Upgrading your CPU gives your computer increased speed and responsiveness, which is especially beneficial for playing computer games. AMD's Athlon CPU comes in a few different styles, but all share the same basic installation procedure. Your motherboard must be AMD compatible with a socket A slot to use an Athlon CPU.
Instructions
1. Turn off your computer and unplug it from the wall socket.
2. Take off the computer tower case cover by unscrewing its fastening screws and pulling off the entire cover or sliding a side panel off. If you need to unscrew the case cover, remove the screws located in the top and bottom corners of the computer tower.
3. Strap the antistatic wrist strap on and attach the other end to grounded metal. The CPU is a sensitive computer component and static discharge may damage it during the installation process.
4. Locate the heat sink--a large metal component located over top of the processor, usually in the middle of the motherboard. It may also have a fan on top of it.
5. Disconnect the fan (if there is one) from its power supply and unclip it. Remove the heat sink by pressing on the fastening clips. You may need to use a flat-head screwdriver to fully press the clip to loosen the heat sink. You will see the square plastic CPU socket once the heatsink is moved.
6. Locate the L-shaped metal lever sitting flush against the right side of the CPU socket. Push the CPU release lever sideways, then up. This releases the original CPU from the socket.
7. Match the pin patterns on the underside of the CPU with the socket. Line up the corners of the CPU with missing pins with the top of the socket.
8. Push the AMD Athlon CPU gently into place. This socket is designed to need zero insertion force (ZIF), so if the chip does not insert easily into place, check your alignment again. Push the lever back into its original position to secure the CPU.
9. Put a pea-sized amount of thermal paste onto the top of the processor. Spread it over the surface. Clip the heatsink back into place using your fingers or the flat-head screwdriver. If the heatsink had a fan attachment, plug the power connector back in and clip it on top of the heatsink. Close the case.
Tags: into place, with socket, back into, case cover, computer tower, flat-head screwdriver