How to Make a Mini PC Using a Motherboard.

I converted my old Acer Chromebook R11 into a "Slab-Top" Mini PC to save high-end hardware from becoming e-waste. By stripping away the broken screen and dead battery, I isolated the motherboard to act as a standalone desktop "brain." I used the original bottom shell as a chassis and designed a custom 3D-printed mesh top on my Bambu Lab A1 Mini to keep the system cool. It’s a compact, efficient ChromeOS desktop that proves you can repurpose old tech into something powerful and functional.

Acer Chromebook R11 (C738T), screwdriver, tool to pry open.

1. Flip the laptop over. Remove all visible screws from the bottom plastic shell.
2. Use a plastic pry tool or a guitar pick to pop the clips around the edges.
3. Lift the bottom cover off and set it aside—you’ll be using this as your main PC case later

1. Locate the battery connector (the bundle of red, blue, and black wires).
2. Use your fingernails to wiggle the white plastic plug out of its socket. Do not pull the wires.
3. Remove the screws holding the black battery pack and lift the battery out.

1. The Screen: Peel back the tape on the 30-pin eDP connector. Flip up the tiny metal locking bar and slide the ribbon out.
2. The Keyboard/Trackpad: Flip up the black/white locking tabs on the motherboard and slide out the wide ribbons.
3. The Webcam: Unplug the tiny 5-pin white connector near the hinge.
4. The Speakers: Unplug the small 4-pin connector. You can unscrew the speakers and remove them to save space.

1. Remove the small silver screws holding the green motherboard to the white plastic frame.
2. Important: Lift from the right side and slide the board to the right to pull the HDMI and USB ports out of their holes in the side of the case.

1. Do not unplug the black and white wires from the silver WiFi card.
2. Peel the copper antenna pads off the original screen lid and tape them to the inside of your bottom plastic shell. This ensures you still get a strong internet signal.

1. Place the motherboard back into the original bottom shell.
2. Align the HDMI, USB, and Power Jack with the side holes first, then lay the board flat.
3. Re-install the original screws to lock it into place.

1. Plug your HDMI Monitor into the motherboard's side port.
2. Plug a USB Hub into the USB port so you can use a separate keyboard and mouse.
3. Plug in the original power adapter.

1. Press the power button on your "shimmed" daughterboard.
2. If the fan spins but nothing shows on the monitor, try hitting Ctrl + D or Refresh + Power to bypass the "OS Verification" screen.
3. If chrome os boots, CONGRATS. YOU HAVE BUILT A MINI PC.