MACBook Pro (2011, 13”, A1278) tear down work

Hi there, this is TONG’s teardown assignment for the MacBook Pro (2011, 13″, A1278). The serial number of the device is: D92GCBN0DRJ7, which can be easily looked up on Apple’s official website to find its model information.

🌟after teardown⬇️

🌟Tear down tools⬇️

I had previously replaced the fan, speakers, and battery for my 2015 MacBook Pro, so initially I didn’t think I would spend much time on disassembly. However, the screws 🔩 on this old laptop really gave me a hard time, and I did end up forcibly cutting some of the metal washers used for fastening. Everything went relatively smoothly overall. I really enjoyed it and was so focused that I almost forgot to take pictures of my disassembly process, only leaving a video to record it all 😂.

🌟The following are the components I disassembled and can identify.⬇️

1Battery

Model: A1322 10.95V-63.5Wh

Serial Number: 9G1340UV6D3MA

2 Fan

Single fan design (no wonder the 13″ Mac had obvious heat dissipation issues back then)

Model: KSB0505HB

Serial Number: QE1342DER411C

Disassembly level: Can still be further disassembled

3 Motherboard

  • Model: 820-2936-B
  • External components:

  • Main chips:

  • RAM memory

Equipped with two 8GB memory sticks

Model: 8G DDR3L-1333 SODIMM MAC

4 Wi-Fi signal module

Model: BCM94331PCIEBT4

5 Slot-loading CD drive

6 Speaker system

7 Trackpad module

There are three still unknown chips on the Touchpad Trackpad Flex Ribbon Cable Replacement.

Disassembly level: Can be further disassembled

8 Keyboard

I can’t unscrew all furthers, so this is as far as I can disassemble.

9 MagSafe power port

10 SSD cable

11 Screen

12 Structural components

🌟Materials / Manufacturing processes ⬇️

MaterialsManufacturing processes
ChassisAluminum alloyMolding, anodized treatment
Cablesplastic Metal
DisplayLCD panel with IPS (In-Plane Switching) technology
KeyboardPlasticScissor mechanism structure, injection molding process
MotherboardMulti-layer PCB (Printed Circuit Board)
BatteryLithium-ion battery, aluminum shell
TrackpadGlass surface & aluminum base
Speaker System Plastic  & metal
Ports and Connectors Plastic  & metal
Cooling FanPlastic blades & metal bearings

🌟 My feeling ⬇️

My biggest impression from this teardown work is how ingenious the internal structure of a Macbook is. The internal components are all precisely engineered, with a compact and orderly layout. I also really like the modular design in the device, where all the functions I can identify in the hardware appear in a modular form. The immediate feeling when opening the back cover and seeing the internal structure is that it’s beautiful, a very intuitive engineering aesthetic. I think this kind of modularity is beneficial for everyone. I’m also starting to understand why so many Apple enthusiasts like to disassemble MACs 😊.

Discover more from Making Studio

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading