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updated2026-10-04 23:30

 
Teardown of IBM ThinkPad i Series 1200
DeviceIBM ThinkPad i Series 1200
DifficultyModerate
TimeNo estimate
Steps20
This guide is by Gianfranco Grigera on iFixit and is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0. ByteRot mirrors it for non-commercial preservation: formatting changed and photos resized for old browsers; full-size photos and the text are on the FTP in /DOCS/REPAIR. Original guide >>

This guide shows how to disassemble the IBM ThinkPad i Series 1200. In addition, it explains how to remove the microprocessor to change its thermal paste.

Tools: Destornilladores planos; Destornilladores phillips


Step 1 :: Drums
[step 1 photo]
• Before beginning, ensure the notebook is powered off.
• CAUTION: Unplug the power cord.
• To remove it, slide the two switches in such a way that it is unlocked, as shown in the picture, and then remove it.

Step 2 :: HDD (Hard Drive)
[step 2 photo] [step 2 photo]
• Remove the screw in the lower corner.
• Remove the "cover" of the disk.
• Pull the "hook" that is attached to the disc to remove it.

Step 3 :: RAM cover
[step 3 photo] [step 3 photo]
• Remove the indicated screw from the backside of the notebook.
• Take off the cover that protects the RAM memory.

Step 4 :: Keyboard
[step 4 photo]
• Open the screen and lay it off the side in a flat manner.

Step 5
[step 5 photo]
• Remove the indicated screws on the backside of the PC.

Step 6
[step 6 photo]
• Slide the keyboard down so that the covers from above aren't blocked and as so we will be able to remove them more easily.
• CAUTION: Don't pull too hard as this can cause the flex cables to break.
• Disconnect the two ribbon cables that are located on the underside of the keyboard.
• NOTE: The back up battery will be connected on the upper middle part.

Step 7 :: Internal RAM
[step 7 photo]
• Remove the three indicated screws from the backside.
• NOTE: It is to be note that these screws are located under protective rubber caps.

Step 8
[step 8 photo]
• Remove the RAM compartment.

Step 9 :: Ethernet card
[step 9 photo] [step 9 photo]
• Remove the two indicated screws.
• Remove the metal protector that is found above the plate.

Step 10
[step 10 photo]
• Remove the Ethernet card.
• CAUTION: Careful as there's a cable connected that can be accidentally broken.

Step 11 :: Optical drive
[step 11 photo] [step 11 photo]
• Remove the indicated screws from the backside of the PC.
• Remove the optical drive by simply sliding it out.

Step 12 :: Display
[step 12 photo]
• First, remove the plastic components indicated.
• NOTE: These components are press-fitted, and thus we will have to remove them with care.
• Remove the two screws that are found after step one.
• Remove the plastic protector that is found on the upper part.

Step 13
[step 13 photo] [step 13 photo]
• Remove the two indicated screws.
• Proceed by removing the two connectors that are found there.
• CAUTION: Carefully start separating the display from the inferior side of our PC.

Step 14 :: CPU
[step 14 photo] [step 14 photo]
• Remove the plastic frame that surround the netbook.
• CAUTION: This component is press-fitted, so you have to remove it carefully so it doesn't break.
• Remove the metallic protector.
• Put aside the CPU cooler.

Step 15 :: Thermic paste change
[step 15 photo] [step 15 photo]
• Clean the fan and the old CPU paste.
• NOTE: You have to use alcohol and a small tissue.
• CAUTION: Alcohol is to not be used on any other part that was that aforementioned.

Step 16
[step 16 photo]
• Place new thermic paste and start putting your PC back together.

Step 17 :: Dismantling the dislpay.
[step 17 photo] [step 17 photo]
• Once step 13 is completed.
• Remove the plastic covers that surround the display.
• CAUTION: It must be done with a guitar "pick" as the plastic covers could break or scratch.

Step 18
[step 18 photo] [step 18 photo]
• Remove the indicated screws that hold the led board.

Step 19 :: Inverter
[step 19 photo] [step 19 photo] [step 19 photo]
• Remove the indicated screws that hold the metallic covering.
• Underneath you will find the inverter.

Step 20
[step 20 photo]
• Power supply connectors from motherboard to inverter.
• Data cables from motherboard to display.

Conclusion
To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Credit
This guide is by Gianfranco Grigera on iFixit and is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0. ByteRot mirrors it for non-commercial preservation: formatting changed and photos resized for old browsers; full-size photos and the text are on the FTP in /DOCS/REPAIR. Original guide >>
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