F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Question about laptop motherboard for lil pc project

Question about laptop motherboard for lil pc project

Question about laptop motherboard for lil pc project

J
jonleflar
Member
181
10-20-2021, 11:13 AM
#1
Hey there!
I've been searching for an affordable setup to run my Plex server and play games on a 4K TV. I want something compact and flat, not a full PC, but I don’t want to build one from scratch. I’ve checked out gaming laptops with damaged screens and parts, and prices look reasonable—like a good £200 Acer Nitro 5 board with 5600h and a 3060. Most videos say they work fine, but I’m curious if I could install an OS on an Acer Nitro 5 without the chassis and original display. I read somewhere that without drivers it might not be possible, which is puzzling. Thanks!
J
jonleflar
10-20-2021, 11:13 AM #1

Hey there!
I've been searching for an affordable setup to run my Plex server and play games on a 4K TV. I want something compact and flat, not a full PC, but I don’t want to build one from scratch. I’ve checked out gaming laptops with damaged screens and parts, and prices look reasonable—like a good £200 Acer Nitro 5 board with 5600h and a 3060. Most videos say they work fine, but I’m curious if I could install an OS on an Acer Nitro 5 without the chassis and original display. I read somewhere that without drivers it might not be possible, which is puzzling. Thanks!

C
catarinabernas
Member
81
10-20-2021, 02:10 PM
#2
Welcome to the forums, newcomer! If I were to buy an Acer Nitro 5 MB PS3, could I install it without its chassis (KB and TP)? You might consider using a salvaged button from another laptop of the same design, as the ribbon cable isn't identical across all models. It would be ideal if you could obtain a laptop with a broken screen and have the lid closed while connected to your TV.

How To Install Windows On A Laptop With A Broken Screen
Unexpected things often happen in life. You were about to install Windows on your laptop when someone accidentally touched the power brick, causing it to fall onto your desk. Now you find yourself standing in a corner on a hard, marbled floor with a broken screen.

Someone mentioned that using a power button outside while the laptop is closed could be a solution. I also read that without drivers, installing an operating system might not be possible, which has puzzled me. This post aims to clarify that finding the correct SKU and driver support page through the manufacturer's site is essential. You'll also need storage, RAM, the ribbon cable for the power button, and a USB keyboard/mouse. It's uncertain if the BIOS will recognize your device without BIOS support, so checking the support page is important. Your trackpad might not appear in the BIOS unless you manage to locate it properly.

My two cents suggest focusing on building a new SFF instead of wasting effort here.
C
catarinabernas
10-20-2021, 02:10 PM #2

Welcome to the forums, newcomer! If I were to buy an Acer Nitro 5 MB PS3, could I install it without its chassis (KB and TP)? You might consider using a salvaged button from another laptop of the same design, as the ribbon cable isn't identical across all models. It would be ideal if you could obtain a laptop with a broken screen and have the lid closed while connected to your TV.

How To Install Windows On A Laptop With A Broken Screen
Unexpected things often happen in life. You were about to install Windows on your laptop when someone accidentally touched the power brick, causing it to fall onto your desk. Now you find yourself standing in a corner on a hard, marbled floor with a broken screen.

Someone mentioned that using a power button outside while the laptop is closed could be a solution. I also read that without drivers, installing an operating system might not be possible, which has puzzled me. This post aims to clarify that finding the correct SKU and driver support page through the manufacturer's site is essential. You'll also need storage, RAM, the ribbon cable for the power button, and a USB keyboard/mouse. It's uncertain if the BIOS will recognize your device without BIOS support, so checking the support page is important. Your trackpad might not appear in the BIOS unless you manage to locate it properly.

My two cents suggest focusing on building a new SFF instead of wasting effort here.

M
MrSaethy
Junior Member
3
10-21-2021, 02:37 PM
#3
Yes, it's feasible to construct something using a laptop board, people have done this for years. The main concern is ensuring the CPU cooler plug is used properly, otherwise you might face issues without it. You'll probably need to replace the power button as well, since finding a suitable replacement can be inconvenient, and you'll also require the power adapter. This project has been attempted before, so you can also upgrade the Wi-Fi card for more internal storage or use an Ethernet connection instead, or install a USB Wi-Fi adapter if you modify the A or E key slots to M.2.
M
MrSaethy
10-21-2021, 02:37 PM #3

Yes, it's feasible to construct something using a laptop board, people have done this for years. The main concern is ensuring the CPU cooler plug is used properly, otherwise you might face issues without it. You'll probably need to replace the power button as well, since finding a suitable replacement can be inconvenient, and you'll also require the power adapter. This project has been attempted before, so you can also upgrade the Wi-Fi card for more internal storage or use an Ethernet connection instead, or install a USB Wi-Fi adapter if you modify the A or E key slots to M.2.