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Introduction

This guide takes a step by step process on removal and replacement of the mother board on the Dell Inspiron 3148. The tools and hardware used/removed are listed ahead of the guide and referenced throughout each step.

What you need

Step 1 Back Panel

Dell Inspiron 3148 Motherboard Replacement, Back Panel: step 1, image 1 of 2

Dell Inspiron 3148 Motherboard Replacement, Back Panel: step 1, image 2 of 2

Ensure the device is powered off and unplugged. Close the device and orient it face up, with the hinges further away from you.
Flip the device over so the backside is facing you.

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Step 2

Using the Phillips #1 screwdriver, remove all nine 7mm screws.

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Step 3

Using the plastic opening tool, pull the back panel upward. Move the opening tool along the edge of the device and lift the panel off of your device.
Be aware, the back panel is kept in place by magnetic clips. They will offer some resistance, but continue to gently leverage upwards.

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Step 4 Battery

Dell Inspiron 3148 Motherboard Replacement, Battery: step 4, image 1 of 1

Remove the three 4mm screws holding battery in place using the Phillips #0 screwdriver.

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Step 5

Using the iFixit opening tools, lift the battery out of its housing.

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Step 6

Once loosened, use your fingers to lift the battery up and out of its housing.
There is a small cable which sits in a rut in the top of the battery. Ensure that it is pushed out of the way before removing completely.

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Step 7

Remove the battery completely.

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Step 8 Hard Drive

Dell Inspiron 3148 Motherboard Replacement, Hard Drive: step 8, image 1 of 3

Dell Inspiron 3148 Motherboard Replacement, Hard Drive: step 8, image 2 of 3

Dell Inspiron 3148 Motherboard Replacement, Hard Drive: step 8, image 3 of 3

If there is a piece of tape connecting the hard drive and a small power cord, remove the tape.
Using the Phillips #0 screwdriver, remove the two 4mm screws.

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Step 9

Dell Inspiron 3148 Motherboard Replacement: step 9, image 3 of 3

Notice: there is a small data cable connecting the hard drive to the motherboard. Do not attempt to lift the hard drive all the way out before removing this cable.
Lift the hard drive slightly out of the device.
Grasp the head of the cable, not the cable itself.
Pull away from the hard drive, removing the data cable. The hard drive may now be fully removed.

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Step 10 Fan

Dell Inspiron 3148 Motherboard Replacement, Fan: step 10, image 1 of 3

Dell Inspiron 3148 Motherboard Replacement, Fan: step 10, image 2 of 3

Dell Inspiron 3148 Motherboard Replacement, Fan: step 10, image 3 of 3

If there is tape on your fan, remove the tape.
Remove the two 2mm screws on the fan enclosure using the Phillips #00 screwdriver.

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Step 11

Unscrew the three 4mm screws holding down the heat sink of the fan using the Phillips #00 screwdriver.
The three 4mm screws found in the heat sink will remain attached to the heat sink. This is okay as long as they are detached from the motherboard.