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Hardware

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

By Bill Detwiler May 19, 2011, 5:48 AM PDT on Twitter billdetwiler

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Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Samsung Series 9 (Model: 900X3A) teardown

Samsung Series 9 (Model: 900X3A) teardown

ntAt CES 2011, Samsung revealed its answer to the Apple MacBook Air–the Series 9 notebook. This ultraportable laptop has some impressive hardware (Intel Core i5 CPU, 128GB SSD, and 4GB of RAM), but it also has an impressive price tag.
nt
ntSamsung sent TechRepublic a 13″ Series 9 to test, and I just couldn’t resist taking it apart. I’m glad I did. Unlike the MacBook Air, the Series 9’s case is easy to open, you can upgrade the RAM, and it uses standard Phillips screws. Follow along as I crack open the ultrathin Samsung Series 9 laptop.

n

ntCheck out the TR Dojo blog, for my observations about the Series 9 and our teardown process.
nt
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Box

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Box

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: In the box

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: In the box

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Hardware Specifications

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Hardware Specifications

ntAs of this writing, the 13″ Samsung Series 9 (Model: 900X3A) has a suggested retail price of $1,649.99 (US).

n

ntThe 11″ Series 9 (Model: 900X1A) has a suggested retail price of $1,199.99 (US).

n

ntOur 13″ test machine had the following technical specifications:

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    nt

  • nttProcessor: 1.4GHz Intel Core i5-2537M
  • nt

  • nttGPU: Intel HD Graphics 3000
  • nt

  • nttRAM: 4GB DDR3 (8GB max)
  • nt

  • nttStorage: 128GB Samsung SSD
  • nt

  • nttDisplay: 13.3″ LED display (400nit; 1366 x 768 max resolution)
  • nt

  • nttBattery: 6-cell Lithium, 6300 mAh (up to 7 hours of battery life)
  • nt

  • nttPorts: Micro HDMI, Ethernet (requires dongle), 1 USB, 2 USB, Micro DS Card slot, headphone jack, mic-in jack
  • nt

  • nttSpeakers: 3W Stereo speakers with HD audio
  • nt

  • nttCamera: 1.3MP HD webcam (optional)
  • nt

  • nttInput device: Touch pad (supports multitouch)
  • nt

  • nttWireless: 802.11 b/g/n WiFi and Bluetooth V3.0 High Speed
  • nt

  • nttWarranty: 3-year
  • nt

  • nttOperating system: Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
  • n

n

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Box contents

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Box contents

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Top

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Top

ntThe 13″ Samsung Series 9 has a unique Duralumin case, weighs 2.88 pounds, and measures 12.9″ (W) x 8.9″ (D) x ~0.62″ (H).
nt
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: DC Jack, Wired LAN port, Micro HDMI port, USB 3.0 port

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: DC Jack, Wired LAN port, Micro HDMI port, USB 3.0 port

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Speaker, MicroSD card slot, headphone/microphone jack, USB port

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Speaker, MicroSD card slot, headphone/microphone jack, USB port

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Bottom

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Bottom

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Wired LAN, Micro HDMI, and USB 3.0 ports open

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Wired LAN, Micro HDMI, and USB 3.0 ports open

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: MicroSD card slot, headphone/microphone jack, and USB port open

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: MicroSD card slot, headphone/microphone jack, and USB port open

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Compared to the Macbook Air (13-inch 2010)

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Compared to the Macbook Air (13-inch 2010)

ntThe 13″ Series 9 and 13″ Macbook Air (2010)’s dimensions and weight are nearly identical.
nt
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: End to end with the MacBook Air (13-inch 2010)

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: End to end with the MacBook Air (13-inch 2010)

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Side by side with the MacBook Air (13-inch 2010)

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Side by side with the MacBook Air (13-inch 2010)

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Bottom cover screws

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Bottom cover screws

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the bottom cover screws

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the bottom cover screws

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Two screw hidden under rear, rubber pads

