How to open ASUS X551CA notebook

I'm having some strange problem with m notebook upgrades.
I would like to upgrade RAM and HDD in it, but somehow I can't manage to open it. I unscrewed all screws, but the problem is that it's only one big part, and I can't unattach it ... it's hard to explain, but does anyone know how to open it without destroying anything?
Some video or pictures would be good

ps.: I have experiences with opening my old notebook ... no problems. Same with desktop PC. But this one is realy getting on my nerves ^^

 

Doesn't seem like anything is upgradeable on that system - try to look if removing the keyboard will show/reveal any more screws you can remove - and then see if you can pry apart the notebook gently with a plastic knife/credit card.

But it seems like even if you got that far, the RAM may be soldered in and the HDD may or may not be proprietary (and therefore not upgradeable).


Good luck.

 

Hi.
Please, excuse me for my tarzan English.
I had same problem, I bought laptop without DVD RW and decided to put it into ASUS X551CA. When I unscrewed all screws, nothing happened. Solution is exactly what tilleroftheearth said, you must use credit card starting on any corner of the laptop and go all way around laptop edges, even bellow monitor. At the end of process, keyboard is lifting up; it's connected with main part of laptop with 3 cables. All the electronics are in the main part which is connected with monitor of the laptop, you can lift upper part with the keyboard and separate it. You wil operate above, not bellow laptop. My version of computer can be upgraded with more memory and/or another HD or DVD.

 

Good to see that even though it is harder to get into these newer systems, it is still possible to upgrade them and therefore make them relevant for longer.


(Thanks for the update - and i guess this proves that I can still understand 'Tarzan English' - not only speak it. ).

 

Were you able to use the dvd drive slot for anything? I bought the model that doesnt have the dvd drive and theres a piece covering the slot. Does the keyboard need to be removed in order to access this slot or can some screws on the bottom just be removed to access it?

Thanks

 

Ended up playing around with the laptop since I hadnt heard back and am posting incase this helps anyone

There is in fact a sata slot inside the laptop - a plastic piece is there as a place holder since theres several versions of this laptop and they needed something to cover the gap.

Just take the 9 screws out of the bottom, then use something slim like a credit card to pry open the case a bit and the plastic clips will all come undone allowing you to open it up.

Heres a pic of the slot after I took the plastic piece out.

Note, if you plan to use an HDD caddy to add a second drive, there was a half inch gap left on the outside of the laptop since the design is proprietary. A workaround for it is to use the plastic piece that came with the laptop and just cut the plastic pieces out of it to fix the hard drive and adapter then glue it in, then slide it back inside the laptop.

 

Ended up playing around with the laptop since I hadnt heard back and am posting incase this helps anyone

There is in fact a sata slot inside the laptop - a plastic piece is there as a place holder since theres several versions of this laptop and they needed something to cover the gap.

Just take the 9 screws out of the bottom, then use something slim like a credit card to pry open the case a bit and the plastic clips will all come undone allowing you to open it up.

Heres a pic of the slot after I took the plastic piece out.

Note, if you plan to use an HDD caddy to add a second drive, there was a half inch gap left on the outside of the laptop since the design is proprietary. A workaround for it is to use the plastic piece that came with the laptop and just cut the plastic pieces out of it to fix the hard drive and adapter then glue it in, then slide it back inside the laptop.