FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Generally you can use a charger from any manufacturer with any device, as long as the voltage and the plug are the same and the wattage is greater or equal to that of the original power supply.

All the necessary information to calculate it can be found on the back of the power supply. To calculate the output power of the unit, use the specifications listed under "output".

Calculation:

Ampere * Volt = Watt

Example: 4,74 A * 19 V = 90,06 W

The power supply therefor has 90 Watt.

In our online shop you can choose your notebook in the menu on the left, then all compatible articles will be listed.

If you can't find your model, you can also enter the manufacturer part number of your power supply in the search.  

Examples for manufacturer part numbers:

Toshiba: A000007000, K000060890, PA3468E-1AC3
Acer: AP.06501.024, 7452480100
Fujitsu-Siemens: UWL:76-01B900-5A, WTS:25.10173.071, FSP:811002431
Asus: 90-XB0KOAPW00070Q
HP: 381090-001
Lenovo: 40Y7673

Examples for part numbers, that can also be found on power supplies but are not manufacturer part numbers:

ADP-60SH B, PA-1650-54, ADP-90CD, PA3468-1AC3

Yes, you can use a power supply with a higher wattage, however you need to pay attention that the voltage doesn't deviate more than one volt from the voltage of the original power supply.

It also doesn't work the other way around; your new power supply needs to have at least the same wattage as the old one.

Not necessarily, try taking your battery out (if possible) and starting the computer while connected to the charger in question. If it starts, the power supply is working but something in the Notebook is broken.

There are also multiple indicator lights, on the laptop, whether it is being charged, also this can be seen in most operating systems. You can also use the indicator light found on some chargers to diagnose an issue with a cable.

Power supplies are subject to certain specifications and can reach up to 50°C. The most amount of heat is produced when working on the Notebook and charging the battery at the same time. As long as you can touch your charger without getting burnt, its temperature is probably within specification. However, it is most important, that the heat can be dissipated, therefor you should never put your power supply under a blanket or in a closed drawer.  

Oftentimes the reason for this is, that with USB-C all devices have to agree on the current and voltage used for charging. Therefore, all involved devices must support USB Power Delivery, so that enough power can be transmitted to charge devices such as laptops. The cable used for charging is also part of these devices, which means you have to make sure your cable supports USB-PD. If one or more devices do not support USB-PD a maximum of 15 Watt can flow.

Here is a list of country specific mains plugs, which we can deliver with your new power supply.

Please note, that you can not order the mains plugs on their own!

You ordered using the part number of the power supply manufacturer (DELTA, LiteOn, …) and not the notebook manufacturers part number. The power supplies are often bought by the Notebook manufacturers and then outfitted with different plugs. These plug variants are no longer considered in the part number of the power supply manufacturer. An example: ADP-90MD H is sold by Acer with a plug with a 5,5mm outer and a 1,7mm inner diameter but other brands sell it with a 5,5/2,5mm plug.

Basically, a power supply converts the AC voltage from the mains into a lower DC voltage for a consumer. In the case of a laptop power supply, the output voltage and maximum output current are usually fixed.

The main component of any power supply unit or power supply is a transformer. In laptop power supplies, this is usually characterized by a very compact design.

The 220-volt alternating current from the wall socket generates a magnetic field in the transformer, whose charge changes from positive to negative 50 times per second. These electrical oscillations can cause parts of the transformer wires, iron cores and coils to move slightly. While the parts are usually glued together tightly, the connections can become partially loose for a variety of reasons, or the insulation on the coil wires can become brittle. And this can cause the annoying noises. The power supply hums.

The movements of the transformer components can also be transferred to other components in the very compactly designed laptop power supply and cause additional small vibrations there, which also cause noises.

Reassuring when the power supply hums: Noise developments in power supplies don't affect the electrical functionality and are usually harmless.

Depending on the cause of the noise, mounting the power supply differently, e.g. on a different base or on a piece of foam rubber, may solve the problem.

No, because a circuit in the Notebook controls how much power arrives at the battery and not the charger.

The purchase on account in the IPC online store is easily possible via "PayPal invoice purchase". Please keep in mind that you do not have to transfer the money to IPC-Computer, but to PayPal. On our info page on payment methods you will find more information.

• You can enroll for customer protection with Trusted Shop free of charge
• We are active in the IT-business since 1994
• The Creditreformconfirmed us a solvency index of 1,85
• We have satisfied customers, which you can see in our reviews
• You can get an overview of our team here

If you have also transferred the amount directly to IPC-Computer when buying via Amazon, we will of course refund you the amount paid twice. Please write an e-mail to buchhaltung@ipc-computer and send us your bank details, please also add the invoice paid to Amazon to the e-mail so that we can match them.

If there was a double payment in your order by mistake, please send us a request using contact form. Please select "Question about order, invoice, delivery time", our service team will process your request as soon as possible.

• No, this is not possible and not safe: modern lithium batteries are tightly sealed systems with complex integrated electronics (temperature, voltage and charge monitoring).
   
• Danger: If this unit is opened or handled improperly, there is a risk of fire or explosion.
   
• Our recommendation: We always recommend replacing with a new original (or compatible) battery. This is technically safe and makes economic sense.
   

Service tip: At IPC-Computer you will find tested batteries for almost all models. On request, we can also carry out professional installation in our workshop at a flat rate.

Opening a laptop requires care, the right tools and some experience.

Be sure to observe the following basic rules:

• De-energize: Disconnect the device completely from the mains and de-energize the internal battery.
• Tools: Use suitable precision mechanics tools and observe ESD protection.
• Caution: Systematically loosen the housing screws and carefully lift off the base cover with a plastic tool.

• No force: Do not use force! Many devices have hidden screws under rubber feet or stickers.
   

  Video instructions: Our "My laptop from the inside" series clearly shows how different laptop models are constructed. The more than 250 videos (YouTube) will help you to understand the design and locate components safely.
   

Service: If you are unsure or permanently installed components need to be separated, our technicians in the workshop will safely remove and repair them.

• Will I lose data if I change the battery?

• No, usually not: Changing the battery is usually easy to do yourself if you follow the necessary steps:
   
• Procedure:

1. Disconnect the power: Unplug the power adapter and switch off the laptop.
2. Open: Loosen all the screws on the underside to access the battery.
3. Disconnect:Carefully unplug the battery connection cable from the mainboard.
4. Installation: Insert the new battery and screw everything back in properly.

• Quality: Only use original batteries or high-quality IPC-Computer replacement batteries.

   

Tip: Take a look at our instructions first! We have over 250 videos in the "My laptop from the inside" section, including your model.

• How do I find the right battery for my laptop model?

• As batteries are usually permanently installed in your device these days, we will be happy to replace them for you.
   
• Flat rate: We will replace the battery in your device for a fixed price of $73.83 (including VAT).
   
• This is how it works: You can simply add this service to the purchase of a new battery in our store.

• Classic signs: It makes sense to replace the battery if the runtime has been significantly reduced, the battery no longer charges fully or the device suddenly switches off when connected to the mains.
   
• Urgent danger: If your battery is severely bloated or the housing is deformed, it must be replaced immediately for safety reasons!
   
• Loss of performance: After around 2-3 years or 300-500 charging cycles, a battery will noticeably lose performance. At the latest when the capacity drops below 80%, it is worth replacing it.
   
• Replacement options: Replace with an original battery from our warehouse or choose our IPC replica batteries as an inexpensive alternative with an optional 24-month warranty.
   

Tip (service/instructions): You can order the battery installation directly with the purchase at a flat rate - click here for the repair order. Alternatively, you can find over 250 videos "My laptop from the inside", which explain the replacement process in an easy-to-understand way.

• No, your data is safe: Your data is stored on the SSD or hard disk and will not be lost if you change the battery.
   

• Possible exception (clock/BIOS): If your laptop does not have its own BIOS battery, it may be necessary to reset the time in the BIOS.

