Is there somewhere I can get directions how to change out my motherboard that has some illustrations showing the procedure? Thanks.. Created by scott-samonek. Computers & Internet - Nvidia - Original Dell Xps 17 L701x Motherboard W/ Geforce Gt445m -...

I need directions how to replace a Dell XPS 17 L701X motherboard

Scott,

Dell Support > XPS 17 L701X Notebook PC > Service Manual,

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xpsL701X/en/sm/index.htm

Just a few pictorial disassembly guides, that I feel may help.

http://www.insidemylaptop.com/?s=Dell+XPS+17

1) Remove ALL power. Remove the AC adapter (Charger), and Battery.

2) Use an ESD wrist strap, and connect it's alligator clip to a good ground source.

DO NOT use an ESD wrist strap, and use the motherboard for a Frisbee, Processor for a key fob, and Ram Memory for Christmas tree decorations.

(NO not really. I don't need a cop at the door, "Says here you recommended this." "Somebodies dog over on 113th street got knocked out by a laptop motherboard.")

Average cost? $3 to $6 bucks. Not using one? COSTLY
Example,

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103245

I connect to an unpainted surface, of the metal frame of an open, empty desktop computer case.
You can set a large metal serving tray (Unpainted), on the table you're working on, and connect to it.
Or a large metal knickknack. (Unpainted)

Use a multi-compartment container for the various screws you remove.
Label each compartment for the area the screw/s come out of.
SOME screws look VERY similar to other screws.
Advise DO NOT mix them up.

Service Manual:

System Board

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xpsL701X/en/sm/sysboard.htm#wp1039860

Wow, I like the way the Palm Rest Cover (Assembly) comes off!

A note on the Keyboard, Keyboard Cable, and it's respective connector on the motherboard;

The Keyboard Cable STAYS attached to the Keyboard.
It disconnects FROM the motherboard.
The motherboard side of the Keyboard Cable has NO plug connector.

The Keyboard Cable is a FFC.
Flat Flex Cable. Here is one example,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flat-Flex-Cable.jpg

The flat bar terminal strip connectors of the cable, match up to contact pins in the motherboard connector.
They MUST go back to the same contact pins, in the motherboard's connector.

Cable has to be reinstalled the same direction it came out.
Doesn't matter if the cable is flipped over, twisted, or going to Hawaii for vacation(?), it has to go back the same way.

For this reason, you may wish to make a mark on one side of the cable, and a matching mark on the same side of the motherboard connector. (Sharpee?)

The motherboard connector is a type of ZIF connector.
Zero Insertion Force
It is rectangular in shape, and composed of two pieces; BUT does NOT come completely apart!

The Bottom piece is the larger of the two. It is Stationary to the motherboard.
It is the BODY.
The Top, or upper piece is the smaller of the two. It is Movable.
This is the Locking Bar.

The style shown, is what I deem the Flip Up style.
I will detail it, and the Slide style, just in case.

Flip-Up:
Closed/Locked,

http://www.irisvista.com/tech/laptops/Toshiba-Satellite-L645D-L640D/big/laptop-disassembly-13.jpg

Open/Unlocked,

http://www.irisvista.com/tech/laptops/Toshiba-Satellite-L645D-L640D/big/laptop-disassembly-14.jpg

Slide style:
Closed/Locked,

http://www.irisvista.com/tech/laptops/Toshiba-Satellite-L675D-L670D/big-body/dismantle-laptop-10.jpg

Open/Unlocked,

http://www.irisvista.com/tech/laptops/Toshiba-Satellite-L675D-L670D/big-body/dismantle-laptop-11.jpg

ONLY moves about 2mm. That is a little more than 1/16th of an Inch.

DO NOT use a small metal tool. Yes. Many do. This = DU-MB.
One slip, and the motherboard connector can be broken. It's plastic, and may be brittle from heat inside the laptop.

Gently use your thumbnails.

-> IF, the Body is broken, (tiny hinge pins), or if the Locking Bar is broken, you are looking at MOTHERBOARD REPLACEMENT, and why I am being so detailed with this.

There may be Slide style connectors used too, on the motherboard; for the Control Strip Cable, and Touchpad Cable.

Wireless Module, (Wireless Mini-Card), and Wireless Antenna wires;
It looks as though the Wireless Module terminals are marked.
Black wireless antenna wire to Black triangle.
White wireless antenna wire to White triangle.

However be sure you make note as to which wire goes where, in case they aren't, before removing them.

The Wireless Antenna wires connect to the Wireless Module.
(Wireless Mini-Card)
From there they go through a cavity in the body of the laptop, then through Channels and Latches.

From there they go up through the right Hinge, and into the Display Assembly.

The Wireless Antenna wires STAY with the Display Assembly.

After they are disconnected from the Wireless Module, they are threaded by hand up through the cavity hole, and out of the Channels, (Manual - Routing guides), and Latches.

Lay to the right. When the Display Assembly is removed, they go with it.
Reverse steps to reinstall.

For additional questions please post in a Comment.

Regards,
joecoolvette

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