Teardown of IBM ThinkPad i Series 1200

Introduction

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.

What you need

Step 1 Drums

Teardown of IBM ThinkPad i Series 1200, Drums: step 1, image 1 of 1

Before beginning, ensure the notebook is powered off.
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.

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Step 2 HDD (Hard Drive)

Teardown of IBM ThinkPad i Series 1200, HDD (Hard Drive): step 2, image 1 of 2

Teardown of IBM ThinkPad i Series 1200, HDD (Hard Drive): step 2, image 2 of 2

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.

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Step 3 RAM cover

Teardown of IBM ThinkPad i Series 1200, RAM cover: step 3, image 1 of 2

Teardown of IBM ThinkPad i Series 1200, RAM cover: step 3, image 2 of 2

Remove the indicated screw from the backside of the notebook.
Take off the cover that protects the RAM memory.

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Step 4 Keyboard

Teardown of IBM ThinkPad i Series 1200, Keyboard: step 4, image 1 of 1

Open the screen and lay it off the side in a flat manner.

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Step 5

Remove the indicated screws on the backside of the PC.

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Step 6

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.
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.
The back up battery will be connected on the upper middle part.

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Step 7 Internal RAM

Teardown of IBM ThinkPad i Series 1200, Internal RAM: step 7, image 1 of 1

Remove the three indicated screws from the backside.
It is to be note that these screws are located under protective rubber caps.

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Step 8

Remove the RAM compartment.

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Step 9 Ethernet card

Teardown of IBM ThinkPad i Series 1200, Ethernet card: step 9, image 1 of 2

Teardown of IBM ThinkPad i Series 1200, Ethernet card: step 9, image 2 of 2

Remove the two indicated screws.
Remove the metal protector that is found above the plate.

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Step 10

Remove the Ethernet card.
Careful as there's a cable connected that can be accidentally broken.

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Step 11 Optical drive

Teardown of IBM ThinkPad i Series 1200, Optical drive: step 11, image 1 of 2

Teardown of IBM ThinkPad i Series 1200, Optical drive: step 11, image 2 of 2

Remove the indicated screws from the backside of the PC.
Remove the optical drive by simply sliding it out.

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Step 12 Display

Teardown of IBM ThinkPad i Series 1200, Display: step 12, image 1 of 1

First, remove the plastic components indicated.
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.

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Step 13

Remove the two indicated screws.
Proceed by removing the two connectors that are found there.
Carefully start separating the display from the inferior side of our PC.

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Step 14 CPU

Teardown of IBM ThinkPad i Series 1200, CPU: step 14, image 1 of 2

Teardown of IBM ThinkPad i Series 1200, CPU: step 14, image 2 of 2

Remove the plastic frame that surround the netbook.
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.

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Step 15 Thermic paste change

Teardown of IBM ThinkPad i Series 1200, Thermic paste change: step 15, image 1 of 2

Teardown of IBM ThinkPad i Series 1200, Thermic paste change: step 15, image 2 of 2

Clean the fan and the old CPU paste.
You have to use alcohol and a small tissue.
Alcohol is to not be used on any other part that was that aforementioned.

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Step 16

Place new thermic paste and start putting your PC back together.

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Step 17 Dismantling the dislpay.

Teardown of IBM ThinkPad i Series 1200, Dismantling the dislpay.: step 17, image 1 of 2

Teardown of IBM ThinkPad i Series 1200, Dismantling the dislpay.: step 17, image 2 of 2

Once step 13 is completed.
Remove the plastic covers that surround the display.
It must be done with a guitar "pick" as the plastic covers could break or scratch.