Laptop Parts and Add-Ons

Model number first: why compatibility decides everything

Most items here fit particular laptops, so brand and screen size are not enough. Find the model and product number on the label under the laptop or in the battery bay, and compare it with the listing's supported models. Parts also carry their own numbers: a battery has a part number, and a screen has a panel code printed on its back, such as LP156WF4. Matching these numbers avoids the commonest problem, a part that looks identical but has a different connector or shape.

Power, screen, cooling or security: the check for each family

For power, match voltage and plug exactly, and treat wattage as a minimum; see laptop chargers and batteries. For displays, match size, resolution, connector pin count and mounting, as in laptop screens and display panels. Cooling pads need to cover your laptop's size and place airflow under its vents. Security locks need the right slot type on the laptop's edge. Repair parts, from fans to keyboards, depend on the exact generation of the model.

Questions about Laptop Parts and Add-Ons

Where do I find my laptop's exact model and part number?

Look at the label on the underside or in the battery bay for the model and product number. For a screen, the panel code is printed on the back of the old panel. System information tools in the operating system also list the model.

Can I use a charger with a different wattage?

A higher wattage with the same voltage and plug is normally safe, since the laptop draws only what it needs. A lower wattage can charge slowly or fail under load. Voltage and plug type must match the original.

Is a cooling pad worth it?

It helps when a laptop runs hot on a soft surface or has underside vents. Expect a few degrees, not a transformation. Cleaning dust from the internal fans and heatsink often does more than any pad.