Acer Aspire E3-111Acer Laptop

Acer Aspire E11 E3-111 Disassembly

In this guide, I’ll explain how to disassemble Acer Aspire E11 E3-111 to remove and replace the battery, hard drive, WALN, RAM, heatsink and motherboard. Refer to this guide. You can upgrade, repair your Aspire E3-111.

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Step 1: Remove the bottom case.
    • Remove all screws from the bottom case.

    • Pry up and remove the bottom case.

    • Under the case, you can get access to the battery, hard drive, speakers and wireless card.

    • The bottom case has been removed, but we do not find the cooling fan.

Step 2: Remove the battery.
    • The Aspire E11 using an 11.4v, 2640mah, 30wh Li-ion battery. Acer part number: AC13C34.
    • Disconnect the battery connector from the motherboard and remove two screws securing the battery.

    • The battery has been removed.

Step 3: Remove the hard drive.
    • Remove the hard drive.

    • Acer laptop with a Seagate 500GB 5400RPM Momentus thin hard drive.

Step 4: Remove the wireless card.
    • Disconnect two antenna cables and remove one screw securing the wireless card. You can remove the wireless card.

    • Qualcomm Atheros QCWB335 Wireless LAN

Step 5: Remove the motherboard.
    • Disconnect four cables from the motherboard and remove three screws securing the motherboard.
    • LCD cable
    • Keyboard cable
    • Touchpad cable
    • Speakers cable

    • Acer Aspire E11 E3-111’s palm rest, replace the keyboard not very easy, you must disassemble the whole laptop.

    • Motherboard

    • On the other side of the motherboard, you can find the RAM, heat sink, but no cooling fan. The heat sink is very large.

Step 6: Remove the RAM.
    • The E3-111 comes with a Kingston 4GB DDR3L 1600MHz RAM.

Step 7: Remove the heat sink.
    • Remove three screws securing the heat sink.

    • Heatsink

For more guides, check out the Acer Aspire E3-111 device page.

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87 Comments

  1. I have E3-111. I need rubber safety skin for it. Is it possible using this skin for Macbook? (Rubberized Hard sleeve carry case bag box Skin For Macbook Air 11″ 11.6″). Thx for help/answer.

      1. It’s DDR3 or DDR3L ? I want to buy this netbook, standard has 2Gb and i wanna buy 1*4Gb or 1*8Gb RAM, but i need to know if is DDR3 normal or DDR3L (low voltage)

        1. RAM DDR3 is compatible for upgrade or ONLY DDR3L? I have Just purchase sodim DDR3 4gb RAM module…
          Please, waiting your answer before diassembly for upgrade

        2. Kingston 4GB DDR3L 1600 SO-DIMM ACR16D3LS1KFG/4G LF+HF 512*8 30NM / F-DIE

          Manufacturer: -Kingston
          Part Number: -ACR16D3LS1KFG/4G
          Range: -Kingston System Specific Low Voltage Range
          Type: -204 pin
          Memory Type: -DDR3 SODIMM / Laptop / Notebook
          Capacity: -4GB
          Configuration: -Single 4GB Memory Module
          Channel Configuration:-Single Channel
          Speed: -1600 MHz / PC3L-12800S
          Timings: -CL11 (11-11-11) @ 1600MHz
          Buffering: -None, Unbuffered
          Error Detection: -None, Non-ECC
          Pin / Connector Material-Gold
          Voltage: -1.35V (Low Voltage)

    1. I have three Aspire E3-111 – all had two bays one below the other. And I used 2 Low voltage chips. Been a while but if I recall you can use the High voltage one also but the only one can be used not two.
      One another one with Wind7 I used single 8 GB – this one
      Kingston Technology 8GB 1600MHz DDR3L (PC3-12800) 1.35V Non-ECC CL11 SODIMM Intel Laptop Memory KVR16LS11/8
      I do not recall the dual replacement ones which I put in one with Wind8 – I used two 8 GB.

  2. Thanks for this first great guide.
    Do you think the laptop supports 8GB on single DDR3 module?

    I also think with an SSD it will be faster and have more battery duration.

    1. Yes, 8GB on single module is the max configuration.
      I agree with the SSD upgrade. If someone has upgraded to SSD, I would like to know any details related to BIOS or other SW config changes. Thanks.

      1. looking to do that to mine, just picked up a ssd. having probs finding what version os, and key that this laptop com with. really don’t wanna put a bootleg OS on this. its nice for being under 200. and not some wacked out android os.

  3. Awesome breakdown of the laptop! I just wonder if I am going to need to replace the HDD with an SSD, what are the dimensions that I need to look for? I know it needs to be 2.5″, but is the 9mm height necessary to keep as well? The only SSD drives I find are 7mm. HALP….

  4. Again, awesome breakdown of the laptop. I just want to know if the CPU is upgrade-able. I’m just curious on how powerful I can make this laptop become!

    If it is replaceable, how would I know what is compatible with the computer? I know I have to update the BIOS too, so with the latest update, how would I know to find a compatible Intel CPU?

