How To Disassemble a Computer

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Step 1: Unplugging


  • Power
  • USB
  • Firewire
  • Mouse
  • Keyboard
  • Internet
  • Ethernet
  • Modem
  • AM\FM Antenna
  • Cable TV
  • etc...
So pretty much just unplug every cable from your computer.

Step 2: Outer Shell/Casing





Please refer to the pictures if you are confused!
ompune7 months ago
you could save the universe from this E- WAST TIME BOMB which is is developing with so many of these products being dumped into the garbage specially more in the developing countries. in 15 years the lithium chloride & other toxic compounds will leak & enter the groundwater & from there into the crops causing untold diseases of the kidneys ,INCURABLE CANCERS ETC. sometime back i had written a article that i wish to open a COMPUTER DISMANTLING SCHOOL IN PUNE CITY IN INDIA. but i am now 73 with all the ZEST in my life as a chemical engineer am willing to travel to any place for 2 months with a free stay where some expert can teach me the dismantling of the abovementioned items safely, which i will teach to my batch of 10 students at a time who after learning all this can set up their own business in a 30 ft x 50 ft tin shed wiith just 1 impact plastic impact crushing machine.
at a later stage we can call one enterprising tecnocrat from each of the 50 odd countries of africa plus 25 in south america & which ever OTHER country there is a need.
our work will; be only upto the sage of dismantling, with the extraction of the precious metals given to the big companies doing this work.
balbir singh-mail-
ompune11 months ago
many thanx & awaiting your reply
balbir singh
TimRaquet1 year ago
nbwriter1 year ago

jlucas152 years ago
Haha! More civilized to the lawn mower.
MRedu2 years ago
Great guide to salvaging pc parts from a computer thanks!
kt21122 years ago
"No disassemble" - johnny 5 lol :)
whatsisface5 years ago
Arbitror (author)  cyrozap5 years ago
Arbitror (author)  ReCreate5 years ago
Arbitror (author)  ReCreate4 years ago
Well that is proof.

fmuhammed3 years ago
darkclaw424 years ago

coldfiregh4 years ago
Arbitror (author)  coldfiregh4 years ago
Ill work on it!



Arbitror (author)  Solderguy4 years ago

Everyone makes mistakes, but just read before you post!
ReCreate5 years ago
Arbitror (author)  ReCreate5 years ago
Arbitror (author)  ReCreate5 years ago
upload it to and link to it.
Arbitror (author)  ReCreate5 years ago
even better, TRI boot them like i did!!! P.S. I have a forum about this so check it out!!! PLZ
Tri boot them? I was planning on Tri booting Fedora, But my HDD is full now...
I was too, but fedora was stupid and wouldn't let me install it, but I could run it. A tip for clearing space, but try running ccleaner. It freed up 19 gigs if space on my drive. That's the only reason I'm tri booting not dual.
Yeah, Fedora and similar oses don't want to install to their own partition, they want to stay on the same partition XP is not XD I can't imagine how a program could clear 19GB of data, I Can count about 40GB of files that i need and are important, all of the files i have are taking up that space.
i don't know either, but it worked magic on my computer. just try it, and i bet you could clear up at least 2-3 gigs.
I'll try it, Where is it at?
I'd try, but if you can't find it, I'll post a link.
I just tried it, it cleaned about 120MB of data -_- I simply need a new HDD...stupid tiny 80GB-er
Yeah, I guess that my computer is pretty old... Some guy used it before me and filled it with a bunch of crap. I guess results may vary. ;)
Arbitror (author)  tanmanknex4 years ago
So, where can I check this forum out??
If you can't find it under my profile, then do a search for something like " tri boot xp". It won't come up with anything at first so change the filter to forums. If you still can't find it, tell me and I'll send you a link.
Nevermind, here it is.
That's only in 32 bit versions, isn't it? The ram limit?
Yes, In 64 Bit Versions, Which are Unstable, The limit(i think) is 128TB
Arbitror (author)  Arbitror5 years ago
It runs Vista Ultimate with all of it's effects, smoother and faster than Windows 98, and it's even faster than many Linux distros!
CPUZ, Here is the direct download link.
And open the memory tab, The tab that is labled memory, and click it...
Arbitror (author)  Arbitror5 years ago
"this computer" as in the disassembled one.
Arbitror (author)  Arbitror5 years ago
Not my new one!
Adrianb5 years ago
Is it wise to lay all the components on a carpet? I'd suggest using a clean (!) wooden desk or something. For one, the carpet is dusty and, although I'm completely not certain about the probability, the carpet may have static electricity..

