Apple Powerbook 520/540 General Disassembly

Introduction

In order to obtain access to the internal components you must first follow this step by step general disassembly guide. This will be a first stop in installing a new component that is enclosed by the outer shell.

What you need

Step 1 Case

Apple Powerbook 520/540 General Disassembly, Case: step 1, image 1 of 2

Apple Powerbook 520/540 General Disassembly, Case: step 1, image 2 of 2

Turn computer over.
Remove battery expansion cover and battery.

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Step 2

With monitor hinge at the bottom, remove the two top center screws.

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Not necessary for RAM, hard drive, or CPU replacement.

Miles Raymond - Mar 23, 2016 Reply

The Screws are T8!

Willy Kaiser - Oct 24, 2016 Reply

Step 3

Remove top left and top right screws.

Edit

Also not necessary for RAM, hard drive, or CPU replacement.

Miles Raymond - Mar 23, 2016 Reply

Step 4

Remove middle left and middle right screws.

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Step 5

Open computer kickstands.
Remove screws underneath each kickstand.

Edit

Again not necessary for RAM, hard drive, or CPU replacement.

Miles Raymond - Mar 23, 2016 Reply

Philips PH00 screws

8-Bit Hero Wendler - Mar 15, 2023 Reply

Step 6

Lift keyboard from bottom and take out of shell.

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Step 7

Apple Powerbook 520/540 General Disassembly: step 7, image 3 of 3

Lift the white ribbon clamps securing the keyboard ribbon cables to the motherboard. You can do this using a plastic opening tool.
Removing both ribbon cables from the motherboard will leave the clamps like so.
From here you can access the logic board, hard drive, and floppy drive.