At Dead or Alive Technology, we often hear from customers who say, “I just need the part — my brother/uncle/friend works in IT and can fit it for me.” While we understand the desire to save money and make use of in-house expertise, it’s important to break down why this isn’t always as straightforward — or safe — as it sounds.
IT Roles Vary – Not Everyone in IT is a Hardware Technician or Electronics Engineer
“IT” is a broad field. Saying someone works in IT could mean anything from:
- Software Developer
- Web Designer
- Database Administrator
- Cloud Engineer
- IT Support Analyst
- Network Engineer
- Cybersecurity Consultant
- Project Manager
- DevOps Engineer
- QA Tester
- Systems Administrator
- Technical Writer
- IT Trainer
While some of these roles touch hardware, very few include hands-on component-level repair, particularly in laptops, MacBooks, tablets, or smartphones.
Even in IT support or sysadmin roles, most hardware tasks are limited to RAM and SSD upgrades in business-grade desktops or rack-mounted servers — devices designed with quick-access bays and minimal compatibility issues.
Modern Devices Aren’t Designed for DIY Repairs
Consumer tech today, especially laptops and mobile devices, are compact, delicate, and deliberately difficult to open. Components are often:
- Soldered directly to the board
- Glued or heat-sealed into place
- Sandwiched between proprietary chassis designs
Even something as seemingly simple as replacing a screen panel or charging port can result in:
- Cracked internal frames
- Snapped ribbon cables
- Touch/digitiser issues
- Non-recognition due to serialisation
- Total power failure due to ESD (electrostatic discharge)
Void Warranties & Serialisation Issues
Many devices — especially Apple, Samsung, and some HP/Dell laptops — use component serialisation. If you install a part not “paired” with the device’s motherboard:
- Face ID / Touch ID may stop working
- The device may bootloop or fail to power on
- Some features may be disabled
- Updates may fail
- You could be permanently locked out
Worse, if the casing has been opened or tampered with, any existing manufacturer warranty will be void — including extended cover or AppleCare.
The RMA (Return Merchandise Authorisation) Route
When devices go faulty under warranty, manufacturers don’t recommend family repairs — they authorise an RMA process, where devices are:
- Collected or dropped off at authorised centres
- Diagnosed by trained technicians
- Repaired with verified, original parts
- Logged in the device’s service history
Why? Because they know that guesswork and YouTube tutorials can do more harm than good.
What We See Too Often at Our Workshop
We’ve had many devices brought to us after:
- A friend tried to fit a screen and cracked the backlight layer
- A relative shorted a motherboard by using metal tools without grounding
- Incorrect parts were ordered and forced into place
- LCD panels were replaced without transferring required touch modules
- Batteries were punctured or swelled during DIY fitting
By this point, the job isn’t just a simple part swap — it’s a full-scale repair, often costing more than it would’ve in the first place.
Our Advice – Let the Professionals Handle It
At Dead or Alive Technology, we’re not here to upsell unnecessary services. We’re here to make sure:
- The right part is installed
- It’s compatible with your model and firmware
- The job is done without damaging your device
- You stay covered by warranty (or at least don’t void one)
- You avoid unnecessary costs later
We use OEM and premium aftermarket parts, and back our work with a warranty of our own.
Need a Repair or Just Looking for Honest Advice?
If you’re in Wishaw or the wider North Lanarkshire area, or you’re using our nationwide mail-in service, we’re happy to help — whether it’s diagnostics, repair, or just guidance.
Pop into the shop, call us, or use the contact form at
📍 www.deadoralivetechnology.com
Dead or Alive Technology – Repairs Done Right.