Dell XPS 14 (L421x) Ultrabook Motherboard Removal and Installation

Created by on July 30, 2012
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In this Dell laptop tutorial we are going to show you how to install and replace the Motherboard on your Dell XPS 14 (L421x) Ultrabook laptop. These installation instructions have be made into 17 easy to follow printable steps. We have also create a video tutorial that shows you how to install your Dell XPS 14 (L421x) Ultrabook Motherboard.

Before you begin

Please take the time read the following safety guidelines when working on static sensitive electrical components.
Dell repair manual service precautions

Tools needed for this laptop repair

  • 1 x small phillips head screwdriver
  • 1 x T5 star screwdriver
  • 1 x small plastic scribe
XPS L421x Motherboard

Dell Laptop Replacement Parts Needed

116X6 Image
Eligible for FREE Economy Shipping.
Out Of Stock - Get notified when it returns.
1DDP7 Image
Eligible for FREE Economy Shipping.
Out Of Stock - Get notified when it returns.
3CNCR Image
Eligible for FREE Economy Shipping.
Out Of Stock - Get notified when it returns.
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XPS 14 L421x Motherboard


Installation and Removal Instructions
Dell XPS 14 (L421x) Ultrabook Motherboard

Remove the 2 screws under the XPS placard.

Step 1

  • Remove the 6 base screws.
  • Remove the 2 screws under the XPS placard.
Remove the 2 screws under the XPS placard. Remove the 6 base screws.
Carefully lift the base cover off of laptop and unplug the battery indicator cable.

Step 2

  • Carefully lift the base cover off of laptop and unplug the battery indicator cable.
Unplug the battery.

Step 3

  • Unplug the battery.
Unplug the unplug the speaker cable.

Step 4

  • Unplug the unplug the speaker cable.
Remove the speakers.

Step 5

  • Remove the 4 speaker screws.
  • Remove the speakers.
Remove the battery.

Step 6

  • Remove the 6 battery screws.
  • Remove the battery.
Separate the memory clips and remove the memory.

Step 7

  • Separate the memory clips and remove the memory.
Remove the wireless card screw.

Step 8

  • Unplug the wireless antenna wires.
  • Remove the wireless card screw.
  • Remove the wireless card.
Remove the wireless card screw. Remove the wireless card.
Loosen the 4 heatsink screws and carefully remove the heatsink.

Step 9

  • Loosen the 4 heatsink screws and carefully remove the heatsink.
Installation note 2: Tighten the heatsink screws in the order listed on the heatsink.

Step 10

  • Installation note 1: Make sure to replace thermal compound or thermal pads on the CPU and heatsink.
  • Installation note 2: Tighten the heatsink screws in the order listed on the heatsink.
  • **This image is used only as an example.**
Remove the fan screw.

Step 11

  • Unplug the fan.
  • Remove the fan screw.
Remove the fan screw.
Remove the SSD Solid State Drive Screw.

Step 12

  • Lift the tape off of the SSD Solid State Drive.
  • Remove the SSD Solid State Drive Screw.
  • Remove the SSD Solid State Drive.
Remove the SSD Solid State Drive Screw. Remove the SSD Solid State Drive.
Unplug the SSD SD circuit board I/O cable.

Step 13

  • Unplug the SSD SD circuit board ribbon cable.
  • Unplug the SSD SD circuit board I/O cable.
Unplug the SSD SD circuit board I/O cable. Unplug the SSD SD circuit board ribbon cable.
Carefully lift the hard drive and unplug the connector.

Step 14

  • Remove the 4 hard drive caddy screws.
  • Carefully lift the hard drive and unplug the connector.
Carefully lift the hard drive and unplug the connector. Remove the 4 hard drive caddy screws.
Unplug hard drive connector cable.

Step 15

  • Unplug hard drive connector cable.
Unplug the LCD display cables.

Step 16

  • Unplug the LCD display cables.
Remove the 6 motherboard screws.

Step 17

  • Unplug the 4 motherboard cables.
  • Remove the 6 motherboard screws.
  • Lift the motherboard away from the laptop base.
Remove the 6 motherboard screws. Lift the motherboard away from the laptop base.
XPS L421x Motherboard

Dell Laptop Replacement Parts Needed

116X6 Image
Eligible for FREE Economy Shipping.
Out Of Stock - Get notified when it returns.
1DDP7 Image
Eligible for FREE Economy Shipping.
Out Of Stock - Get notified when it returns.
3CNCR Image
Eligible for FREE Economy Shipping.
Out Of Stock - Get notified when it returns.
DIY Discount - Parts-People.com offers 5% off to all DO-IT-YOURSELFERS!
Use this coupon code to save 5% off these parts
DIYM514
XPS 14 L421x Motherboard

Topics: Dell Laptop Repair Dell Repair Manuals Motherboard XPS 14 (L421x)

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