in this case, we used Windows XP Professional) into the optical drive. Boot up the computer and the system will automatically detect the disc. Begin the step-by-step installation process. If you want to read more about installing Windows XP, please refer to here.
Step 6:Installing Drivers
Windows XP will automatically install drivers for some of the components, but the majority of it is left for you to do install on your own. Barebones notebooks will include a driver CD for you to do this.Simply run the included CD driver to begin installing the necessary drivers or you may have to install them manually by going to the device manager.Our model required the following drivers to be installed (supplied in the CD):
- AMD Athlon 64 CPU Driver
- ATI VGA Driver
- Control Panel
- Realtek LAN Driver
- Realtek AC97 Audio Driver
- Modem Driver
- Card Reader Driver
- TouchPad Driver
Check the barebone manufacturer's website for the latest driver and BIOS updates for performance optimization or bug fixes. Sometimes, you can go directly to the individual component manufacturer's website to find a more recent driver than the barebone makers website (for instance RealTek's audio drivers).
Before you connect to the internet it is HIGHLY recommended that you install anti-virus software and proceed to WindowsUpdate.com for the latest in Windows security fixes.
The MSI-1029 Impressions
At the right price and with the right configuration, the MSI-1029 can be a good value. Built for performance and semi-mobility, the laptop comes with the ATI Mobility Radeon X700 discrete graphics card, suitable for most modern games, while weighing in at around 6.3 pounds.The beautiful 15.4-inch WXGA wide-aspect LCD has MSI's ìGlareî or glossy type screen to enhance color and contrast. The laptop exhibits minimal noise but heat is notable, especially after heavy use like gaming. This is possibly due to the chassis constructed from a metal/aluminum material, although it does enhance its build quality. The full-sized keyboard offers all the essential keys but feel stiff when they are depressed and exhibit a fair amount of noise.Connectivity ports such as 4 USB 2.0 ports, FireWire, LAN, TV-out, VGA, and Memory Card reader makes it a functional machine.
SpecificationsSpecificationsMSI-1029ProcessorAMD Turion 64 MT-37 2.0GHz Front Side Bus 800ChipsetATIÆ RX 480M + ATIÆ SB 400 ChipsetWireless LANWireless LAN 802.11b/g LCD15.4" Glare WXGA LCD (1280 x 800)Hard DriveWestern Digital Memory1GB (512MB x 2) DDR400 PC3200†SO-DIMMGraphicsATI Mobility Radeon X700 graphics processing unit (GPU) with 128MB VRAM Graphics InterfaceS-Video/VGA-OUTOptical DriveDual-Layer Multi-Format DVD+/-RW ModemIntegrated V.90ModemEthernet10BASE-T/100BASE-TX EthernetAudioAC'97 2.2, SoundBlasterô CompatibleAudio InterfaceMicrophone, two stereo speakers, headphone/line-out with SPDIF support PortsMMC/SD/MS 3-in-1 Card Reader FireWire 13944 x USB 2.0PC Card Weight6.39 with 8-cell battery (4400mHh)Size (W x D x H)13.98" (L) x 10.04" (D) x 1.18" (H)Operating System Windows XP Pro w/SP2 Supplied Accessories8-Cell Lithium-ion battery, Power Cord, AC Adapter
Conclusion
There you have it, putting together a notebook the way you want it; at least for the essential components that you can control and opt to pay for. If you follow the instructions carefully, installing the hardware components can take approximately 20 minutes.Installing the operating system and configuring the system afterwards can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours. There are a few advantages and disadvantages to building a barebones notebook. As I've mentioned in this article, there are three main advantages: price & needflexibility & controlextending the notebooks life.
Surely these elements may be strong enough for most consumers to select a barebones over a pre-built, but I also want to mention the disadvantages. When you purchase a pre-built notebook, you have full assurance the manufacturer will cover it under warranty for at least one year, with options to extend it even longer.
Barebones manufacturers will also cover your barebone notebook under warranty for at least one year, however it usually only covers the ìbareboneî portion and not the components you selected (CPU, Hard Disk Drive, Wireless LAN). That means you must either seek warranty from either the dealer that you purchased it from and/or the component manufacturer (ie. AMD or Intel).
Furthermore, you will not always be able to find and configure a barebones notebook to be cheaper than a pre-built notebook. Major laptop manufacturers/resellers are able to receive volume discounts on the same components you buy, therefore they pass the savings on to the consumers. It's unlikely an end-user will be able to find a processor for cheaper than what Dell may offer when configuring a Dell laptop. Make sure to check the manufacturer's website for complete warranty.It's up to you to decide whether pre-built or barebones is the way to go for you. If you want a better sense of control in terms of cost and component configuration, then building a barebones notebook may be a good choice for you. If warranty is a concern, then a pre-built laptop might be a better option. While choosing a barebones notebook doesn't give you the full 100% customization as a desktop, at least it gives you more control than customizing a model from a laptop maker. Perhaps one day we'll be able to fully-customize a notebook like we do with desktops: from the LCD panel to the keyboard I can't wait!
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Comments
Cheap Laptops at 05:05, July 26, 2010
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Arnold L. Johnson at 18:08, April 14, 2009
Maybe I am the only one who wants laptop technology in a desktop. We've had the AT/ATX pc case since the 80's. Forget the volume of space, internal power supply and 5 1/4" bays or just rip the clamshell display off a laptop. You don't even need a battery cause portability is not a concern. But it must have a full-size keyboard, and mousepad. I could put the whole PC on my desk's keyboard tray and use any LCD I can plug in to. It would also be greener than ATX PCs. Let the gamers have the ATX.
Andre Morais at 20:43, April 06, 2009
Dale K, I have a MS-1029 too, but I broken it's LCD, so I'm disassembling it. I can sell you the motherboard, depending on where you are. Where in the world are you? Contact me at andre.morais@sapo.pt
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Dale K at 18:17, January 31, 2009
HELP!!! my msi ms-1029 died. I am looking for a replacement motherboard ms-1029 (m635)Any help would be great...Thanks....
Dale K at 18:17, January 31, 2009
HELP!!! my msi ms-1029 died. I am looking for a replacement motherboard ms-1029 (m635)Any help would be great...Thanks....