Motherboards are interchangeable in most computers.
Replace an MSI GA-M57SLI-S4 motherboard to solve problems or to gain various features such as additional SATA ports, USB 3.0 or newer processor support. Motherboards can be swapped out with minimal effort when they both support the processor, RAM and video cards that are installed. Upgrading these components at the same time that the motherboard is replaced can have the effect of buying a brand new computer without the high cost. Money is saved by using the existing hard drive, optical drive, case, power supply and operating system and replacing just the core components.
Instructions
Remove the Existing Motherboard
1. Back up any important files on the computer to an external device such as a USB hard drive or thumb drive, or burn the files to an optical disc.
2. Disconnect the power cord after shutting the computer down properly and connect an anti-static wrist strap to the case.
3. Remove the cover and ensure the power is off as indicated by the small LED located on the motherboard. The light indicates that there is power supplied and that the board is unsafe to work on when the light is on.
4. Disconnect the main power lead and auxiliary power leads that connect the power supply to the motherboard and the video cards, if present.
5. Remove the screw holding each expansion card in place and remove each card by pulling it straight up from the slot. Push the small plastic locking mechanism that holds the other end of the card in place to unlock the card if present.
6. Disconnect the drive data cables from the motherboard and disconnect the front panel connectors and any other cables connecting to the motherboard.
7. Remove each screw that is holding the motherboard onto the motherboard standoffs. Lift the edge of the motherboard farthest from the rear panel slightly and pull the motherboard away from the back panel to remove it from the case.
Installing the Replacement Motherboard
8. Disconnect the CPU fan power lead from the motherboard. Press the movable end of the heat sink retaining clip and slide the end of it off the plastic tab on the CPU socket. Slide the other end of the retaining clip off the other plastic tab and remove the heat sink and fan from the CPU. Clean the bottom of the heat sink and the top of the CPU carefully with cotton swabs or a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol to remove all traces of the existing heat sink compound.
9. Open the CPU locking lever on the new motherboard by pushing it down slightly and then away from the socket slightly, raising it to the vertical position. Repeat this for the old motherboard and grasp the CPU from the old board by the edges with a thumb and forefinger. Gently lift the CPU out of the old board and place it in the new board by matching the small triangular marking on one corner of the CPU with the same marking on the socket. Carefully align the CPU and lower it into the socket without forcing it to avoid bending pins. Close the locking lever.
10. Apply a thin layer of thermal heat sink compound to the top of the CPU. Place the heat sink and fan squarely onto the CPU and slide the fixed end of the heat sink retaining clip onto the small plastic tab on the CPU socket. Slide the movable end of the retaining clip onto the other plastic tab and secure it into place by latching the retaining clip. Connect the power lead for the fan to the port on the motherboard marked "CPU FAN."
11. Remove the RAM from the old motherboard by pressing outward and down on the plastic retaining clips on the end of each module and lifting the RAM straight out of the socket. Insert the RAM into the new motherboard by pressing it straight down into the socket as indicated by the small key notch in the RAM and small plastic key tab in the socket. Use firm pressure on each end of the module until it audibly clicks into place in the socket as the retaining clips snap into place.
12. Replace the rear panel face plate on the case with the new face plate included with the new motherboard. Compare the motherboards to determine if they have the same exact placement of screw holes and add or remove motherboard standoffs from the case if required so that there is one standoff for each hole and no extras.
13. Slide the rear ports of the motherboard into the rear panel face plate being sure to avoid bending the grounding tabs built into the face plate. Lower the front edge of the motherboard onto the motherboard standoffs and secure each hole with a screw.
14. Attach the front panel leads to the motherboard as indicated by matching the markings on the leads with the markings on the motherboard for the power switch, reset switch, HDD LED, power LED, front panel USB ports, HD Audio and the system speaker.
15. Connect the main power 20+4 pin connector to the motherboard and attach the auxiliary square 4-pin power connector to the matching port near the CPU. Connect the primary hard drive data cable to SATA Port 0 and attach the optical drive to SATA Port 1.
16. Install the expansion cards and video cards and secure each with a single screw to hold it in the case. Attach any necessary power connections to the video cards. Attach the case cooling fan lead to the motherboard as indicated by the marking "Case Fan 1" or equivalent.
Tags: heat sink, retaining clip, face plate, video cards, from motherboard, front panel