  → No problem: The system time is automatically synchronized via the Internet at the latest after Windows startup and is correct again.

An internal battery cannot usually be completely disconnected from the power supply without disconnecting it electronically or physically. However, many laptops have a built-in safety function for this purpose:

1. via the BIOS/UEFI: Some manufacturers offer the Battery Disconnect or Internal Battery Disable option there. This disconnects the battery electrically until the power supply unit is reconnected.

2. via the switch in the service door: Some devices have a small slide switch or button under the maintenance flap that can be used to deactivate the battery before maintenance work.

3. manual disconnection: If none of these options are available, the battery can only be disconnected from the mainboard by qualified personnel or yourself with caution.

Tip: Check the instructions first! You will find over 250 video instructions for professionally opening and expanding your device in our series “My laptop from the inside”.

If your laptop battery is causing problems, a so-called battery reset can often help by restarting the internal charging electronics.

Instructions

1. Preparation: First disconnect the mains adapter from the device and switch it off completely.
2. Find the reset button: Look on the bottom or back of your laptop for the small hole, usually labeled"battery reset pinhole".
3. Perform reset: Press the button hidden inside carefully with a paperclip for about 4 seconds.
4. Wait: Then leave the device for about 5 minutes without a power adapter or other power source to ensure an unaltered result.
    

Your battery has now been successfully reset.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to "revive" a modern laptop battery in the true sense of the word, as the integrated protection and charging electronics automatically switch off in the event of severe deep discharge.

What you can do (diagnosis):

Carry out these steps to rectify problems with the electronics or software:

1. Check the power supply: First check that the power supply and charging socket are intact and that the battery is receiving charging current.
2. Charge overnight: Leave the laptop connected to the power supply overnight (even if no charging indicator appears). Sometimes the devices "wake up" deeply discharged batteries slowly.
3. System reset: If necessary, carry out a BIOS update or a power reset according to the manufacturer's instructions if the battery is not recognized.
    

Conclusion: If none of this helps, the battery is permanently defective and must be replaced. A professional battery replacement with an original or IPC own-brand battery is the safest solution.

These tools are used by our technical department to assess the overall condition of batteries (including stored goods) and to narrow down sources of error. If stored properly (ideally cool, dry and at 50% charge), the results often remain very good.

• BatteryMon: Shows how quickly your battery is charged and how long the charge lasts.
• AIDA64: Reads detailed data from the battery firmware (e.g. nominal capacity, charge cycles, wear level), which is essential for an accurate diagnosis.

• Common causes: Defective power supply/cable, dirty or loose charging socket, defective battery, overheating, problems with the mainboard/charging electronics or faulty software/BIOS settings (e.g. battery protection mode).
   

Your 6-point quick check

1. Power supply/cable: Test a different power supply (voltage/plug suitable) and check your cable/plug for breakage.
2. Charging socket: Clean it carefully and check for play.
3. Battery status: Check the battery LEDs/indicator.
4. System reset: Remove the power adapter and the battery (if removable). Press and hold the power button for 30 seconds to discharge the device.
5. Software: Check battery protection/threshold values in Windows/BIOS, carry out driver or BIOS updates.
6. Cross test: Test the device without battery (only power supply unit) or with another battery.
    

When is a spare part/service required?

• Power supply/cable: If it gets warm, beeps or has loose contact, you need to replace the power supply/cable.
• Charging socket: If the socket is wobbly or has no contact, the DC jack needs to be replaced.
• Battery: If the battery does not charge, inflates or loses capacity quickly, you need to replace it. You can find suitable batteries here.
• Mainboard: If these steps do not help, you will need a diagnosis for the mainboard/charging electronics.

• Which free battery diagnostic tools does IPC-Computer recommend?

With a bit of technical knowledge and a manual specific to your notebook this could be possible.

We recommend letting a specialist do it.

Here a video as an example:

• You can measure the diagonal of your display by measuring from one corner to the opposite one.
• If you need to you can then convert it from cm to inches or vice versa (1 inch = 2,54 cm) to get the desired measurement.
• Some sticker on the device can also contain further information about the Display.
• If you can not find any information you will have to remove the display to see its part number on the back.

• Can I swap my notebook display myself

You have to measure the diagonal of your display by measuring from one corner to the opposite one.

You might have to convert from cm to inches. 1 inch is 2,54 cm, so a 19" display would also be a 48cm display.

When manufacturing a Display there can be errors in some pixels. This will result in the pixel or sub-pixel not letting any light pass or never blocking light. If a complete pixel is defective it will either be black or white. However, the same error can also occur in a subpixel, which will then result in it always/never displaying its respective color (either red, green or blue). Due to the very high number of pixels such errors are almost impossible to avoid, and that is why displays with a few pixel errors are still shipped.

Vertical or horizontal lines are almost always a sign for a display damage.

A display damage is also indicated by lines that (dis-)appear when the display is pressed on.

In this case the display has to be exchanged.

• In most cases a flickering of the display indicates its defect, then it will have to be swapped.
• In some cases it can be the display cable, then the display will not have to be exchanged.

The digitizer is a part of the display; however, it does not display any images. Its main function is to protect the LCD underneath and it also handles touch input, if touch is present.

The  LCD unit underneath the digitizer consists of the backlight and the LCD, which handles the colors of each pixel.

The display unit is all of this together. So, it contains the digitizer, LCD, backlight and usually a frame around all of it.

Only displays that are specifically made for your notebook are compatible.

• There are displays with different kinds of backlights. Either CCFL or LED lights are used only the type that is already in use will fit.
• Size and resolution also have to be identical.

Both are methods of connecting internal displays in devices like laptops or all-in-one PCs. LVDS stands for Low Volatage Differntail signaling and only specifies, that signals are transmitted using a lower voltage than usual. This allows higher data rates due to lower crosstalk and interference. When talking about the connection of a display via LVDS, the protocol FPD-Link (Flat Panel Display Link) is usually meant, which uses LVDS. This protocol has been introduced in 1996 and has been the main way of connecting internal displays for a long time. However, with the steady increase in the resolution of displays, FPD is reaching its limits.

That is why in 2008 Embedded DisplayPort (EDP) has been introduced. It is based on the external connection DisplayPort and is constantly being refreshed. It has no problem connecting displays with a 4K resolution at over 60Hz refresh rate, whereas LVDS is over at FHD (1080p).

TN, short form of Twisted Newmatic, panels have been the standard for flat-panel displays for a long time. Now they are being replaced by IPS (In-Plane-Switching) panels. The biggest disadvantage of TN panels is, that they only display a relatively small number of colours and that they have bad viewing angles. That means that if you don’t look at the panel in a 90° angel the colours quickly appear dull and distorted.

IPS displays solve these problems, they even show correct colours when looking at them almost at a 180° angle. However they still have some disadvantages compared to TN panels. They generally have a higher response time which means they take longer to display an image on screen. This is why gamers sometimes still prefer TN panels.

The difference is in the surface of the display. A matt display has a slightly ruff surface. This greatly reduces reflections, which is very beneficial for working in rooms with bright lights or outdoors. Additionally, fingerprints and dust are not so visible.

However glossy displays also have their advantages. Due to the extremely smooth surface the picture is a bit sharper and colors and contrast are also better, provided the display beneath the coating is good enough. Professional movie and photo editing monitors often use a glossy display in combination with a large anti-glare shield for the optimal image.

The part number can be found on the back of your Display, however finding it requires disassembly of your notebook.

• Can I swap my notebook display myself

Nowadays, there are dozens of slightly different display resolutions for laptops and monitors. In order to stay on top of things, we created an overview of the most important ones.

If the Display is black, but the Desktop can still be seen a bit, this means, that the background light has died.

Some of the errors could be:

• A defective inverter or CCFL tube
• A broken cable
• The switch detecting whether the lid is open or closed could be stuck
• There could be a damage on the Mainboard.

In most cases it is probably best if you send your device in for repair to a specialist.

Yes, with the right settings, operation in the folded state is possible. In this video we show how it works.

Technically speaking, a more powerful power supply can be used without any problems and does not pose any danger to your device, as it always draws as much energy as it currently needs. The only disadvantage is the usually higher price of the more powerful product.

In order to use your docking station or port replicator, you need the appropriate drivers. The easiest way to find these drivers is directly from the manufacturer of the docking station/port replicator. You will usually need the serial number or the exact model name. 

The driver for our in-house port replicator can be found on our info page for the IPC port replicator.

Yes, as general rule this is possible. Although you have to consider the power capacity and the type of the connection.

Basically yes, you can use them to charge your laptop, however you have to make sure, that it has enough power to do so. To find out, if it has it, please compare the specifications on the back of the original power supply with those of the one, that came with your docking station. The output voltage should not differ more than 1 volt and the output power should be greater or equal to that of the original power supply.

In our shop we also offer combinations of docking stations and power supplies.

• How do I find out how what the output power (watts) of my power supply is
• How do I find the right power supply for my Notebook in your online shop

The most remarkeble advantages in comparison to USB3.0, are a faster data transmission rate and the possibility to charge the device via USB-C. Also is USB-C becoming the default option for more and more devices.

First and foremost, the difference lies in the connection type. Port replicators connect via a universal port such as USB, making them compatible with many devices. Docking stations are connected to the device via a proprietary interface and are therefore often compatible only with a laptop series. However, this allows more functionality, such as the laptop can be closed, or a power button on the dock itself. In addition, the docks are often like a cable, so the controller chip is in the laptop itself. This allows a higher bandwidth especially compared to USB. Often this is beneficial for connecting monitors and LAN.

If you work with many different devices or you do not need much functionality, e.g. only USB and audio, port replicator is suitable for you. Advanced functionality tailored to your device is more likely to be found in a docking station.

Port-Replicators which are connected via USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 often combine the benefits of normal Port- Replicators and Docking Stations. The standardized connection allows for compatibility with a multitude of devices, both connections have a high bandwidth. Therefore, you can not only connect USB-devices and card readers, but also LAN and multiple monitors. Additionally, they often allow for charging via the same cable used to connect them and even can turn the device on and off.

Whether you are looking for a replicator or a docking station, you will find the right device for your laptop in our shop.

On the one hand you have to consider the compatibility of your device. If your laptop has no USB-C connection, it can cause problems with newer models. On the other hand the port replicator has to produce enough power and can not convert less watts than your Notebook needs. At last you can choose how many and what type of connections for peripherals you need.

Intel 4965 AGN: Download

Realtek RTL8187L: Download

Atheros AR5B95: Download

Atheros AR5B195: Download

Atheros AR9002UB: Download

Old or defective laptop batteries do not belong in household waste. They contain valuable raw materials, but also environmentally hazardous substances.

You have several safe and legally prescribed options:

• Hand them in at a retailer: Every retailer who sells rechargeable batteries - including us - is obliged to take back used batteries free of charge.
• Recycling center or collection point: Your local recycling center also accepts defective laptop batteries.
• Return by post: If you have ordered a new battery from us, you can send the old battery back to us securely packaged. We will take care of the proper disposal.
   

Safety tip: Always tape the battery terminals before disposal to avoid short circuits and the risk of fire.

Further information:

• Further legal information on the Battery Ordinance can be found here (IPC-Computer).

Yes - if possible, you should always use an original fan from the notebook manufacturer. Only original fans correspond to the required quality and offer the security of always cooling the laptop correctly.
Original parts are precisely matched to the respective notebook model, fit mechanically and electrically 100 % and offer optimum speed and temperature control.

Replica fans are cheaper, but the quality in terms of noise development and fan wheel bearings varies greatly depending on the manufacturer. There are also no quality standards here, which means that you are taking an incalculable risk. If the processor and/or graphics chip are no longer cooled properly, there is a risk of overheating and therefore usually a total economic loss of your laptop.

Our advantages for reslleres:

• Attractive Business prices with enhanced conditions
• Access to detailed exploded drawings of many manufacturers
• Technical support in case of notebook problems through our experts
• Personal contact
• Immediate delivery
• No shipping charges on orders of 150€ or more

Our reseller registration can be found here.

You can delete your account incl. all orderdatas under the following link

Delete account

Many spare parts are ordered directly from the manufacturer. Because we often order large quantities, we are offered attractive pricing, which we will gladly pass on to you.

Basically, we want to supply you with the correct and suitable spare part as quickly as possible. When ordering, please always tell us your exact notebook model using the spare part order number.

Please enter the model designation in the comments field when placing your order.

Here you will find an overview to identify your model.

If available, please always check again on the basis of the picture whether the spare part ordered is identical to the spare part you require. If you have any doubts based on the picture, please let us know. We will then check the conformity of the part in detail.

Power sockets are often mechanically damaged. Since they cannot be associated with a notebook model they have to be compared using technical specification (inner-/outer diameter, number of pins). If you can exchange the socket yourself you can find spare parts in our shop. Please carefully compare the specification in the description and pictures to ensure you order the right one.

We will gladly repair your device for you. If you decided for a repair done by our specialists you can sign your notebook up here.

If a spare part is no longer available from IPC-Computer and the manufacturer, it will be displayed as EOL in the shop. The product can no longer be ordered in the shop. Nevertheless, we often receive further inquiries if we can deliver. We only show the status EOL if it is 100% guaranteed that an item can no longer be delivered.

If there is still a theoretical chance of availability, we always set the status: Items with delivery problems.

Almost all manufacturers set spare parts to EOL (= End of Life) status when they have been sold out. The article is then no longer available from the manufacturer and thus discontinued. The manufacturer is also no longer able or willing to produce this spare part.

When viewing spare parts in our shop, you sometimes find the notion "left/right" added to the title of e.g. rubber feet or fans. This describes on which side of the device the particular spare part will be installed. Important: left/right when looking at the device from the front.

The solution promise is our unique service promise to you:

If the battery you ordered does not solve your problem, you are guaranteed to receive support- from the free return of the battery to the repair of the laptop in our own workshop.

Because we keep a lot of items in stock in Seelbach, Germany, we can ship orders, that arrive until noon at the same day. This means that you can expect your order to arrive the next day if you don’t live more then 700-800km away from our warehouse.

More information on shipping time and costs can be found here.

On our YouTube channel you can find many videos about the installation of different parts, however they are in German. The repairs done in these videos are only example and details can vary depending on your laptop.

Please also see "Wie öffne ich meinen Laptop? Die neue „do it yourself“ Video-Serie".

The exact model number is usually found on a label on the back of your device.

Here you can find some pictures with examples.

You can search by using the model-navigation on the top left of the site.

If you know the replacement part number of the part you need, you can enter it in the quick search. However, we still need the model number of your notebook to check the compatibility, please enter it in the comment field of your order.

There are three different types of graphics cards or graphics chips in Notebooks:

1. External graphics cards which can be plugged into the notebook.
2. Internal, dedicated graphics cards, e.g. Chip soldered on the Mainboard
3. Internal, integrated graphics, which are a part of the CPU.

With the first type, an exchange of the GPU is usually not a problem, some manufacturers have their own type of proprietary connectors for external GPUs you can purchase and connect one from them directly. There is also Thunderbolt 3 which is present on some modern Notebooks. It allows the connection of an external graphics card from any vendor.

If your GPU is soldered on the mainboard either as a dedicated GPU chip or as part of the CPU an upgrade is almost impossible since it would have to be soldered on and also usually only one chip is compatible with the motherboard and firmware.

Even if the GPU is in a slot like the MXM-slot, which is often found in older laptops, an upgrade is usually not possible. This is due to some measurements not being standardized, the cooling solution not being able to handle a more powerful card or firmware issues.

