Laptop and OEM motherboards are replacement mainboards for branded laptops, desktops and servers, suited to repair technicians, IT departments and owners who want to repair rather than replace. Our range has over 6,000 boards, mostly for Lenovo machines, with HP, IBM, Acer, HP Enterprise and Supermicro also listed.
How to choose a laptop or OEM motherboard
Match the exact part number. Laptop boards are built for one model or one small family, so general compatibility is not enough. Copy the board part number or FRU number from the old board or the service manual, and compare it character by character with the listing.
Check the brand and model family. Most boards in our range are listed as compatible with Lenovo, and a few with HP and Acer. A board from one brand will not fit another brand's chassis, and even within a brand, models with similar names often use different layouts.
Confirm the processor and graphics variant. On most laptop boards the processor is soldered on, and some versions add a discrete graphics chip while others rely on integrated graphics. Pick the variant that matches your original machine, because the cooling and the screen connector depend on it.
Look at the memory and ports. Some boards have soldered memory, others have SODIMM slots, and the amount of memory can differ between versions of the same model. Check that the ports and connectors on the board match your old one, as this is the quickest way to spot a wrong revision.
Consider the operating system. Some listings state Windows support, and the products are generally intended for Windows machines. A replacement board can need the BIOS or licence details reapplied, so check what is included before you order.
Brands we carry
- Lenovo: the ThinkPad and IdeaPad laptop maker, and by far the largest group here, so most boards are for its notebooks.
- HP Inc.: maker of the EliteBook and ProBook laptop lines and business desktops, with a small selection of boards.
- HP Enterprise: the server arm of the former Hewlett-Packard, known for ProLiant servers.
- IBM: the original creator of the ThinkPad line, which Lenovo took over in 2005, and a long-standing server manufacturer.
- Supermicro: known for server and workstation motherboards used in data centres.
- Acer: a laptop and desktop manufacturer, with boards for its own machines.
Also in our range: CoreParts and Unify.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find the right motherboard for my laptop?
Use the part number printed on the board itself, or the one in the service manual for your model. If you cannot open the laptop yet, the model and product number on the underside label narrow it down. Compare these with the listing before ordering, since similar models often have different boards.
Can I fit a motherboard from a different laptop model?
Usually not. Laptop boards are designed around one chassis, with specific screw positions, connector placement and cooling layout. Even boards from the same brand can differ, so only use a board listed for your exact model or part number.
Do I need to reinstall Windows after replacing a laptop motherboard?
Not always, but it is possible. The drive keeps your data, yet Windows may detect new hardware and ask you to reactivate. Keep your licence details and a backup to hand before starting the repair.
Is it worth replacing a laptop motherboard?
It can be, if the rest of the laptop is in good condition and the board is the only failed part. Compare the cost of the board and fitting with the value of a comparable replacement laptop. Repair makes most sense for business models built to last and for machines that are hard to replace.
