Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9 ultraportable notebook
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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.
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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.
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ntCheck out the TR Dojo blog, for my observations about the Series 9 and our teardown process.
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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
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: 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: 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).
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ntThe 11″ Series 9 (Model: 900X1A) has a suggested retail price of $1,199.99 (US).
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ntOur 13″ test machine had the following technical specifications:
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- nttProcessor: 1.4GHz Intel Core i5-2537M
- nttGPU: Intel HD Graphics 3000
- nttRAM: 4GB DDR3 (8GB max)
- nttStorage: 128GB Samsung SSD
- nttDisplay: 13.3″ LED display (400nit; 1366 x 768 max resolution)
- nttBattery: 6-cell Lithium, 6300 mAh (up to 7 hours of battery life)
- nttPorts: Micro HDMI, Ethernet (requires dongle), 1 USB, 2 USB, Micro DS Card slot, headphone jack, mic-in jack
- nttSpeakers: 3W Stereo speakers with HD audio
- nttCamera: 1.3MP HD webcam (optional)
- nttInput device: Touch pad (supports multitouch)
- nttWireless: 802.11 b/g/n WiFi and Bluetooth V3.0 High Speed
- nttWarranty: 3-year
- nttOperating system: Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
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: 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).
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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
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: 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: Bottom
Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Bottom
ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
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: 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: 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.
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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Battery removed
Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Battery removed
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 128GB Samsung SSD MZMPA128HMFU-00000
Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: 128GB Samsung SSD MZMPA128HMFU-00000
nt128GB Samsung SATA II SSD – MZMPA128HMFU-00000
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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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
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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
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
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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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
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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Removing the cooling assembly
Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Removing the cooling assembly
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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)
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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
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)
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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
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
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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
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)
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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
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
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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
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)
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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
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
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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
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
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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
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
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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
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
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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
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
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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
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
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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
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)
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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
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
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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Intersil ISL6255 Highly Integrated Battery Charger
Cracking Open the Samsung Series 9: Intersil ISL6255 Highly Integrated Battery Charger
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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
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: 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)
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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
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: 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: 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.
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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