EDIT: Oops, didn't read correctly.. You already warned for static electricity!
dombeef Adrianb5 years ago
How do you edit a comment?
he hacked the instructables comment database to add his edit, Duhh lol no
Arbitror (author)  dombeef5 years ago
Delete, Add Comment
Arbitror (author)  Arbitror4 years ago

1.Copy Comment
3.Add Comment
5.Fix Errors
Ok but, Nevermind
Blimey! How many pictures did you put in this?
Arbitror (author)  memyselfand15 years ago
As you have probably figured out, I love to use lodes of pictures in my 'ibles!
and that's what makes them good. good job!!!;D 5*
iProton5 years ago
Is it possible to disassemble and reassemble it as a Network attached Storage device? :P
Arbitror (author)  iProton5 years ago
While it's running?
That would be top of the pilot aceage :P
dingus2345 years ago
Good Job. A lot of work has gone into this. By the way the 'Ethernet expansion card' is actually a dial up modem. :-)
viviluk5 years ago
hey heres a random question, can i bring the whole desktop on the plane (as a hand carry)? even when there are things that are "sharp"? nice instructable btw.
Arbitror (author)  viviluk5 years ago
Just put it in your luggage!
I am now. but first I have to take out the important parts so they wont get squished in my luggage. which parts do you recommend to take out?
I dont think so. they might think that it is a weapon
ReCreate5 years ago
Arbitror (author)  ReCreate5 years ago
What the...?
I replied to your comment that said
man this is a bug
reactos.org5 years ago
I'm amazed that you didn't take the time to show how to remove the CPU heatsink and the CPU itself. The motherboard might have died, but that doesn't mean that the CPU isn't worth keeping. This isn't really a complete guide until you show people how to remove the heatsink from the CPU, and the CPU from the socket. You should also inform the readers how to handle the CPU to prevent damaging it, both physically and from static. I've been building my own systems for almost sixteen years now, beginning with an AMD 386DX-40 CPU (yes, a 40 MEGAhertz CPU), which was faster than the Intel 386-33 MHz CPU, and I still have it in a box somewhere. I can't tell if you simply overlooked this step, or if you actually think that people should simply throw the CPU and heatsink away still attached to the motherboard... Back in the 386 days the ZIF (zero-insertion force) socket didn't exist; the LIF (low-insertion force) socket used by the 286 / 386 CPUs required the user to (GENTLY) pry the CPU out of the socket to replace it; I've personally never damaged a CPU, though I've seen a few that didn't survive the removal process.
Arbitror (author)  reactos.org5 years ago
I tried removing the CPU, and it turns out that it is attached to the heatsink itself, and in order to remove a CPU, you must lift a locking bar, that unlocks the pins. The heatsink is in the way of the locking bar, so I cannot unlock the pins.
the heatsink must have had thermal paste, it may act like a glue, and keep it stuck together. Also, these things are designed so that you can unlock it, it took me a while to understand the locking mechanism of my laptop's CPU/heatsink, but i looked up the diagrams and such and now i got it off.
Derin Arbitror5 years ago
My theory: If something can be put together,they can also be separated. Try wiggling the heatsink to break the bond from any thermal paste in there.
Cracknel5 years ago
I've never fried any of my computer components and I put them on the carpet every time :) Well, I discharge myself by touching the unpainted parts of the metal case. The problem is with synthetic materials that produce lots of static electricity. So when you wear polyester clothes don't touch any chips. Also when doing this on a carpet, try not to play "wacky racers" (as someone said above) with the components. You could just place them on a piece of cardboard.
Arbitror (author)  Cracknel5 years ago

Could you tell other people that too!? I'm pretty ticked right now b\c I have disassembled many computers on carpet and they still work to this day!
herb21 Arbitror5 years ago
From my experience and the that of a number of friends the problem of static is only a problem if the atmospheric conditions where you live are condusive to static. None of the people I know around here even bother grounding themselves to build computers cos static isnt an issue (well I guess about once a year in a thunder storm it might be but meh)
Yeah, I too have disassembled many computers on carpet, and never had any problems, but then again, I KNOW I'm kind of lucky when it comes to computers. When I first built my computer years ago, I forgot to install spacers between the mobo and the case. Bottom line, the WHOLE ENTIRE BACK OF THE MOBO WAS ALL SHORTING OUT!!! I didn't realize why everytime I turned it on, it would immediately turn off. lol. The second time I was lucky was that my liquid cooling system (upgraded to liquid after a year or two) began to LEAK and I didn't notice why computer kept turning on and off... It ended up leaking ALL OVER MY GRAPHICS card (well, one of them... I have dual, cheap HD Radeon 2600XTs) and also there was literally FOG/STEAM over by the CPU since that was where the leak was and there wasn't much water flowing through, thus it was burning itself out. So now only one of my graphics cards works, but other than that, everything else works fine lol. Not to mention I've been lucky about carpeting I guess since I've definitely placed all my parts on carpet at least a few times. Idk why I'm saying all this, just saying it because I guess I've never really thought about how lucky I am :)
Arbitror (author)  Arbitror5 years ago
I'm not often mad on Instructables...
Its ok,You are not going to get banned
Arbitror (author)  ReCreate5 years ago
I know that! I just wrote that "because".
Fashim5 years ago
Weres the motherboard?
reactos.org5 years ago
(removed by author or community request)
Arbitror (author)  reactos.org5 years ago

