All motherboards have removable RAM modules.
A motherboard is the centerpiece of any computer, holding all of the other parts and allowing them to communicate through ports, slots and internal communication buses. Occasionally, a motherboard will need to be replaced due to a hardware failure or to upgrade the system to offer more ports, more capacity for RAM or access to a newer style of interface that the old motherboard did not support. The other parts of the system, including the CPU, RAM and expansion cards, can often be kept for use on the new motherboard as long as the old components are compatible.
Instructions
1. Back up any important files on the computer or create a full system backup or system image.
2. Click "Start" and "Shut Down" to power down the computer. If the computer is off and there is any question as to whether it was shut down this way or is in hibernation, sleep or standby mode, power it on and allow it to boot to the desktop. Then shut it down.
3. Remove every cable and connector from the computer. Remove the case cover and connect the alligator clip end of the antistatic wrist strap to the metal frame on the inside of the computer.
4. Remove any installed expansion cards, such as the video card or network card, by removing the retaining screw and lifting the card straight out of the socket. Release any plastic retention tabs that are holding the card in place, especially on video cards.
5. Disconnect all of the drive data cables from the motherboard, making a note of which cable went to which connector on the motherboard -- IDE0, SATA2, for example.
6. Disconnect the main power supply from the motherboard by squeezing the small plastic retention tab and pulling the connector straight up out of the system. Disconnect the auxiliary power connectors from the motherboard in the same manner.
7. Disconnect the front panel leads that control the power switch, reset button, system speaker, front ports and indicator lights.
8. Remove each of the screws that hold the motherboard in the case. Lift the edge of the motherboard that is opposite the rear panel ports up about an inch, and then pull the motherboard forward to disengage the ports.
9. Press the retaining tabs on the RAM modules to spread them out and lift the RAM straight out of the sockets. Place the RAM into the new motherboard as indicated by the small key notch in the modules that matches the key tab in the sockets. Press evenly on each end of the RAM module until it snaps audibly into place and the retaining tabs lock against the edge of the RAM modules.
10. Release the clip that holds the CPU cooling fan and heat sink in place. Slide the assembly slightly to one side to break the connection between the CPU and the heat sink caused by the thermal heat sink compound. Release the second retention clip and lift the heat sink and fan off the motherboard.
11. Scrape the existing thermal heat sink compound off the heat sink. Scrape the existing thermal heat sink compound off the top of the CPU while it is still mounted in the old motherboard to avoid damaging the CPU pins. Moisten the lint-free cloth and clean the remaining thermal heat sink compound completely off the heat sink and CPU.
12. Release the CPU locking mechanisms on the new and old motherboards by raising them to the vertical position.
13. Grasp the CPU by the edges. Pull the CPU straight up and then insert it into the new motherboard as indicated by the small triangle in one corner of the CPU that matches a symbol on the socket for Pin 1.
14. Lower the CPU locking mechanism to secure the chip in the socket. Apply a thin layer of thermal heat sink compound and then place the heat sink and fan assembly squarely onto the CPU and lock it into place.
15. Replace the thin chrome rear faceplate if the new motherboard has a different port configuration than the old one. Most motherboards ship with a matching faceplate.
16. Line up the motherboard with the case and ensure that there are motherboard standoffs for the screws to go into at every location there is a screw hole in the motherboard, and no extra standoffs. Add or remove standoffs as necessary to match the motherboard pattern exactly.
17.Reverse the procedure for removal of the motherboard to reinstall it into the system.
Tags: heat sink, heat sink compound, sink compound, thermal heat, thermal heat sink