Laptop Repair Terms
7 terms that explain what’s going on inside your laptop or MacBook, in plain English.
STORAGE
SSD
The solid-state drive that stores your files and operating system. Swapping an old hard drive for an SSD is the single biggest speed upgrade for an older laptop.
Read definition →MEMORY
RAM
Short-term working memory. Too little and your laptop slows to a crawl with many tabs open. Some laptops can be upgraded; many thin models have RAM soldered on.
Read definition →COOLING
Thermal Paste
The compound that carries heat from the processor to the cooler. It dries out over the years, so the laptop runs hotter and louder.
Read definition →PERFORMANCE
Thermal Throttling
When a processor gets too hot it slows itself down to stay safe. If your laptop starts fast then lags, heat is often the cause.
Read definition →PHYSICAL PART
Laptop Hinge
The joints that hold the screen to the base. A loose or cracked hinge can tear the screen cable or crack the casing if left too long.
Read definition →INTERNAL CABLE
Keyboard Ribbon
The thin flat cable linking the keyboard to the motherboard. A loose or damaged ribbon makes whole rows of keys stop working at once.
Read definition →APPLE SECURITY
T2 Chip
Apple’s security chip in 2018–2020 Intel MacBooks. It encrypts storage and controls Touch ID, which affects how some repairs can be done.
Read definition →Laptop or MacBook playing up?
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