So that is my excuse.
I did remove the CPU, but bent some pins, which I had to manually fix!
Gee, I wasn't looking for an "excuse" for why you didn't cover removing the CPU and heatsink... any CPU in a ZIF socket CAN be removed from the socket, and I simply wanted to know why you hadn't covered that process, so thanks for filling in the missing details. I'm glad that you've now described your adventures with the CPU and heatsink, for those who've never looked inside their computer cases. Pin-straightening is an art in itself; probably some tutorials available on the 'net for those who don't know how to approach it. I'm also glad to learn that you didn't do more damage to your CPU getting those pins lined up again... I've dealt with a lot of CPUs with bent pins over the years (problems caused by customers who THOUGHT they knew what they were doing), and even though I've always been able to get the pins realigned properly, it isn't always easy. Guess I finally have a good reason to be thankful that I'm nearsighted... Lastly, the "safety bar" you've mentioned is actually the locking bar for the ZIF socket, just to clarify that point...
Arbitror (author)  reactos.org5 years ago
I was just joking with the excuse part! I find that straightening pins is not that hard. t takes a while, but it's easy!
ben_k5 years ago
In step ten, that's a modem card, not Ethernet, which is much wider, but thats not really important. Good, well written instructable. And you computer has the most front panel connectors of any I have ever seen.
In step ten, that is an ETHERNET card; dial-up modems have TWO RJ-11 connectors on the back, one to connect the phone wire to the wall, the other to connect to a phone. That way, the modem is directly wired to the wall, though some people make the mistake of putting the phone between the wall and the computer, which can cause lots of connectivity problems. That low-profile ETHERNET card has a SINGLE RJ-45 connector on it; don't know how you could confuse it with a dial-up modem...
Arbitror (author)  ben_k5 years ago
It's labeled Ethernet, but like you said, it doesn't matter. If so, I better keep it for my next computer!
Joe Martin5 years ago
Bloody hell, Very informative & lots of fantastic and relevant pictures.

5* No questions!
Arbitror (author)  Joe Martin5 years ago
Now that I think of it, this is the first comment that I have got where someone has been thrilled with my work!..
(You could drop the "Bloody hell" though!)
Well,Hell would be bloody,Its not a good place,and you don't want to end up there either.
Arbitror (author)  ReCreate5 years ago
True, true.

I just to tell all the negative people that in a lab you would dissemble a computer on a antistatic grounded mat with a grounding strap on you but in the home when the computer is dead anyway doing it on a carpet isn't going to harm it unless your going to play "wacky racers" with the components on the carpet ;)

Bloody Hell
Well, maybe this is just me (doubtful), the purpose of disassembling the computer extends beyond simply taking it apart. If I'm going to take apart a computer it is to salvage whatever working parts I can. Just because the mobo is done doesn't mean the ram, CPU or expansion cards are also done. I think this instructable could be very helpful in aiding someone strip an older computer for useful parts, but it shouldn't be done on a carpet!
Arbitror (author)  aaevann5 years ago
If you read some of the other comments on my 'ible:

For some reason, not one computer or electronic device that I have disassembled on my carpet has been ruined or shocked in any way. I have disassembled many computers on carpet, and they all still to this day work. I don't know if it is my carpet, or if I'm just lucky, but I have never run into any problems!

(I will take your advice though, no more carpets+electronics!)
Arbitror (author)  Joe Martin5 years ago
Hey thanks! I'm still not done half of the image notes though!
very good instructable step by step good for people who need the help 8 out of 10 advice computer chips such as ram and carpet are not good together i would have used a desk or maybe antistatic mat
Arbitror (author)  ALISTAIRELLIOTT5 years ago
Arbitror (author)  Arbitror5 years ago
I've been told about the carpet about 10 times now, just try and find those comments and I have an explanation...
mwhpro5 years ago
hey i am interested in that tv card and the connectivity center let me know if you want to work out a deal. thanks
steelnix5 years ago
Now that you disassembled it?? What do you do with it?? I mean are you trying to sell parts?? Building a new computer??
ReCreate5 years ago
Oh my gosh,Ram on the carpet! Carpet is like Ram serial killer.
Ah Mainboard on the carpet! Don't tell me you put the CPU on the carpet also? I cant see this(covers eyes)
blckpythn5 years ago
I give you a 4.5 for shear quantity of nice pictures
luvit5 years ago
i have parts left over. : /
TATcreator5 years ago
Interesting audio system!
liteoner5 years ago
Nice Instructable for technophobes, but as I see it, those pics aren't HD ones.
Arbitror (author)  liteoner5 years ago
As I said in the intro: Due to the amount of pictures I uploaded, they are of low\meduim quality. Click the "i" in the top left corner of a picture, then click "original file: (3072x2304) 1 MB" to see the high quality HD pictures!
I recently disassembled my G4 iLamp now that was hard! Great job with 'ible!
fwjs285 years ago
is it me or is someone playing taps in the background for this dead computer....*sigh*
Arbitror (author)  fwjs285 years ago
Yah ya ya...
fwjs28 Arbitror5 years ago
i see?

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