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Two screw hidden under rear, rubber pads

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the hidden bottom cover screws

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the hidden bottom cover screws

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Screws hidden under small rubber discs

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Screws hidden under small rubber discs

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Popping loose the bottom cover after removing all screws

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Popping loose the bottom cover after removing all screws

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Lifting off the bottom cover

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Lifting off the bottom cover

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Bottom cover removed

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Bottom cover removed

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the battery screws

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the battery screws

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Disconnecting the battery from the motherboard

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Disconnecting the battery from the motherboard

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: 6-cell Li-Polymer Battery (DC7.4V, 46WH, 6300 mAh)

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: 6-cell Li-Polymer Battery (DC7.4V, 46WH, 6300 mAh)

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Battery removed

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Battery removed

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the RAM

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the RAM

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the RAM replacement warning sticker

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the RAM replacement warning sticker

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: 4GB DDR3 Samsung RAM chip

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: 4GB DDR3 Samsung RAM chip

ntSamsung 4GB DDR3 RAM chip (M471B5273CH0-CH9)

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the right-side port assembly screws

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the right-side port assembly screws

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Disconnecting the right-side port assembly ribbon cables

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Disconnecting the right-side port assembly ribbon cables

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the right-side port assembly

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the right-side port assembly

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Right-side port assembly - Top

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Right-side port assembly - Top

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Right-side port assembly - Bottom

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Right-side port assembly - Bottom

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the left-side port assembly screws

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the left-side port assembly screws

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Disconnecting the left-side port assembly ribbon cables

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Disconnecting the left-side port assembly ribbon cables

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the left-side port assembly

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the left-side port assembly

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Left-side port assembly - Top

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Left-side port assembly - Top

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Left-side port assembly - Bottom

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Left-side port assembly - Bottom

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the SSD screws

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the SSD screws

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the SSD

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the SSD

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: 128GB Samsung SSD MZMPA128HMFU-00000

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: 128GB Samsung SSD MZMPA128HMFU-00000

nt128GB Samsung SATA II SSD – MZMPA128HMFU-00000

n

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the SSD bracket screws

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the SSD bracket screws

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Disconnecting the wireless antenna cables

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Disconnecting the wireless antenna cables

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Moving the right-side speaker cable away from the SSD bracket

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Moving the right-side speaker cable away from the SSD bracket

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the SSD bracket

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the SSD bracket

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: SSD bracket - Top

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: SSD bracket - Top

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: SSD Bracket - Bottom

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: SSD Bracket - Bottom

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the wireless card screws

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the wireless card screws

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the wireless card

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the wireless card

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Broadcom 4324A-BRCM1048 802.11b/g/n WLAN+BT PCI-E Mini Card - Top

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Broadcom 4324A-BRCM1048 802.11b/g/n WLAN+BT PCI-E Mini Card - Top

ntBroadcom 4324A-BRCM1048  802.11b/g/n WLAN+BT PCI-E Mini Card

n

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Broadcom 4324A-BRCM1048 802.11b/g/n WLAN+BT PCI-E Mini Card - Bottom

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Broadcom 4324A-BRCM1048 802.11b/g/n WLAN+BT PCI-E Mini Card - Bottom

ntBroadcom 4324A-BRCM1048  802.11b/g/n WLAN+BT PCI-E Mini Card

n

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the right-side PCB screws

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the right-side PCB screws

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Right-side lide hinge cover removed

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Right-side lide hinge cover removed

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Disconnecting the right-side PCB ribbon cable from the motherboard

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Disconnecting the right-side PCB ribbon cable from the motherboard

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Disconnecting the right-side speaker cable

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Disconnecting the right-side speaker cable

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the right-side PCB ribbon cable

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the right-side PCB ribbon cable

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Right-side PCB ribbon cable - Top

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Right-side PCB ribbon cable - Top