A Display that stays completely dark is often an indicator for a broken graphics card.

To make sure it is not a defect of the Display itself, plug the Notebook into an external monitor. If it displays a picture the graphics card is not defect but your Laptops internal display. In most cases a broken graphics card cannot be repaired, it has to be replaced.

UMA is an integrated GPU or onboard graphics that, unlike DIS graphics, does not have its own RAM and is usually only used in office devices.

DIS is a dedicated GPU graphic that, unlike UMA graphics, has its own RAM and is mostly used in gaming devices.

Detailed information about the graphics of your model can be found in your instructions or directly from the manufacturer.

• No, not immediately: A new battery only reaches its full capacity after a few charging and discharging cycles (so-called "running-in" of the cells).
   
• Duration: After around 3 to 5 complete charging cycles, the battery will generally work at its optimum capacity. Slight fluctuations in runtime at the beginning are normal.
   

Important note: New batteries are partially charged. Fully charge the battery once before using it for the first time so that your system can correctly record the energy status.

• How do I calibrate my battery - instructions.

The average lifespan of a laptop battery is between 2 and 5 years, depending on usage, charging behavior and ambient temperature. The decisive factor is how many charging cycles the battery goes through - usually between 300 and 1000 cycles until the capacity noticeably decreases.

How to extend the service life:

• Avoid heat: Heat accelerates cell ageing - ensure good cooling.
• Optimal charging range: A battery level between 20 and 80 % is ideal.
• Storage: If you don't use your laptop for a longer period of time, store the battery in a cool and dry place at approx. 50% charge.
• Regular use: Even rarely used batteries should be charged and discharged occasionally.

When to replace? After around 2 to 5 years or when the battery life becomes significantly shorter, it is worth replacing it with a new battery to restore full performance.

• How do I care for and charge my battery properly?

A small amount of wear of 1% to 5% on new laptop batteries is completely normal and due to technical reasons.

• Cause: Every battery is checked (charged and discharged) at the factory to test its function. This results in minimal wear, which is stored in the battery management system (BMS).
• Other factors: Storage time and temperature differences can also slightly influence the displayed status.
• Complaint: You should only check or complain about the battery if the indicated wear is significantly higher than 5% or the capacity is noticeably lower.

Deep discharge is when the cell voltage of a battery falls below the permitted minimum. This damages the battery cells so that the battery can often no longer be charged or activated.

• Prevention (storage): To prevent this, you should fully charge the battery beforehand if it is not going to be used for a long period of time and store it in a cool, dry place (ideally: until charged). A battery left empty in the laptop can also discharge itself.
• Practical tip for reactivating
  If your battery no longer responds at all (could be deeply discharged), try the following:

1. Insert the battery into the laptop and connect the mains adapter.
2. Leave the device connected to the mains adapter overnight (at least 12 hours) without switching it on.
3. During this time, the charging electronics will try to gently revive the battery.

These three specifications describe the electrical performance of your battery and together determine the runtime of your laptop.

• Wh (watt hours): Indicates how much energy the battery can store in total. The higher the Wh number, the longer the runtime (depending on laptop performance and usage).
   
• mAh (milliampere hours): Stands for the amount of charge, i.e. how much power the battery can supply. For example, a 5000 mAh battery has 25% more capacity than a 4000 mAh battery with the same voltage.
   
• Volt (V): Refers to the operating voltage of the rechargeable battery. This value must match the original battery exactly (e.g. 10.8 V or 11.1 V). Deviations can damage the device.
   

For orientation: A typical 6-cell battery is 11.1 V / 4400 mAh / approx. 49 Wh and offers around 4 to 6 hours of runtime. Ultrabooks with 60-70 Wh often achieve 8 to 10 hours, while gaming laptops only have a runtime of 2 to 3 hours.

Rule: The same voltage (V) as the original is important. A higher Wh or mAh rating ensures a longer battery life if the battery is compatible.

Here you can find high-quality original laptop batteries or often more powerful IPC-Computer replica batteries.

Yes, the SATA standards are compatible to each other, however the slowest involved connection type will  always be used. This means that connecting a SATA 6Gb/s SSD to a SATA 3Gb/s controller will severely limit its peak performance.

More information can be found in the FAQ “What is the difference between P-ATA (IDE), S-ATA, S-ATA II and S-ATA III?”

You can use the disk management utility built into Windows 10.

1. Hit the Windows key and type "Control Panel", then hit enter
2. Left click on Administrative Tools
3. Select Computer Management and then Disk Management.
4. After a short loading time you will be shown all connected drive with their respective partitions.
5. Right click on the unformatted drive and click format.
6. Follow the wizard to complete the formatting process.

Just like detailed in the FAQ “What is S.M.A.R.T. and what is it for?” S.M.A.R.T. is an industry standard for the constant monitoring of disk parameters like temperature and read- or write errors. With its help errors can be detected before they happen, the data can be backed up and the drive replaced.

However even with careful monitoring the death of a hard drive can always happen unexpectedly. This is why it is very important to back up important data like invoices or family photos to an external hard drive or the cloud. This should be done in regular intervals so that you always have a complete backup of your data.

If your hard drive breaks a data recovery is expensive and time consuming and not always possible.
The operation in a notebook does not prolong the life of a hard drive. First this is because of the shock and vibrations when moving the device. This can cause the read/write head to crash into the platters in the wort case breaking this head. Move your device carefully while it is on, or even better avoid moving it at all.  Secondly, due to the compact formfactor notebooks usually get very warm. That is why putting your device on a notebook cooler can improve the performance and lifespan of your device. Modern solid-state drives are a lot more resilient to shock and heat and therefore more durable, than traditional hard drives.

• What is S.M.A.R.T. and what is it for

When swapping out your hard drive please also attach the mounting bracket from the old one to the new one. You also have to be extremely careful not to damage any of the plugs and connectors on the mainboard or the drive.

First thing to consider is the size of the drive. Most M.2 SSDs come in the 2280 form factor. The first two digits indicate the width of the drive in millimeters and the last two, sometimes three digits its length. Other sizes for M.2 cards are 2242, 2260 and 22110, which is sometimes found in servers.

The other difference is in the protocol the drive uses to communicate with the PC. Often less expensive M.2 SSDs still use the SATA protocol, which is also used by drives with more common formfactors. Even though it is rather slow for an SSD, it should still be fast enough for most users. Modern, high-performance M.2 drives use the NVMe protocol which is transmitted via PCI Express. Oftentimes slots, which support PCIe also support SATA, but bevor buying a drive, double check that it is fully compatible.

There are also certain keys, which can give away information about the type of connection used. An SSD with only the M-Key usually uses PCI Express, whereas an SSD with the M- and the B-key usually uses the SATA protocol. The A- and E-key is often used for Wi-Fi cards.

The most used file systems are:

• FAT 16, FAT 32 (Windows 95, 98, ME, XP)
• NTFS (Windows NT, 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1)
• EXT 2 (Linux)
• HFS, HFS+ (Apple Macintosh)

However nowadays most Windows computers use NTFS for their hard drives

The various FAT formats are only used in USB sticks or memory cards.

You have to pay attention, that your hard drive uses the same connection type and form factor or height.

With the very common 2.5” hard drives you have to check whether your notebook still uses the old PATA standard or SATA and also you have to check what height is compatible since there are multiple heights. 7mm, 9mm and 15mm are the most common ones.

For SSDs there are also small form actors like mSATA or M.2. With the latter one you have to check if the slot supports the SATA and/or PCIe (NVMe) protocol.

The only thing that is not limited is the capacity and speed of your new drive.

Our notebook technicians use the following tools for checking the health of disk:

• CrystalDiscInfo (Freeware)
  This tool reports all kinds of data concerning the hard drive, like power-on hours and S.M.A.R.T. values.

