K501U cyberdeck build documentation
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K501U Cyberdeck

A cyberdeck built from salvaged ASUS K501U laptop components and Orange Pi 5 SBC.

Project Status

Phase: Component acquisition and planning

  • Salvage analysis (K501U components)
  • Display identification and controller board ordered
  • SBC selection (Orange Pi 5 16GB)
  • Storage architecture planned
  • USB expansion design
  • Case nomenclature and orientation defined
  • Build approach: wooden case + salvaged lid canopy
  • Input device: ThinkPad TrackPoint keyboard
  • Power system: IP5389 board + 18650 cells (preliminary)
  • Case design (dimensions, internal layout)
  • Power system board selection and testing
  • Bow wall design (power input, fan exhaust)
  • Fabrication
  • Software configuration

Components

Salvaged from ASUS K501U

Component Model Status
Display Innolux N156HGE-EAB (Rev. C2) Controller board ordered
Hinge mechanism Original K501U Available
Webcam K501U module Available
WiFi antenna K501U Available
Cooling fan K501U Available

Not reused:

  • RAM (DDR3L soldered, incompatible with modern SBCs)
  • SSD (owner repurposed)
  • WiFi card (Intel 7265NGW, no E-key slot on OPi5)

New Components

Component Selection Status
SBC Orange Pi 5 (base, 16GB) eBay bid pending
Display controller 30-pin eDP to HDMI Ordered (~$24)
Storage (boot) MicroSD 64GB Endurance To purchase
USB hub Powered 7-port USB 3.0 To purchase
Storage (data) USB 3.0 SSD enclosure To purchase

Documentation

Quick Reference

Display

  • Panel: Innolux N156HGE-EAB (Rev. C2)
  • Size: 15.6" 1920×1080
  • Interface: 30-pin eDP
  • Controller: Standard 30-pin eDP to HDMI (~$24)

SBC

  • Board: Orange Pi 5 (RK3588S, base model, 16GB RAM)
  • Storage: MicroSD slot + USB 3.0 external
  • USB: 1× USB 3.0, 2× USB 2.0 native
  • Power: USB-C PD via IP5389 power board, 18650 cells

Cost Estimate

Category Cost
SBC ~$104
Display controller ~$24
Storage (SD + hub + enclosure) ~$32-44
Power system (board + cells + fuse + charger) ~$32-56
Subtotal $206-230

(Excludes case materials and misc hardware. Battery included in power system.)