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Right-side PCB ribbon cable - Bottom

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Right-side PCB ribbon cable - Bottom

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the right-side PCB

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the right-side PCB

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Right-side PCB - Top

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Right-side PCB - Top

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Right-side PCB - Bottom

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Right-side PCB - Bottom

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Right-side PCB markings

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Right-side PCB markings

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Realtek ALC269 - High Definition Audio Codec with Embedded Class D Speaker Amplifier

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Realtek ALC269 - High Definition Audio Codec with Embedded Class D Speaker Amplifier

ntRealtek ALC269 – High Definition Audio Codec with Embedded Class D Speaker Amplifier

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Genesys Logic GL823 USB 2.0 SD/MMC Flash Card Reader single chip

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Genesys Logic GL823 USB 2.0 SD/MMC Flash Card Reader single chip

ntGenesys Logic GL823 USB 2.0 SD/MMC Flash Card Reader single chip

n

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Power button contact

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Power button contact

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Right-side speaker

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Right-side speaker

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Left-side speaker

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Left-side speaker

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Reading to remove fan and cooling assembly

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Reading to remove fan and cooling assembly

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the interal fan screws

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the interal fan screws

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Disconnecting the internal fan cable from the motherboard

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Disconnecting the internal fan cable from the motherboard

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the internal fan

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the internal fan

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Internal Fan - Bottom

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Internal Fan - Bottom

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Internal fan - Top

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Internal fan - Top

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the cooling assembly screws

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the cooling assembly screws

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the cooling assembly

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the cooling assembly

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Cooling assembly - Top

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Cooling assembly - Top

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Cooling assembly - Bottom

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Cooling assembly - Bottom

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Remaining motherboard cables

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Remaining motherboard cables

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Disconnecting the left-side speaker cable from the motherboard

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Disconnecting the left-side speaker cable from the motherboard

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Disconnecting the Touchpad ribbon cable from the motherboard

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Disconnecting the Touchpad ribbon cable from the motherboard

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Disconnecting the power jack and display cables from the motherboard

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Disconnecting the power jack and display cables from the motherboard

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the motherboard screws

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the motherboard screws

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the motherboard

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the motherboard

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Case with motherboard and most internal components removed

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Case with motherboard and most internal components removed

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Synaptics Touchpad

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Synaptics Touchpad

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Synaptics T1320A Touchpad controller

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Synaptics T1320A Touchpad controller

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Motherboard (with CMOS battery)

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Motherboard (with CMOS battery)

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the CMOS battery

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the CMOS battery

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: CMOS battery

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: CMOS battery

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Motherboard - Top

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Motherboard - Top

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Motherboard - Bottom

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Motherboard - Bottom

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Intel Core i5-2537M Processor (3M Cache, 1.40 GHz)

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Intel Core i5-2537M Processor (3M Cache, 1.40 GHz)

ntIntel Core i5-2537M Processor (3M Cache, 1.40 GHz)

n

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Intel BD82HM65 Platform Controller Hub (PCH)

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Intel BD82HM65 Platform Controller Hub (PCH)

ntIntel BD82HM65 Platform Controller Hub (PCH)

n

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: SMSC MEC1310-NU Keyboard and Embedded Contoller

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: SMSC MEC1310-NU Keyboard and Embedded Contoller

ntSMSC MEC1310-NU Keyboard and Embedded Contoller

n

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: NEC USB 3.0 controller (D720200AF1)

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: NEC USB 3.0 controller (D720200AF1)

ntNEC USB 3.0 controller (D720200AF1)

n

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Parade PS810 HDMI/DVI Level Shifter

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Parade PS810 HDMI/DVI Level Shifter

ntParade PS810 HDMI/DVI Level Shifter

n

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Texas Instruments TS3L500AE 16-bit to 8-bit SPDT Gigabit LAN switch (Markings: TK500AE)

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Texas Instruments TS3L500AE 16-bit to 8-bit SPDT Gigabit LAN switch (Markings: TK500AE)

ntTexas Instruments TS3L500AE (Markings: TK500AE) 16-bit to 8-bit SPDT Gigabit LAN switch with LED switch and enahnced ESD protection

n

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Realtek RTL811E Integrated Gigabit Ethernet Controller for PCI Express Applications

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Realtek RTL811E Integrated Gigabit Ethernet Controller for PCI Express Applications

ntRealtek RTL811E Integrated Gigabit Ethernet Controller for PCI Express Applications

n

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Macronix MX25L5121E 512Kb CMOS Serial Flash Memory

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Macronix MX25L5121E 512Kb CMOS Serial Flash Memory

ntMacronix MX25L5121E 512Kb CMOS Serial Flash Memory

n

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Intersil ISL95831 3+1 Voltage Regulator for IMVP-7/VR12 CPUs

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Intersil ISL95831 3+1 Voltage Regulator for IMVP-7/VR12 CPUs

ntIntersil ISL95831 3+1 Voltage Regulator for IMVP-7/VR12 CPUs

n

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Alpha & Omega AON6786 30V N-Channel MOSFET

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Alpha & Omega AON6786 30V N-Channel MOSFET

ntAlpha & Omega AON6786 30V N-Channel MOSFET

n

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Advanced Power Electronics AP0803GMT-HF Power MOSFET

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Advanced Power Electronics AP0803GMT-HF Power MOSFET

ntAdvanced Power Electronics AP0803GMT-HF 30V 50 A Single N-channel Power MOSFET

n

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Alpha & Omega AON6912A MOSFET

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Alpha & Omega AON6912A MOSFET

ntAlpha & Omega AON6912A 30V Dual Asymmetric N-Channel MOSFET

n

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: SMSC EMC2112 Fan controller

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: SMSC EMC2112 Fan controller

ntSMSC EMC2112 Fan controller (link to newer EMC2113)

n

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Texas Instruments TPS54319 Synchronous Step-Down Switcher With Integrated FETs

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Texas Instruments TPS54319 Synchronous Step-Down Switcher With Integrated FETs

ntTexas Instruments TPS54319 2.95-Vto6-VInput, 3-AOutput, 2-MHz, Synchronous Step-Down Switcher With Integrated FETs

n

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Intersil ISL6255 Highly Integrated Battery Charger

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Intersil ISL6255 Highly Integrated Battery Charger

ntIntersil ISL6255 Highly Integrated Battery Charger with Automatic Power Source Selector for Notebook Computers

n

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Chip with markings CP=CM U0C

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Chip with markings CP=CM U0C

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Advanced Power Electronics APE8953 3A Ultra Low Dropout Linear Regulator

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Advanced Power Electronics APE8953 3A Ultra Low Dropout Linear Regulator

ntAdvanced Power Electronics APE8953 3A Ultra Low Dropout Linear Regulator (top markings 8953MP A3929B)

n

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Motherboard markings

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Motherboard markings

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Motherboard marking - Logo

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Motherboard marking - Logo

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

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Completely disassembled

Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Completely disassembled

ntThanks to its standard Phillips screws, pop-off cover, internal layout, the Samsung Series 9 was a snap to disassemble. I also like that you can upgrade the machine’s RAM. Something you can’t do on the 2010 MacBook Air. Unfortunately, the Series 9 uses the Intel Core i5-2537M processor’s integrated Intel HD Graphics 3000 technology. For the price, I would have preferred the Series 9 to use a separate GPU, such as the MacBook Air’s NVIDIA GeForce 320M.

n

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

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By Bill Detwiler
Bill Detwiler is the Editor for Technical Content and Ecosystem at Celonis. He is the former Editor in Chief of TechRepublic and previous host of TechRepublic's Dynamic Developer podcast and Cracking Open, CNET and TechRepublic's popular online show.
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