CrystalDiscInfo

• HD-Tune Pro (Shareware)
  This tool offers a great sector test, whose result is displayed graphically.

HD-Tune Pro

If single sectors of a disk are defective, the data can be cloned to another hard drive. Our technicians use the following tools for this:

• Norton Ghost
• Acronis True Image
• Paragon Disc Manager

When installing a Samsung SSD in your notebook you can use their “Magician” Tool to migrate your data to the new SSD. It is included in the delivery of our Samsung SSD's.

To increase the reliability of hard drives and the data security hard drive manufacturers have developed the Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology (S.M.A.R.T.). it can read important information about the drive like temperature, power-on time and read-/write errors.

On a hard drive there are so-called sectors. These are the smallest parts than can be read or written to the disk. Traditionally they were 512 Bytes in size. But this allows only so much data to be stored with a given number of sectors. That is why 4 Kilobyte sectors where introduced, these can store eight times the data of 512 Byte sectors. However, not every Operating System and every application were compatible with these larger sectors. This is why manufactures introduced emulated 512 Byte large sectaries (512e). With these the hard drive splits the four Kb sectors into eight 512 Byte sectors, so the OS thinks, that the hard drive has 512 Byte sectors. 512n stand for those drive which have native 512 Byte sectors.

The difference is in the type of connection and its speed.

• P-ATA/IDE (IDE 100/133) Parallel connection with transfer rates of up to 1 Gbit/s or 100 MB/s to 133 MB/s.
• S-ATA (SATA 150) Serial connection with transfer rates of up to 1.5 Gbit/s or 150 MB/s.
• S-ATA II (SATA 300) Serial connection with transfer rates of up to 3.0 Gbit/s or 300 MB/s.
• S-ATA III (SATA Revision 3.0) Serial connection with transfer rates of up to 6.0 Gbit/s or 600 MB/s.

HDDs or hard disk drives are the most common way of storing large amounts of data in a computer. The data is stored on spinning disks coated with a magnetic material, when writing the polarization of a small part of this coating is reversed by the read-write-head. The polarization can be read by the head later on, to retrieve the data stored on the disks. Since the platters are turning, the read-write head often has to wait until the right part of the disks is under it, to read/write data. This makes HDDs a relatively slow storage medium, especially for randomly accessed data. However, through continuously shrinking the individual magnetic parts and increasing the number of platters per drive, a lot of data can be stored on them. In 2017 it was already up to 14TB per drive.

Unlike HDDs, SSDs or solid-state drives have no moving parts. The information is stored with the help of transistor. This means that no time is wasted waiting for the right part of the platter to arrive to read/write to/from it, therefore SSDS are a lot faster. For one of the fastest SSDs on the market the manufacturer claims speeds up to 3,5GB/s, that is more than 16 times as much as a modern HDD. Additionally, SSDs are much more rugged and long-lived due to the lack of moving parts. Unfortunately, they are a lot more expensive per GB than HDDs and the biggest consumer drives are "only" 4TB in size.

SSHDs, which is short for solid state hybrid drives are a combination of HDDs and SSDs. A small SSD, often 8 to 16 GB is used to cache the data for a 1 to 2 TB HDD. In the cache frequently accessed data and data, that has just been written is stored making the drive a lot faster, when accessing this data. However, when accessing infrequently used data or writing a lot of data to the drive, the solid-state cache can no longer be used and performance drops to the level of an HDD.

If you are interested in buying a new drive, our shop has a lot of different types of drives.

New hard drives are often delivered unpartitioned, the user can decide for himself what kind of file system he would like to use. The Windows Explorer will not recognize these and won’t display them. You can take a look at our FAQ “How can I format or partition a hard drive?” to partition and be able to use your new drive.

• How can I format or partition a hard drive

Harddrive manufacturers calculate the size using a base of one thousand. That means that 1 KB = 1000 Byte. However the more common calculation uses a base of 2 to the power of 10 or 1 Kb = 1024 Byte.

This small difference appears when going from Byte to KB, to MB and to GB that is why in the end there is a sizable difference between advertised and usable capacity.

• Basically: In most cases, changing the battery does not affect the manufacturer's warranty, as long as you use an original battery and no damage is caused to the device during installation.
• Battery accessible from the outside: You can change it yourself - this is expressly intended by the manufacturer.
• Battery installed in the device: It is advisable to read the warranty conditions here. As the underside of the laptop must be unscrewed, improper handling may invalidate the warranty.

Tip: We can carry out the replacement professionally in our workshop on request. Simply select installation included when purchasing the battery in the store.

• Looks are deceptive: modern counterfeits are virtually indistinguishable from the original. You should therefore not rely on logos and packaging.
   

The only reliable method: Data comparison

The only really reliable method is to compare the technical data between the battery label and the battery firmware (BMS/BIOS).

• This is how it works: You can read out the firmware data using free software (e.g. BatteryMon, AIDA64, HWiNFO).
   

Test features and indicators (warning signals)
 

• BMS data deviation: If the values displayed in the software (especially production date, cell manufacturer or design capacity) deviate from the information on the type plate, this is a forgery.
• Number comparison: Check the printed part numbers (FRU, P/N) with the manufacturer.
• Packaging: A standard brown box without the corresponding type plates is often an indication.
• Important (price & origin): Unfortunately, the price and purchase from the official distributor are no longer reliable factors, as dealers mix qualities and sell counterfeits at the original price.
   

Conclusion: As counterfeits represent a safety risk, it is advisable to only buy laptop batteries from trustworthy specialist dealers such as IPC-Computer.

As batteries are now usually permanently installed in the housing, the easiest way to find them is via the manufacturer and model name of your device.

This is how you can find the battery in our store:

1. Find model: You can find the full model number on the type plate on the bottom of your laptop or in the system settings (e.g. under device information).
2. Search: Enter the brand and model number (e.g. "HP Pavilion 15-eg0000") in the search bar of our store.
3. Result: Only suitable and tested batteries will be displayed automatically - regardless of whether they are original parts or compatible alternatives.
    

Tip: If you cannot find your exact sub-model number (e.g. 15-eg3413ng), you can search for the model series (e.g. 15-eg0000) without hesitation. Batteries are always identical and compatible within the model series.

Alternatively, you can also enter the part number (Part No.) of the old, removed battery directly in the store search field.

• Our recommendation: IPC-Computer always recommends the original battery. This comes directly from the manufacturer or its certified supplier (e.g. LG, Sanyo).

  → Original advantages: Precisely matched to the laptop model (electronics, protection circuit, cell quality), maximum service life, optimum performance and maximum safety.
   

• Replica risk: Although anonymous replica batteries are cheaper, they carry a significantly higher risk in terms of quality, safety, fit and service life.
   
• Safe alternative (IPC own brand): If the original battery is no longer available, IPC-Computer offers tested own-brand batteries as a safe alternative. These are tested internally and you can optionally extend the warranty to 2 years for a small additional charge.
   

Conclusion: If it is available, choose the original battery. If it is out of stock, our IPC own brand is a tested and safe alternative. You can find both variants in our store.

• How can I reliably identify counterfeit batteries or gray imports?

• Warranty & Guarantee: All original laptop batteries purchased from IPC-Computer are covered by the statutory warranty and a manufacturer's guarantee (in accordance with the store conditions).
   
• Regular warranty period: As a rule, the warranty period is 12 months from the date of purchase, unless otherwise stated in the item description.
   

What the warranty does not cover:

Batteries are wearing parts. The warranty covers material and manufacturing defects, but not the normal loss of capacity (wear and tear) that occurs over time or damage caused by improper handling (e.g. heat).

Your benefit: Warranty extension

• For an additional charge, you can purchase a 24-month IPC warranty extension in the online store.
• Warranty case: However, if your battery significantly loses power or has a technical defect within the warranty period, please contact our service team. We will examine the case in accordance with our warranty conditions and ensure fast, uncomplicated processing.

Unfortunately, this s not possible for multiple reasons:

• No manufacturer sells single key-caps, only whole keyboards.
• There are way too many designs, holding-clips variants, color differences.
• There are multiple thousand different keyboards from different manufacturers.
• Sometimes even the same notebook model uses different keyboards
• Carrying that many different spare parts is almost impossible for manufacturers and sellers

This is technically possible, to help you with the repair we have some exemplary instructions. 

You can only install keyboards intended for the use in your model. So, when your current keyboard does not have a numpad you will not be able to install one with a numpad, since they would be too large. The same is true for keyboards with numpad, ones without numpad would then be too small.

However, there is the option to use an external numpad connected via USB.

The FN-key is similar to the shift or the alt-key. Oftentimes there are secondary functions marked by a different color, which can be accessed by pressing the FN-key and the respective key.

Usually these are functions like volume up or down, mute, changing the brightness of the screen or media controls.

In Windows 10 hit the Windows-key and type "language", then hit the enter-key. In the settings menu that opens klick the plus sign next to "Add a language" and select the language you wish to add. It could be, that the Layout might still need to be downloaded, so make sure your computer is connected to the internet. When you left-click on a language, further options appear such as making it the default language. When you have two or more available keyboard layouts, there will be the abbreviation of the layout you are currently using in the bottom right in the taskbar. You can change the layout by clicking on it. 

The part number can be found on the back of the keyboard. To view it the notebook has to be disassembled. 

The picture below shows a possibility, what the labeling might look like and which numbers are relevant for your search for a new keyboard. With this number you can find a replacement in our shop. 

• Can I exchange my keyboard myself

The easiest option is to search for your notebook model in our Shop. We will then list all the keyboards, that are compatible with your device. 

Should you not be able to find the keyboard like this, you can try searching for its part number. 

• Where can I find the part number of my keyboard

Most countries have their own keyboard Layout. Usually the device has the layout of the country it has been bought in.

The English layout can be recognized by the first six Characters of the top row of letters. That's also why it is called QWERTY-layout, another common abbreviation for it would be ENG-layout.

There can be multiple reasons for its failure.

• It could be an error in your operating system, for example, when the wrong input language is selected.
• The keyboard controller IC on the Mainboard could be damaged.
• Dirt, like food or dust could be stuck in the keyboard.

The runtime depends on the display brightness, processor load, temperature and battery age. You can improve it in two ways:

1. optimize software & usage

• Brightness: Reduce the screen brightness.
• Mode: Activate the energy-saving mode.
• Connections: Switch off unused WLAN or Bluetooth connections.
• Battery care: Ideally, keep the battery between 20% and 80% charge to conserve charging cycles and extend the service life.
   

2. upgrade through hardware

If your current battery is already low, you can consider buying a replacement battery with higher performance (more Wh).

• IPC advantage: IPC-Computer offers its own replacement batteries for many models, which often deliver 10-20 percent more energy content than the manufacturer's variants.

During calibration, the battery is fully charged once, then completely discharged and then fully charged again. This allows Windows 11 to recalculate the actual capacity and display the battery correctly again.

This is how it works step by step:

1. Open Settings→ System →Energy & battery.
2. Set screen and sleep mode to "Never" so that the laptop continues to run while discharging.
3. Fully charge the battery (100%) and then leave it connected to the mains for 1-2 hours.
4. Disconnect the mains adapter and leave the laptop running until it switches off automatically.
5. Conclusion: Fully charge the battery again (100 %). Then reset the power settings.
    

Important: Calibration only improves the battery status display, it does not restore lost battery capacity. If the battery remains low, it is advisable to replace the battery.

You can significantly extend the service life of your battery by charging it correctly and avoiding heat :
 

• Optimal charging range: Keep the battery level between 20 and 80 % if possible. Extremes (permanently below 10 or at 100 %) put unnecessary strain on the cells.
• Avoid heat: High temperatures are the biggest enemy of battery cells. Make sure your laptop is well ventilated and avoid direct sunlight or soft surfaces.
• Working on the power supply: Modern laptops are safe. They stop charging automatically as soon as the battery is full. Occasional work in mains operation is harmless.

• Wie kann ich die Akkulaufzeit meines Laptops erhöhen?

Power management in Windows directly affects how long your laptop lasts on a single battery charge by controlling processor power, screen brightness, fan behavior, and background processes. The actual runtime can vary by several hours depending on the profile you choose.

The most important power profiles at a glance

Additional fine adjustments

You can get an additional 30 to 60 minutes of battery life by using the advanced power settings. These include measures such as:

• Automatically turning off the hard drive after a period of inactivity.
• Dimming or turning off the display earlier.

The runtime is difficult to estimate as it depends on many factors (CPU, display, WLAN, graphics chip). However, you can roughly calculate it and extend it by taking simple measures.

How to calculate the battery life

The battery life (t) is calculated by dividing the stored energy (Wh) by the power consumption (W) of your laptop:

Battery life (t) = energy (Wh) / power (W)

Example (15.6" laptop): With a usual power consumption of approx. 20 W, a 60 Wh battery lasts for about 3 hours.

• Calculate energy (Wh): The stored energy (Wh) is calculated from the voltage (V) and the amount of charge (Ah).

  → The formula is: Energy (Wh) = voltage (V) * charge quantity (Ah)

  → Example: For a 6-cell battery with 4400 mAh (4.4 Ah) and 11.1 V, the result is: 48.84 Wh.

• Estimate runtime: Assuming a typical power consumption of approx. 20 W, the 48.84 Wh battery will last for approx. 2.5 hours (48.84 Wh/ 20 W).
   

Tips for extending the battery life

You can significantly increase the battery life by reducing the power consumption (power W):

• Display brightness: Reduce the brightness of the display as much as possible. Most of the energy is consumed by a display that is too bright.
• Energy-saving mode: Use the manufacturer's energy-saving options (e.g. under Control Panel → Power Options).
• Connections: Switch off the WLAN/Bluetooth connections if they are not needed.
• Peripherals: Disconnect external devices (e.g. hard disks) from the laptop.
• Background: Deactivate all unnecessary tools and programs running in the background.

• How does Windows power management affect battery life?

On average, a full charge takes between 1.5 and 3 hours.

Rule of thumb: A full charge of your battery generally takes approx. 30 - 50% longer than a full discharge (e.g. a running time of 2 hours corresponds to a charging time of approx. 2 hours and 48 minutes).

Factors influencing the charging time

The charging time depends largely on the battery capacity (Wh/mAh) and the power of your power supply unit.

Practical value: Many laptops reach around 80% charge after about 2 hours. The rest takes a little longer due to the gentle charging mode.

Exemplary charging times

• No, not really: modern laptops and batteries have intelligent charging circuits that prevent overcharging. When the battery is full, the power supply is automatically taken over by the mains adapter.
   
• Ageing: A constant full charge (100 %) over a long period of time can slightly accelerate the ageing of the battery. A charge level between 40 and 80 % is optimal for longevity.
   
• Tip for stationary use: Operate your laptop occasionally without the mains adapter to discharge the battery or remove the battery completely (if possible). Also ensure good ventilation (clean the ventilation slots!), as heat is harmful.

• Not a defect, but protection: If your battery only charges to around 80%, in most cases this is a battery protection function. It is intended to slow down cell ageing, as a constant full charge reduces the service life.
   
• Where is the setting? The limitation can be activated in the BIOS, in the manufacturer's software (e.g. Dell Power Manager, Lenovo Vantage) or directly in Windows.
   
• Customize in Windows: You can often find the setting under: Settings → System → Energy & Battery → Battery Status / Smart Charging. You can deactivate or adjust the protection here.
   
• Further steps: If the battery does not charge fully despite the adjusted settings, it may be advisable to calibrate or replace the battery.
   

• How do I calibrate my battery - instructions.

This is possible if you have the right skills and feel confident enough to do it. You can try this by removing and reinstalling your current optical drive. However, it is very important to motorize the position of all screws and brackets, by using the wrong screws you could potentially damage your drive or computer.

Additionally, the following videos might help, even though they are in German.

This is technically possible, although there are a few things you need to consider.

First your DVD drive needs to be connected via SATA and not PATA, because that is what all Blu-Ray drives use. Second you should test, whether your system meets the requirements of playing a Blu-Ray with a tool like BD & 3D Advisor by Cyberlink.

That your optical drive won't open could be due to a program using it. Try killing it using the task manager. The you should be able to open the optical drive again.

Should this method not work, try opening the drive by inserting something like a paperclip into the emergency eject hole in the front bezel. However, this method does not work with slot in drives.

In this case or in the case that the drive still won't open you will have to consult a specialist.

Optical drive manufacturers used o use different types of bezels for their drives, which made it hard wo find one for your drive. That is why the “General Bezel Assembling Standard” has been created, now most bezels should fit on most optical drives.

Which optical drive can be installed in your Notebook depends on three factors

Which connection type is used? (SATA or PATA)

What height of optical drive is used? (Slim 12,5mm or SuperSlim 9,5mm)

Does your laptop meet the System requirements?

SATA drives can not be used with a PATA controller and vice versa.

 Before installing your new optical drive, make sure you attached the mounting bracket from the old drive to the new one.

Most optical drives are sold without a bezel, make sure you attach the old one to the new drive.

With the tool BD & 3D Advisor you can check whether your System has enough performance to play Blu-Rays.          

In Germany and GB region code 2 is used, in the USA and Canada it is region code 1. Further information can be found in this Wikipedia-article. 

In most cases this is due to the material fatigue of the laser head, due to this it can no longer focus the beam enough to read the track width on a DVD. However it still works with CDs because they use a wider track.

• First you should check, whether it is seated correctly in the slot, if not the pins could not be making contact.
• It could also be a problem with the firmware of your drive, which could lead to it not being recognized in the BIOS. If this is the case a new firmware has to be flashed on to the drive.

If it still won't work thee is the suspicion, that your device drive might be broken.

• Cancelled: The order has been successfully cancelled. If you used prepayment, credit card or PayPal your money will be refunded shortly.
• Not in stock, reordered: The item you ordered is currently not in stock and is on backorder. It should be shipped to you shortly.
• Part's ordered: An order-related item has been ordered and should arrive shortly.
• Order will be checked: Your order is being check for compatibility and correctness of the address.
• Payment received: We have received your prepayment.
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• Sent: Your order is on its way to you! The tracking code has been sent via E-Mail or can be found in the "My Account" section.
• Feedback required: We have a question concerning your order and are awaiting your answer to our E-Mail.

3D Secure is a technology used by banks, to make your online banking more secure.

After entering the three-digit security code from the back of your card you are redirected to website, that is specific to your bank. There you will have to enter a password, a one-time key or provide another form of identification. Exactly which methods are possible or even mandatory is up to your bank to decide. If you want to use 3D secure is not up to you to decide, it is either implemented in the shop or not or required by the bank.

The thought behind 3D Secure is that not all information needed to make a purchase is on your card. This make your card useless to thieves even for online purchases.

It is known under different names such as "Verified by VISA".

Order-related articles are ordered up to a value of 100€ directly by us from the respective manufacturer. Should the value, respectively the sum of several articles exceed this threshold, an order will only be placed after receipt of payment.

In any case, you will receive the invoice by e-mail.


If you have placed the order via a customer account, you can also download the invoice via this account by calling up the desired order there, clicking on the invoice symbol and then on "Download invoice":

Most product groups are very specific, that is why we closely check for compatibility with your Notebook model. However, there are exceptions. Product groups like hard drives, RAM and optical drives are standardized. There are only a few specifications, that have to match up with your device. For example, if your Notebook now has a 2.5” hard drive which is 9,5 mm high and has a SATA connection, your notebook will fit all 2.5” SATA drives which are 9,5 mm or slimmer.

Yes, you can, it only requires a bit of technical knowledge and maybe a manual.

We recommend letting a technician do it.

There are notebooks where the RAM is located on the back of the machine, these often have an access hatch for easier installation of RAM. If the RAM is located underneath the keyboard a full disassembly of the notebook is required.

You can install RAM from a different manufacturer, as long as the specifications are the same.

For example, when your computer currently has a DDR3 SO-DIMM module with a speed of 1600MHz installed, you should only use DDR3 SO-DIMMs with a 1600 MHz speed to upgrade/replace your RAM. It is possible to use different frequencies but the system will then use the speed of the slowest RAM module.

From DDR4 onwards, the MHz no longer play a role in the compatibility.

The difference between the two types of DDR3 is in their supported voltages. Normal DDR3 requires 1,5 Volt, whereas DDR3L (L for Load reduced) also supports 1,35 Volt. This reduction in voltage results in a slightly lower power consumption. However, this reduction is so small, that the difference in battery life caused by using load reduced RAM even in laptops is hardly noticeable. It only makes a difference in data centers with hundreds of computers, each with up to 32 memory modules.

Even though the power consumption difference is tiny, you have to watch out for compatibility. Systems, which only support normal DDR3 usually, work with DDR3L, too, because it also supports 1,5 Volt. But there are computers, especially laptops, which only support DDR3L. Normal DDR3 might work here, however this is not guaranteed and might come with some stability issues. So, if you are not sure, which type of DDR3 your system needs, it is better to buy the load reduced variant or consult an expert.

Expanding the main memory by retrofitting a RAM module is a common tuning measure. Significant improvements result when working with many applications in parallel or when the device already swaps out data to the FP by default (swapping) from the operating system. Nowadays, more and more devices have their main memory soldered directly to the mainboard and can therefore not be replaced. The decisive factor is whether the device still has a free slot for additional memory modules and how many GB you can put in there in total. If such a free slot is available, it is important to determine the right memory module and insert it into the appropriate slot, which is usually located under the bottom of the device or under the keyboard. Almost all devices, with the exception of some ultrabooks and netbooks, already have two or more sockets for storing memory modules. Up to which GB maximum size you can upgrade depends on the mainboard, chipset (information on this is provided in the device manual) and the availability of the modules.

• Why does my notebook show less RAM, than I have installed

You can use the following tools to see what RAM your Notebook needs:

AIDA (Download: www.lavalys.com)

CPUZ (Downlaod: www.cpu-z.de)

SIW (System Information for Windows) (Download from www.heise.de)

HWiNFO (Direct download here)

Alternatively, you can remove the currently installed RAM and read the necessary specifications from the labels on them. Should there be no label or should you not be able to recognize the type of RAM needed. You can still use the tools listed above or consult a specialist.

In Windows 10 open the Task-Manager (Control+Shift+Escape), then click on more details in the bottom left corner. Select the tab performance and click on RAM Now you will be able to see many values about your RAM including its speed.

To see how much memory you have installed in your PC, you first need to open the Task-Manager. The you click on "more details" in the bottom left corner. Now choose Performance in the menu on the top, afterwards select Memory from the menu on the left. The you will not only be shown the amount of Memory in your System, but also further details, like how many slots are occupied. If there still is a free slot, you can easily double your memory by installing another one of the same modules already installed.

To see how much RAM you have installed in Windows 7 you have to do the following steps:

It could because you installed a 32-Bit operating system, since they can only address up to 4 GB of RAM. Additionally, other system components like your graphics card also need RAM. That is why if you have 4GB installed you won’t be able to utilize every last MB of it.

A 64-bit operating system can address more than 4GB of RAM. So, you can install more than 4GB even in an older Notebook, provided the rest of the hardware supports it too.

There can be many reasons for your operating system crashing but bluescreens are often a clear sign for defective RAM. Error messages like "pci.sys could not be found" also hint at faulty RAM.

You can use a memory test to check your RAM for faults. These can be found on every Ubuntu installation CD under "Memtest".

On www.ubuntu.com you can download an image of this CD, burn it o a CD and boot your PC from it to execute the Memtest on it.

Or you could bring your laptop to a technician, who can fix the fault for you.

In principle, you can send us your notebook for repair without an installed hard drive. In order for our technicians to check the functionality of your notebook and make an accurate error diagnosis, the notebook needs an operating system. If there is no hard disk in your notebook, we check the functions of your notebook with a boot stick. In rare cases this can cause problems with your operating system, but usually this is possible without any problems.

In general, it is possible for us to repair almost all devices. However, this question cannot be answered in a general way and we ask you to provide our technicians with some information about your notebook and the defect. The best way to do this is via our repair request form, we ask you to give us as many details as possible. Afterwards, you will receive a well-founded initial assessment of the repair status of your notebook from us as quickly as possible. 

If you need a BIOS update for your notebook, we can do this for you. If your notebook is in for repair, we update the BIOS automatically, so your notebook always has the latest BIOS after a repair.

If your device still has a manufacturer's warranty, it will be void, if it is repaired by IPC-Computer. In all cases, we give you a six-months warranty on the executed repair. If you are unsure about the warranty status of your device, please see our FAQ Where can I check the warranty status of my device?.

IPC Computer also offers you a safe and free exchange, as well as the IPC solution promise.

More information about the IPC solution promise

We will be happy to provide you with an estimate for the repair of your notebook. For more information see the FAQ-entry:

Repair cost

To protect your device from damage during shipping, please take the following precautionary measures:

• Take a sufficiently large and sturdy cardboard box. It is best to use an inner packaging.
• The best way to cushion the floor is to use styrofoam / styrofoam chips, bubble wrap or crumpled up newspaper and place your device in the middle of the box.
• Pad the rest of the space accordingly until your device is protected all around.
• If you also send in accessories, please ensure that you wrap them up carefully and leave some space between the device and the accessories.

Your device should now be optimally protected from damage during shipping.

We will be happy to provide you with a cost estimate after the diagnosis of your laptop, which is free of charge for you with an order confirmation. Please fill out the repair registration form completely and send us your laptop see our FAQ What is the repair process at IPC-Computer?. We will then carry out a diagnosis and subsequently send you a cost estimate. If you decide against a repair after our cost estimate, a diagnosis fee of 45,- € will apply.

More information about repair costs

There are 6 steps to repairing your laptop at IPC-Computer:

1. First, submit a repair request  online on our website. Please provide all the required information in full.

2. As soon as your request has been processed by us, you will receive an e-mail with information about the repair. Now you only have to send your laptop to IPC-Computer at Hauptstraße 37 in 77960 Seelbach. You can find out how to pack your laptop safely for transport in our FAQ How do I pack my laptop safely for transport?.

3. As soon as we have received your device, our technicians will carry out a fault diagnosis and inform you of the detected damages. You will also receive a cost estimate here.

4. If you agree to repair your laptop, our technicians will do it as soon as possible.

5. After the repair we will carry out another diagnosis again and check your laptop for functionality.

6. If everything is fine after the repair, we will send your laptop straight to your home.

If the status of your repair changes, you will receive an e-mail from us with all information about the current status. If it is not possible for you to view the email on another device, for example your smartphone, you can contact us by phone and check the status of your repair.

If you are unsure about the warranty status of your device, you can easily check it online. You find an online tool for this on the website of the most manufacturers. Enter the serial number of your device and (if necessary) other information, you should then immediately receive information about the warranty status.

Here you will find the testing tools of our top manufacturers:

HP  Asus  Dell  Acer  Fujitsu  Lenovo  MSI

The laptop service of IPC-Computer includes almost all common laptop models. Our extensive stock gives us direct access to tens of thousands of spare parts. If the required spare part is not in our warehouse, we order it and then carry out the repair of your laptop. You will receive more detailed information from our technicians about the repair of your laptop after a repair request. 

IPC-Computer only uses original spare parts from the manufacturer for the repair of your laptop.

When you send in your notebook for repair, your data will not be deleted or changed by us. Your data will remain unchanged. If you send in your notebook for a HDD exchange, the new HDD remains free and your old HDD will be sent back to you together with your notebook. Before sending in your notebook, you can make a data backup on, for example, an external HDD and thus protect your data from loss. Data backups are not only recommended before a repair, but should be done regularly to protect your data from hard drive damage. If you can not perform a backup and do not want to send your data with your notebook, you can remove the HDD of your notebook and send your notebook without hard drive.

You can get a return slip for a free return via our return form. To do this, simply follow the steps indicated in the form, at the end you will receive the return slip by email.

• If your Stylus is using batteries, make sure you have inserted the right batteries in the right orientation and that they are fully charged.
• If this is the first time trying to use the stylus, you might have to remove a piece of insulation between the batteries and the contact. Usually this can just be pulled out from the side.
• If it is not using batteries, make sure the stylus is fully charged.
• If it is still not working, try restarting the device you are trying to use the stylus with or using it with another compatible device.
• If this should still not work contact us, or the manufacturer o the device.

The difference between the specifications is their maximum throughput.

• USB 1.0/1.1 (Full Speed) up to 12 Mbit/s
• USB 2.0 (High Speed) up to 480 Mbit/s
• USB 3.0 SuperSpeed) up to 5 Gbit/s (also known as USB 3.1 Gen 1)
• USB 3.1 (SuperSpeed+) up to 10 Gbit/s (also known as USB 3.1 Gen 2)
• USB 3.2 (SuperSpeed+) up to 20 Gbit/s

Yes, this possibility exists. After the installation of Windows 11, you have a 10-day test phase in which you can switch back to Windows 10 without any problems, and all your data will be transferred back.

If you decide to switch back after the 10 days, you must back up your data and reinstall Windows 10.

Generally, this is not possible; if your notebook does not meet the requirements for Windows 11, it will not be possible to install the operating system. Keep in mind that Windows 11 is not yet on the market and things can still change in the course of the year.

If, despite everything, you are unable to install Windows 11 when it is officially launched on the market in autumn 2021 to early 2022. However, you don't have to worry about having to replace your current notebook immediately. Microsoft has committed to supporting Windows 10 until October 2025.

Yes, that is possible. In this video we show how it works.

If you want to install Windows 11 on a notebook that has been in use for a few years, there may be problems. In general, there should be no problems on notebooks that are less than four years old. You can already check the compatibility of your notebook with the help of tools. You can find the tools in the FAQ entry "How can I test whether Windows 11 works on my notebook".

You can easily find out whether a TPM is already installed and activated in your notebook by doing a quick search in the Windows settings.

1. To do this, open the Start menu and search for the term “TPM” or “security chip” and confirm the search by pressing Enter.

2. A window will open showing you some information. The information relevant to the TPM is “Specification version.”

3. For your system to be compatible with Windows 11, you need specification version 2.0.

If nothing is displayed or “Not ready” is displayed, your notebook either does not have a TPM or the existing one is disabled. You can read how to activate your TPM in our FAQ - How do I activate my TPM?

To enable a disabled TPM, you need to access your BIOS. In the BIOS, you can usually find the corresponding TPM settings via the security settings under "Security Device Support", "Security" or similar. How to open the BIOS can be found in the respective manual of the mainboard.

According to Microsoft, the free upgrade from Windows 10 to 11 has no official end date, so you can take your time with the upgrade. However, Microsoft reserves the right to end support for the free offer, but this will not be until one year after general availability at the earliest.

By default, all files and data are transferred if you wish and set this in the installer. However, it is recommended to make a data backup before installation and to save your data on an external hard drive.