Breathe new life into your computer with a motherboard and processor upgrade.
Swapping out a desktop computer's motherboard and processor is one of the easiest ways to improve its performance while extending its longevity. However, this process can seem rather intimidating to a novice. Don't worry; computer components are designed to be user friendly, which makes a task such as replacing the motherboard and processor relatively quick and trouble-free. A proper removal and installation of the motherboard and processor can take about one hour, depending on the skill and experience of the user.
Instructions
Preparations for Disassembly
1. Disconnect the power cord and other cables from the computer case. Place the case on a flat, level surface.
2. Loosen and remove the screws holding the protective covers to the chassis.
3. Remove the front cover from the chassis. Slide the side cover away from the chassis and set it aside. Place the chassis on its side.
Removing the Processor
4. Trace the wires that run from the heat sink fan and processor to the motherboard. Unplug the wiring and set it aside.
5. Locate the levers or fasteners that hold the heat sink in place. Unlatch these mechanisms and pull the heat sink away from the processor.
6. Release the load lever hook from the socket protective cover. Hold the load plate with your left index finger and carefully peel the protective cover with your right thumb while pressing on the center with your index finger.
7. Lift the processor straight out of the socket. Do not wiggle or wedge the processor upward; this may damage the socket pins.
Removing the Motherboard
8. Unplug the wires connecting the drives, fans and power supply to the motherboard. Use flex-ties to consolidate extra lengths of wire.
9. Depress the locking tabs on both sides of the AGP and PCI slots. Lift the AGP and PCI cards from their slots. Depress the locking tabs on both sides of the RAM slots and lift the RAM modules from their slots.
10. Remove the screws holding the motherboard in place. Lift the motherboard out of the chassis. Remove dust and other debris from the case with a dry cloth and a can of compressed air. Pop the old I/O bracket out of the chassis, if necessary.
Replacing the Motherboard and Processor
11. Remove the new motherboard from its protective wrapping. The new processor must be compatible with the new motherboard.
12. Observe the orientation notches and indicators on the new processor. Place the processor into the socket body, with the orientation keys on the socket body lining up with the notches on the processor. Close the load plate over the processor. Press down on the load plate while locking the load lever into place.
13. Apply a thin coating of thermal grease to the underside of the heat sink and fan assembly, if necessary. Place the heat sink over the processor and use the levers or fasteners to secure the assembly. Reconnect the heat sink fan cables to the motherboard.
14. Check that the risers on the bottom of the chassis match up with the screw holes on the new motherboard. Move or add additional risers as needed. Install the new I/O bracket onto the chassis by hand. Lower the motherboard into the case chassis. Secure the motherboard in place with screws and tighten them.
15. Insert the RAM modules into the appropriate sockets. Insert the AGP and PCI cards into their sockets. Press down on the cards so they are seated correctly. Connect the drive, fan and power supply wires to the motherboard.
16. Stand the case upright and reattach the front and side covers. Tighten the screws holding the covers in place. Reconnect the power cord and other cables to the computer case. Turn on the computer and enter the "BIOS" setup screen to adjust the new settings.
Tags: heat sink, motherboard processor, load plate, screws holding, with your