Dell Inspiron 15 (3520) How-To Install & Replace Your Motherboard

By Ricardo on November 6, 2024 · 9:05 am

In this Dell laptop tutorial we are going to show you how to install and replace the Motherboard on your Inspiron 15 (3520) laptop. These installation instructions have been made into 18 easy to follow printable steps. We have also created a video tutorial that shows you how to install your Inspiron 15 (3520) 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 Phillips #0 screwdriver
1 x small plastic scribe

Inspiron 3520 Motherboard

Dell Laptop Replacement Parts Needed

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Inspiron 15 3520 Motherboard

Video tutorial repair manual

Installation and Removal Instructions
Inspiron 15 (3520) Motherboard

Before you begin: If you need help at any point, you can always contact Parts-People Motherboard Repair Department for help with your diagnosis or repair.

Step 1

Before you begin: If you need help at any point, you can always contact Parts-People Motherboard Repair Department for help with your diagnosis or repair.

Unscrew the bottom base cover (6 x M2 x 5mm) (2 x captive screws).

Step 2

Unscrew the bottom base cover (6 x M2 x 5mm) (2 x captive screws).
Use a plastic scribe to separate and remove the Bottom Base Cover.

Step 3

Disconnect the battery cable.

Unscrew and remove the SSD bracket (1 x M2 x 3mm).

Step 4

Unscrew and remove the SSD bracket (1 x M2 x 3mm).
Slide out the M.2 NVMe SSD.

Pull the locking tabs outwardly away from the RAM to release them.

Step 5

Pull the locking tabs outwardly away from the RAM to release them.
Slide out the RAM/Memory.

Unscrew and remove the WiFi bracket (1 x 2mm x 3.5mm).

Step 6

Unscrew and remove the WiFi bracket (1 x 2mm x 3.5mm).
Disconnect the antenna cables.
Slide out the Wireless/WiFi Card.
Loosen the antenna cables.

Unclip the locking tab and disconnect the hard drive cable.

Step 7

Unclip the locking tab and disconnect the hard drive cable.

Unclip the locking tab and disconnect the touchpad cable.

Step 8

Unclip the locking tab and disconnect the touchpad cable.
Unclip the locking tab and disconnect the keyboard cable.

Step 9

Disconnect the speaker cable.

Unclip the locking tab and disconnect the I/O board cable.

Step 10

Unclip the locking tab and disconnect the I/O board cable.

Step 11

Disconnect the cooling fan cable.

Step 12

Disconnect the DC jack cable.

Unscrew and lift the right LCD hinge (2 x M2.5 x 5mm).

Step 13

Unscrew and lift the right LCD hinge (2 x M2.5 x 5mm).

Unsnap the locking tab and disconnect the LCD cable.

Step 14

Unsnap the locking tab and disconnect the LCD cable.

Step 15

Unscrew and remove the Heatsink (4 x M2 x 3mm).

Unscrew and remove the Motherboard (4 x 2mm x 3.5mm).

Step 16

Unscrew and remove the Motherboard (4 x 2mm x 3.5mm).

BEFORE REPLACING HEATSINK: Wipe away any old thermal paste from the CPU and heatsink.

Step 17

BEFORE REPLACING HEATSINK: Wipe away any old thermal paste from the CPU and heatsink.
***NOTE: Make sure to not touch the heat transfer areas on the heatsink and processors. The oils on your skin can reduce the heat transfer capability of the thermal paste.