Dell Inspiron 7501 (model P102F) disassembly

In this guide I disassemble a Dell Inspiron 7501 (model P102F) laptop.

Dell Inspiron 7501 design highlights:
– This laptop has two M.2 PCIe solid state drive slots.
– 8GB memory soldered to the motherboard.
– There is only one memory slot available for upgrades.
– Two types of batteries supported: 56WHr and 97WHr.
– Both cooling fans are easily removable.

The entire disassembly can be done with one basic tool – PH0 Phillips screwdriver. Case opener tool and tweezers are optional.

Bottom cover removal

Remove seven screws (red circles) holding the bottom cover. Unscrew two captive screws (yellow circles). Two captive screws will remain attached to the bottom cover.

In this step I’m using a case opener tool but you can use something similar, like a guitar pick for example.

Insert the tool between the bottom cover and the top case. Pry up the bottom cover.

Continue removing the bottom cover with your fingers.

Battery removal

Remove five screws attaching the battery to the top case.

Do you see an empty space on the left side? That’s how a larger capacity 97WHr battery fits into this laptop.

Lift up the battery and disconnect it from the motherboard.

In this particular laptop I had a standard 3-cell 56WHr battery installed. You can find a replacement using Dell part number 05D91C or battery type H5H20.

You can upgrade this battery to a larger 6-cell 97WHr battery type 6GTPY which is compatible with one of the following Dell laptop models:

• G7 17 (7700)
• Inspiron 15 7000 (7500)
• Inspiron 15 7000 (7501)
• Precision 5540
• Vostro 15 7000 (7500)
• XPS 15 (7590)

Memory removal and upgrade

Dell Inspiron 7501 laptop supports up to 24GB RAM (8GB onboard and 16GB removable). You should use DDR4-3200 memory module.

Onboard memory cannot be removed or replaced because it’s permanently soldered to the motherboard. If onboard memory fails, it is necessary to replace the entire motherboard.

The SODIMM memory (RAM) slot located under the black mylar cover.

SSD removal and replacement

Dell Inspiron 7501 laptop has two M.2 PCIe slots and can support two NVMe solid state drives (SSD).

In order to remove and replace the original SSD it’s necessary to remove the SSD cover first.

Remove one screw securing the SSD cover.

Remove the SSD cover.

Remove one screw securing the SSD.

Pull the SSD out.

In this particular case I have a 256GB Toshiba NVMe SSD type 2230 installed

If you wan to replace this drive with a regular size type 2280 SSD, it is necessary to move the SSD mounting bracket into different location.

Remove the mounting bracket.

Install the bracket as it shown on the following pictures. The screw mounting hole should be facing towards the edge of the laptop.

Now you can install a regular size type 2280 M.2 NVMe SSD into this laptop.

Don’t forget to install the cover which also works as a heatsink for the SSD. The blue stuff on the internal side of the cover is thermal pad.

Cooling fans removal and replacement

It’s very easy to remove and replace both cooling fans. Each fas is secured by two screws.

Remove four screws, disconnect both fans from the motherboard and remove them.

Here’s the right fan removed. If you need to find a replacement, you can search for Dell part number 0YND40.

Here’s the left fan removed. If you need to find a replacement, you can search for Dell part number 0KGH4R.

Power connector removal and replacement

The power connector (DC jack) is mounted under the left display hinge. Remove one screw from the hinge.

Open the display hinge as it shown on the following pictures. Remove one screw holding the DC jack.

Disconnect the DC jack cable from the motherboard and remove it. In this laptop the DC jack can be replaced without desoldering job, just replace the entire DC jack harness which has Dell part number 0MYXCJ.

Other internal laptop components

The wireless card is easily accessible. This is Intel Wi-Fi A/C/X + Bluetooth 5.0 card model AX201NGW. Dell part number 0XVV0P.

The I/O board (USB port, audio jack, SC card slot) also can be removed and replaced if necessary.

The touchpad is mounted under the metal bracket. After you remove five screws holding the bracket, you can access and remove the touchpad. Don’t forget to disconnect the touchpad cable before removing the bracket.

The keyboard in this laptop is not removable. The keyboard is permanently riveted to the top case. It’s possible to replace this keyboard without replacing the top case but it’s not easy.