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Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation Motherboard Replacement

Introduction

Replace your Kindle's old motherboard with a new one.

What you need

  1. Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation Motherboard Replacement, Case: step 1, image 1 of 2 Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation Motherboard Replacement, Case: step 1, image 2 of 2

    • Using a spudger or plastic opening tool, gently pry the bezel from the screen. It is easier to start in the corners and work your way around the bezel.

    • Do not insert the spudger too far under the bezel; it could easily damage the screen.

    Edit

  2. Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation Motherboard Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 3 Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation Motherboard Replacement: step 2, image 2 of 3 Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation Motherboard Replacement: step 2, image 3 of 3

    • Remove the eleven 3.0 mm Phillips screws surrounding the midframe.

    • At the top of the display, a strip of black tape covers one screw.

    Edit

  3. Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation Motherboard Replacement: step 3, image 1 of 1

    • Lift the midframe out of the case.

    • If the midframe is stuck, slide it to the left first, and then lift it out.

    Edit

  4. Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation Motherboard Replacement, Battery: step 4, image 1 of 2 Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation Motherboard Replacement, Battery: step 4, image 2 of 2

    • Turn over the midframe to locate the battery.

    • Remove the three Phillips 3.0 mm screws securing the battery to the midframe.

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  6. Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation Motherboard Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 1

    • Gently lift the battery from the bottom, and slide it out of the midframe.

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  7. Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation Motherboard Replacement, Motherboard: step 6, image 1 of 3 Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation Motherboard Replacement, Motherboard: step 6, image 2 of 3 Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation Motherboard Replacement, Motherboard: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • With the case and battery removed from the midframe, begin removing all cables attached to the motherboard.

    • Place the device so the midframe's backside faces up. Start with the cable on the bottom left corner.

    • Use a spudger to lift up the white locking cable tensioner and slide the flex cable out.

    • Proceed counterclockwise to the next cable and repeat. Small flex cable on the bottom won't need cable tensioner lifted, just carefully pull out.

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  8. Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation Motherboard Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 2 Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation Motherboard Replacement: step 7, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the white flex cable by gently lifting the yellow plastic connector.

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  9. Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation Motherboard Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 3 Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation Motherboard Replacement: step 8, image 2 of 3 Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation Motherboard Replacement: step 8, image 3 of 3

    • Remove the yellow anti-static tape from the display ribbon cable connector.

    • Use a spudger to lift up and disconnect the cable tensioner.

    Edit

  10. Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation Motherboard Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 2 Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation Motherboard Replacement: step 9, image 2 of 2

    • Use a Philips screwdriver to remove the seven 3.0 mm Phillips screws securing the motherboard:

    • Three silver screws with silver washers

    • Two silver screws with no washers

    • One black screw with a golden washer

    • One black screw with a square washer

    Edit

  11. Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation Motherboard Replacement: step 10, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the motherboard.

    Edit
Conclusion

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

6 other people completed this guide.

Author

with 10 other contributors

Isabelle Burgess

Member since: 01/23/13

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2 Guides authored

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Team

Cal Poly, Team 3-33, Amido Winter 2013 Member of Cal Poly, Team 3-33, Amido Winter 2013

CPSU-AMIDO-W13S3G33

4 Members

17 Guides authored

2 Comments

Not sure if this is an error, but on the 3G paperwhite, we needed to use a #0 Phillips, not a #2. Great guide otherwise!

Caleb Begly - Reply

Please suggest what type of controller is used and the model and flash memory in the Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation?

ven 1949, div 0004

Elecrash - Reply

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