Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Box

ntThe Samsung Series 5 is available in two flavors–a Wi-Fi + 3G model for $499.99 (US) and a Wi-Fi-only model for $429.99 (US). You can purchase the Series 5 from Amazon.com and BestBuy.com.

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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Box contents

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Front

ntThe Samsung Series 5 has the following hardware specifications:

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• nttProcessor: 1.66 GHz Intel Atom dual-core N570

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• nttGraphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3150

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• nttStorage: 16GB mSATA SSD

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• nttRAM: 2 GB

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• nttCommunications: Wireless-N Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) and optional 3G (requires Verizon Wireless subscription)

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• nttDisplay: 12.1″ LED (WXGA, 1280×800 resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio)

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• nttVideo out: VGA (via optional dongle)

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• nttBattery: 6-cell Li-ion battery (up to 8.5 hours of life)

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• nttPorts: Two USB 2.0 ports, 4-in-1 memory card reader (SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC)

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• nttCamera: 1Mp HD Webcam

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• nttAudio: Built-in digital microphone and stereo speakers

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• nttKeyboard: Full-size Chrome keyboard

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• nttInput device: Oversized multi-touch trackpad

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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Top

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Bottom

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: USIM card slot and USB port

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: SD card reader

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Power connector, fan vent, Mini-VGA and USB ports, and headphone/microphone jack

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Keyboard and touchpad

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Removing the back cover screws

ntThree Phillips #1 screws are visible on the Samsung Series 5’s back cover. Four more Phillips screws are hidden under the computer’s four rubber feet.

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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Removing the rubber feet to reveal hidden screws

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Removing the hidden back cover screws

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Popping off the back cover

ntUsing a plastic spudger, I was able to separate the back cover from the rest of the Samsung Series 5’s case.

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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Lifting off the back cover

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Back cover

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: First look inside

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Removing the battery screws

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Disconnecting the battery from the motherboard

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: 7.4V 61Wh 8100mAh battery

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: With the battery removed

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Disconnecting the Qualcom Gobi2000 WWAN board antenna wires

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Removing the Qualcom Gobi2000 WWAN board screw

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Removing the Qualcom Gobi2000 WWAN board

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Qualcomm Gobi2000 WWAN board - Top

ntThe Samsung Series 5 has the same Qualcomm Gobi2000 WWAN board as the earlier Google CR-48 Chromebook.

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ntThe main chips on the top of this card are the Qualcomm MDM2000, Samsung K4X56323PI 32 MB Mobile DRAM, and TQS 7M5012.

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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Qualcomm Gobi2000 WWAN board - Bottom

ntOn the back of the Qualcomm Gobi2000 WWAN board are the Qualcomm RFR6500 receiver and Qualcomm RTR6285 UMTS/GSM/EDGE cellular transceiver with GPS.

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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Removing the SanDisk SSD screw

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Removing the SanDisk SSD

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: SanDisk 16GB SDSA4DH-016G SSD - Top

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: SanDisk 16GB SDSA4DH-016G SSD - Bottom

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Disconnecting the Wi-Fi board antenna wires

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Removing the Qualcomm Atheros Wi-Fi card screw

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Removing the Qualcomm Atheros Wi-Fi card

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Qualcomm Atheros AR5BHB116 802.11n Wi-Fi card with Atheros AR9382 chip

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: With battery, SSD, and wireless boards removed

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Prying the right speaker away from the case

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Disconnecting the right speaker wire

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Prying the left speaker away from the case

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Disconnecting the left speaker wire

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
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Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Speakers - Top

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Speakers - Bottom

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Removing the right-side PCB screw

ntThe small right-side PCB contains a speaker connector, USIM card slot, USB port, and connectors for the two wireless PCBs.

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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Disconnecting the right-side PCB ribbong cable

ntA large ribbon cable connects the smaller right-side PCB to the Samsung Series 5’s motherboard.

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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Removing the right-side PCB

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Right-side PCB - Top

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Right-side PCB bottom

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Remvoing the SD card reader PCB screws

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Disconnecting the SD card reader PCB ribbon cables

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Removing the SD card reader PCB

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Realtek RTS5138 SD card reader IC

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: SD card reader PCB slot

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Disconnecting the right-side PCB ribbon cable from the motherboard

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Removing the touchpad PCB cover screws

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Disconnecting the touchpad PCB ribbon cable

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Removing the touchpad PCB cover

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Touchpad PCB and cover

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Synaptics T1320A Capacitive Touchpad Controller

ntThe Samsung Series 5 uses the same Synaptics T1320A Capacitive Touchpad Controller found in the earlier Google CR-48 Chromebook.

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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: The keyboard and touchpad are permanently attached to the upper case

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Removing the heatsink and cooling fan screws

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Removing the heatsink and cooling fan

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
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Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Heatsink and cooling fan - Top

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
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Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Heatsink and cooling fan - Bottom

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
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Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Disconnecting the displaly connector from the motherboard

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Removing the motherboard screws

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Removing the motherboard

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Motherboard (with battery and thermal paste) - Top

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Motherboard (with battery and thermal paste) - Bottom

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Near empty upper case

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Removing the lid and display screws

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Removing the lid and display

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Empty upper case

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Lid and 12.1" LED display (WXGA, 1280x800)

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: System battery

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Removing black plastic shielding from the back of the motherboard

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Internal sticky label

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
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Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Motherboard - Top

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
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Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Motherboard - Bottom

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: 1.66 GHz Intel Atom dual-core N570 processor

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Intel CG82NM10SLGXX Platform Hub Controller

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Realtek ALC272 4-Channel High Definition Audio Codec

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
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Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Macronix MX25L1005C 1Mb Serial Flash

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
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Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Texas Instruments BQ24725 2-4 Cell Li+ Battery SMBus Charge Controller (markings BQ725)

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Texas Instruments TPS51117 1.8V to 28V Input Sync. Step Down Controller and TPS54319 2.95V to 6V Input, 3A Synchronous Step-Down Converter

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Samsung K4B2G0846 HCH9 2 Gb DD3 SDRAM

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Alpha & Omega Semiconductor AON6912A 30V Dual Asymmetric N-Channel MOSFET

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Silego Technology SLG8SP513V CK505 Clock Generator

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: SMSC EMC2112 Fan controller

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
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Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: SMSC MEC1300-NU I/O controller

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
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Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Infineon SLB9635TT1.2 Trusted Platform Module (TPM)

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
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Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Texas Instruments TPA6017A2 stereo audio power amplifier

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
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Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Motherboard markings - Model: Alex12

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook Cracking Open: Completely disassembled

ntLike the CR-48, Google’s original Chromebook, the Samsung Series 5 was easy to crack open and dissect. Samsung used standard Phillips screws both outside and inside the case. The wireless cards, SSD, and battery are all easily removed, but you must remove the computer’s back cover to do so.

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ntUnlike the CR-48, but like the Apple MacBook Air, the Series 5’s RAM is soldered to the motherboard, making a RAM upgrade impossible.

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ntThe keyboard and touchpad are also permanently attached to the upper case. If either component fails, you’ll need to replace the entire upper case unit.

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ntOverall the Series 5 isn’t a difficult machine to work on or repair, but I doubt many businesses will bother. With Google’s Chromebook Business & Education subscription plan, Google provides replacement hardware.

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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler