Acer Travelmate 7730a Service Guide

Chapter 3: Replacing notebook components63
5Pull the card out of the slot.
6Remove any thermal grease residue from the cooling assembly using a soft cloth 
and isopropyl alcohol.
7Place new thermal grease on the graphics card. Use only enough to cover the 
graphics processor die.
8Hold the new card at a 30-degree angle and slide it into the empty slot. This card is 
keyed so it can only be inserted in one direction. If the card does not fit, make sure 
that the notch in the card lines up with the tab in...

64Chapter 3: Replacing notebook components
Replacing the primary hard drive
Tools you need to complete this task:
Screws removed during this task:
Locating components:
To replace the primary hard drive:
1Complete the steps in “Preparing the notebook” on page 55.
2Loosen the hard drive bay cover screws (these screws cannot be removed).
Phillips #0 screwdriver
4 chrome M3×3.5 (Hard 
drive bracket)
Primary hard drive bay
Screw
Screw 

Chapter 3: Replacing notebook components65
3Use the thumb notch to lift the hard drive bay cover, then remove it. Be careful not 
to break off the tabs located on the end of the cover opposite the thumb notch.
4Using the plastic tab, lift straight up on the hard drive, then remove it.
5If your new hard drive already includes the hard drive bracket, go to step Step 10.
-OR-
If you need to move the hard drive bracket from your old hard drive to your new 
hard drive, go to step Step 6.
6Remove the screws...

66Chapter 3: Replacing notebook components
7Remove the bracket from the old drive.
8Insert the new drive label side up onto the bracket so the screw holes line up.
9Replace the screws that secure the bracket to the drive.
10Slide the new hard drive kit into your notebook.
11Replace the cover, then tighten the screws. 

Chapter 3: Replacing notebook components67
Replacing the IEEE 802.11 wireless card
Important: Use only wireless cards designed for this notebook.
Tools you need to complete this task:
Screws removed during this task:
Locating components:
To replace the IEEE 802.11 wireless card:
1Complete the steps in “Preparing the notebook” on page 55.
2Loosen the wireless bay cover screws (these screws cannot be removed).
Phillips #0 screwdriver
2 chrome M2×3 
(IEEE 802.11 wireless 
card)
Wireless bay
Screw ScrewScrew 

68Chapter 3: Replacing notebook components
3Use the thumb notch to lift the wireless bay cover, then remove it. Be careful not 
to break off the tabs located on the end of the cover opposite the thumb notch.
4Unplug the antenna cables. Note which color cable is connected to each of the 
connectors.
Important: The number of antenna cables varies by the type of wireless 
network used by the notebook. IEEE 802.11N cards typically have 
three antenna cables. Other types of wireless network cards typically...

Chapter 3: Replacing notebook components69
5Remove the wireless card screws.
6Pull the card out of the slot.
7Move the antenna cables out of the way.
8Hold the new card at a 30-degree angle and slide it into the empty slot. This card is 
keyed so it can only be inserted in one direction. If the card does not fit, make sure 
that the notch in the card lines up with the tab in the card slot.
ScrewScrew 

70Chapter 3: Replacing notebook components
9Replace the screws removed in Step 5.
10Reattach the antenna cables to the connectors.
11Replace the wireless bay cover, then tighten the cover screws. 

Chapter 3: Replacing notebook components71
Replacing the CMOS battery
Important: Use only CMOS batteries designed for this notebook.
Tools you need to complete this task:v
Screws removed during this task:
Locating components:
To replace the CMOS battery:
1Complete the steps in “Preparing the notebook” on page 55.
2Remove the optional IEEE 802.11 wireless card by following the instructions in 
“Replacing the IEEE 802.11 wireless card” on page 67.
Flat-blade driver
Scribe or non-marring tool
- OR -...

72Chapter 3: Replacing notebook components
3Insert the small flat-blade screwdriver or non-marring tool under the old battery 
and gently pry it up until it pops out of the socket.
4Make sure that the positive (+) side of the new battery is facing up, then press the 
battery into the socket until it snaps into place.
5Replace the optional IEEE 802.11 wireless card by following the instructions in 
“Replacing the IEEE 802.11 wireless card” on page 67.