    1. I have been thinking the same thing. The CPU is soldered. If ever, one has to replace the whole motherboard from a similar model that has a different processor, such as Acer Aspire V3 111-P6VM (if compatible). My only concern here would be the if the heat spreader is compatible (stack up height, etc). Hopefully all connectors and wireless card are compatible. Besides that, I think one has to reinstall the OS.

      My upgrade progression plan is Memory (as soon as possible), SSD and CPU (after a year or so).

      1. Forget the CPU; it isn’t possible in this design because it’s soldered to and integrated with the motherboard.

  5. I recently upgraded my E3-111 to 8G RAM, purchased from Crucial, no problem with install, but now the USB ports don’t work, uninstalling in device manager doesn’t help, do I need to install new drivers? and if I do, which ones? the Acer site shows three different chipset drivers. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

    1. Your USB ports may not work, because of higher power draw of the new 8GB memory module, so you’ll have to plugin the power adapter while using USB ports.

  6. I have acer aspire E3-111. RAM DDR3 is compatible for upgrade or ONLY DDR3L (low voltage)? I have Just purchase sodim DDR3 4gb RAM module… (NOT is DDR3L)
    Please, waiting your answer before diassembly for upgrade

  7. I know its late but maybe it helps someone.
    first, great help this breakdown of yours.
    that being said, not all 2.5 inch ssd drives fit in,
    my series 330 intel is like good 3mm fatter than needed.

  8. Thanks!

    I upgraded a $199 E11 to 8gb RAM and changed out the HD for an SSD. Very easy with this doc.

    To get to the RAM, I unscrewed the 3 screws on the motherboard, disconnected the wifi, and only unplugged the LCD. I was able to rotate the MB over and access the SODIMM without unplugging anything else.

    Sweet!

    1. What is the RAM you installed?
      At the CRUCIAL website they show 8GB DDR3 PC3-12800 Unbuffered NON-ECC 1.35V 1024Meg x 64
      to be compatible.
      DDR3 PC3-12800 • CL=11 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR3-1600 • 1.35V • 1024Meg x 64 •

      Someone mentioned that 1600 is not supported but only 1333,

      Thanks

      1. I used Crucial 8GB Single DDR3 1600 MT/s (PC3-12800) CL11 SODIMM 204-Pin 1.35V/1.5V Notebook Memory CT102464BF160B. It works fine.

  9. For reference the following were tested and work:

    Crucial BLS8G3N18AES4CEU 8GB DDR3L (1.35v) 1866MHz CL10 2 ranks, 16 chips.
    Automatic configured as 1333MHz 8-8-8-23-1T

    Samsung SSD 850 PRO (limited to 300MB/s by SATA II)

  10. Ok, bear with me for a moment, this might seem like a silly question, but how do you get windows os back on the blank ssd?

  11. I bought this laptop for less than $200, as soon as I got it, I opened it up and upgrade memory to 8 GB and HDD to a 512 GB SSD from Crucial of course I installed linux on it and let me tell you that now this machine is a little beast, really fast and I can do almost everything I do with my desktop. Great product!!

    1. Hello jalcom,

      Can you tell me how you upgraded the hard disk to an SSD. I have created a backup of the factory OS windows 8.1 that the laptop came with. I created the backup on an external hard drive that also has several other personal files and folders (movies, music, documents, etc.). Now i want to upgrade the 500 HDD to an SSD and I have no idea how to get the OS back on the black SSD and what to do once I fix the SSD physically and turn on the laptop. Can you briefly advice what is the procedure for this?

    2. Hi jalcom! Would you be able please to explain how to install linux on this laptop, because I cant my get working. Thanks

  12. I opened up my laptop to replace the memory to 4gb and now it won’t boot up. Everything is plugged in as it should be and I can hear the hard drive working. Any clue what could be wrong?

  13. Varun, you could try replacing the original hdd and using a sata-usb bridge and Samsung Data Migration Software to properly transfer the OS to the new disk before switching again. Or perhaps a friend could make a bootable windows install USB drive.

    Lacy, is the memory 1.35V compatible? Could you reply with the full model number? If in doubt use one of the posted tested memory models.

  14. Thanks for writing up this guide. I purchased the C0WA version and maxed out the ram to 8gb and installed an SSD. This is a great portable machine that last a good long bit unplugged. I’m using Linux Mint on it,

  15. Sorry if this is a dumb question. But is this model of Acer known by a more common name? I’m looking for replacement parts and can’t find any.

  16. David

    How easy it is to replace the keyboard on one of these? One of my keys has been damaged and Acer support wants to charge me 70 GBP to do it. I plan to do it myself but want to understand what I am taking on!

  17. Hello,
    I appreciate your guide. Can you please provide the exact model # this guide is for. I know it states Acer Aspire E3-111, but that does not provide an accurate model #. (what comes after E3-111)

    A layman interpretation of this guide would assume that any Acer Aspire E3-111 has an upgradable hard drive. Unfortunately this is not the case. It is dependent on specific model #s. Some E3-111 have 32gb eMMcs and do not have a sata header thus installing an ssd is not an option.

    Thank you

    1. I would venture to guess a storage size of 16, 32, 64gb would be eMMC more likely or not. I upgraded the C0WA which came with a 320gb drive. Those wanting to install Linux, make sure to turn of Legacy booting in the BIOS and hold F12 when you reboot to select the USB stick/drive you are installing from. Xubuntu is lovely on this machine.

  18. Hello Guys,
    Greetings!!
    If you are trying to upgrade the HDD to SSD and RAM Upgrades, Make sure you are aware of the following,
    1. Windows 8 to 8.1 OS migration – Everything works well except Synaptec Touchpad drivers were not available and I had to install Windows 7.
    2. While removing the Screws, Please be very very careful as one screw will definitely go wrong with his head getting stripped. This is not the case all the time but most of the time it occured.
    3. SSD Cloning, I recommed installed OS freshly as this will give you an option to get rid of pre installed apps(some are useful).

    This is my Old Config:
    HDD:500GB
    RAM: 2GB
    OS: Windows 8.0(Pre installed)
    Boot time: 3-4 minutes

    This my New Config:
    SSD: 128GB
    RAM: 8GB
    OS: Windows 7 Enterprise(custom fresh install because I had issues with getting touchpad to work on 8.1)
    Boot Time: 1.5 minutes even though it is Windows 7.
    Performance: Exceptional Performance. Lightning Speed!!

  19. Hello Ravi,

    Thanks for the steps involved in the process. I do have a quick question though.

    1. Which SSD did you purchase? I mean, what do I look for when purchasing an SSD so that it fits perfectly for this specific laptop.??

    2. How do I get my existing windows 8.1 on HDD onto an SSD? Should I back it up on a 32GB flash drive from SanDisk and once I replace the HDD with SSD, plug the USB and go from there? I am a total novice with OS installation and stuff. So, you have to bear with me and explain with steps. I would be grateful for this.

    Thanks

  20. Touchpad not working on 8.1

    I had the same problem. The fix was updating the BIOS to the latest version which specifically fixes this bug. All the drivers are available on the ACER website, it may be important in which order they are reinstalled. Also the there is a BIOS setting for touchpad features.

  21. does anybody know what the Bios battery is?

    i lost the battery in a vent. and i cant ID the coin battery.

  22. On the picture “palm rest” you can see the rear side of the touchpad. There are two stickers left and right obviously to remove static. On my E112 there was only one sticker on the left side. I have glued a piece of aluminium tape to the right side and rubbed a little on the existing tape to improve contact. After that I have no more problems with the jumping cursor that was very annoying. There are more reports of people having this issue.

    1. Hey Jurgen,
      did you have any freezes while you were working with the touchpad before you did this?
      I have heard many saying that the touchpad freezes occasionally, some suggested bios upgrade and a guy here suggested your solution:

      http://www.iq-tm.de/TP%20freeze.htm

      I’m specifically interested in knowing if there was a freezing problem which this trick solved.
      Thanks

      1. Sometimes the cursor didn’t follow the finger 100% but I never had a complete freeze. I have upgraded the bios twice but I can’t remember having this issue even with the original bios

    2. I had the same issue with jumpy cursor in my E3-111. After reading your post and applying your fix I had no more jumpy cursor now.

  23. hi. help me please. my e3-111 dead after i replace its keyboard with new one. now there is no led signal even i plug charger on it, no led signal after i push power button. was that my mistake, when i disconnected battery without push switch on board?

  24. You should mention that the battery disconnect button should be pressed and held while disconnecting the battery. Some of the “dead” isssues after repair/upgrade may be caused by shorting when disconnecting the battery.

  25. Hi I have acer aspire e11
    i have problem because the power light is blinking and computer wont start :/ what can I do to fix it? Im trying to change ram to other, start it on charger only, and this things doesnt work

  26. Thank you very much for the pictures. I was having problems with the touchpad arrow freezing. Cleaned the connectors of the synaptics touchpad to the motherboard and it now works.

  27. Hi, can anyone help me to track down the Aspire E-11 motherboard? Im Fixing it for a friend. His usb ports are broken.

    1. Them motherboard is available on ebay, before buy it, you need to open your laptop and check the part number of your motherboard.

  28. i need a fairly used mother board of aspire e11 or a whole malfuntioning system at an affordable rate .. so that i can take the board . i dont have the money for new one. anyone wanna sell

  29. Hi, after upgrading my ram to 8gb, ive been wondering if you could upgrade the keyboard as well, maybe from a v5 112p, which has the exact same layout in a backlit keyboard. however, i believe that requires a specific connection on the motherboard, which the e3 lacks. any ideas on this?
    thanks

  30. Hey there,
    nice guide and a nice little laptop inonly dislike one thing : there is no hdd led.
    Does anyone have an idea how to add an led to the mainboard i have soldering experience but cant find any header on the mainboard where i could solder a led for the harddisk. Maybe one of you have done a mod like that

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