# Salvage Analysis: ASUS K501U

**Source:** ASUS K501U laptop with failed motherboard
**Goal:** Extract usable components for cyberdeck build

---

## Display Panel

### Identification

|Attribute | Value |
|----------|-------|
| Model | Innolux N156HGE-EAB (Rev. C2) |
| Size | 15.6" diagonal |
| Resolution | 1920×1080 (FHD) |
| Interface | 30-pin eDP |
| Backlight | LED |
| Panel type | IPS |

### Verification Process

1. Removed bezel clips (plastic tabs around screen edge)
2. Located panel sticker on back of LCD assembly
3. Confirmed model number: N156HGE-EAB
4. Verified 30-pin connector (not 40-pin, not LVDS)

### Compatibility

**Standard eDP controller boards work with this panel.**

Search terms:
- "N156HGE-EAB controller board"
- "30-pin eDP to HDMI"
- "LCD controller board 15.6"

**Cost:** ~$24 (Amazon/eBay/AliExpress)

### Notes

- Panel is in good condition, no scratches or dead pixels
- Keep original bezel and frame for mounting
- Hinge mechanism intact - useful for clamshell design

---

## Storage

### Original Configuration

The K501U had an M.2 NVMe SSD installed.

**Status:** Owner already removed and repurposed. Now in a USB enclosure serving as external drive.
**Not available for this build.**

### RAM

| Attribute | Value |
|-----------|-------|
| Type | DDR3L (low voltage) |
| Speed | 1600 MHz |
| Location | Soldered onboard (no SODIMM slot populated) |
| Capacity | 8GB (varies by SKU) |

**Not reusable:**
- DDR3L is incompatible with modern SBCs (DDR4/DDR5)
- Soldered to motherboard, not a removable DIMM
- K501U base model has empty SODIMM slot but uses soldered RAM

---

## WiFi

### Original Card

| Attribute | Value |
|-----------|-------|
| Model | Intel 7265NGW |
| Form factor | M.2 2230 |
| Interface | M.2 E-key |
| Protocols | 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.0 |

### Reusability

**Not needed — OPi3B has built-in WiFi 5 + BT 5.0.**

The Intel 7265NGW card is not required because the Orange Pi 3B has integrated WiFi and Bluetooth. The K501U's dual-band antenna (U.FL connectors embedded in the hinge) may still be useful — it could be adapted to the OPi3B's onboard WiFi for better signal than the built-in PCB antenna.

### Workaround

Not needed for WiFi — built-in covers it. If the K501U antenna can be adapted (U.FL to IPEX connector), it may improve reception over the OPi3B's onboard antenna.

---

## Other Components

### Webcam

| Attribute | Value |
|-----------|-------|
| Location | Embedded in display bezel |
| Interface | USB (internal cable to motherboard) |
| Connector | Proprietary pinout |

**Potential reuse:**
- Can be extracted with bezel
- Requires USB pinout identification
- Standard webcam protocol (UVC) likely supported
- May need adapter cable

### Cooling Fan

| Attribute | Value |
|-----------|-------|
| Type | Blower fan with heat pipes |
| Interface | 4-pin PWM |
| Connector | Standard laptop fan connector |

**Potential reuse:**
- Could cool Orange Pi 3B (with PWM adapter)
- RK3566 runs cooler (~3-5W) than RK3588 — passive heatsink may suffice
- Blower fan may be overkill but provides headroom

### Keyboard/Trackpad

| Attribute | Value |
|-----------|-------|
| Keyboard | Integrated PCB, proprietary connector |
| Trackpad | Precision trackpad, proprietary connector |

**Not reusable:**
- Proprietary motherboard connectors
- No standard USB interface
- Requires significant reverse engineering

### WiFi Antenna

| Attribute | Value |
|-----------|-------|
| Location | Embedded indisplay hinge |
| Type | Dual-band antenna |
| Cable | U.FL connectors |

**Reusable with USB WiFi dongle:**
- Antenna can be connected to compatible dongle
- U.FL to SMA adapter cable needed
- Good signal reception quality

### Hinge Mechanism

| Attribute | Value |
|-----------|-------|
| Type | Dual-hinge laptop hinge|
| Condition | Intact, smooth operation |
| Mount | Metal frame attached to display |

**Useful for cyberdeck:**
- Natural open/close mechanism
- Can support display weight
- Mounting points for base

---

## Summary

### Direct Reuse

| Component | Effort | Value |
|-----------|--------|-------|
| **Display** | Low (with controller or native eDP) | High |
| **Hinge** | Low | Medium |
| **WiFi antenna** | Low (with adapter to OPi3B onboard WiFi) | Low |

### Not Reused

| Component | Reason |
|-----------|--------|
| SSD | Already repurposed |
| RAM | Wrong generation |
| WiFi card | OPi3B has built-in WiFi+BT |
| Keyboard/trackpad | Proprietary connectors |
| Motherboard | Failed |

### New Components Needed

| Component | Estimated Cost |
|-----------|----------------|
| eDP controller board | $24 (may be optional — OPi3B has native eDP) |
| SBC (Orange Pi 3B) | $189 (purchased) |

---

## Reference

- Panel datasheet: Innolux N156HGE-EAB product brief
- K501U teardown: Standard ASUS budget laptop construction
- Orange Pi 5 specs: orangepi.org