How to Upgrade the processor in your Blue and White G3

Why Junk your Blue & White G3 or pay tons of money to have some one else upgrade your Mac for you? Here's the how to on upgrading your processor.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Upgrade Zif processor kit
• Small flat tip screw driver

1. Typical Zif style processor Shop around for a upgrade Zif. Look at the product and see what's involved. That said due to some processors needing jumpers installed and firmware updates. Pick an upgrade that is reputable so you can ensure that your getting quality for your hard earned money. Also a quality upgrade will tend to have more support should you need it, as well as all software documentation and tools or supplies.
2. An opened Blue & White, Note the purple heat sink with the fans, that is a upgraded processor. Once you have acquired your new upgrade you can begin the upgrade process. Disconnect the Blue & White and move it to a clean safe place to open it up and begin working on it.
   
   Pull the lift ring on the side to drop the access door down.
3. Proper positioning of the screw driver to release the clip Locate the silver heat sink with the retainer clip. Insert the small screw driver into the opening on the retainer clip and pry it back gently to release the clip. Take care in doing this so as not to damage the processor. Once the heat is removed the processor is now exposed.
   
   There is a small silver lever located on the side of the processor socket, gently lift it to release the Zif from the socket. Grab the Zif at the sides and lift it straight up. Looking at the bottom notice the pin configuration, it is missing a pin so it will only insert one way.
4. Consult the manufacturer's installation instructions for any specific instructions like jumper settings (if any) or any other instructions your upgrade manufacturer may have.
   
   Gently insert the Zif (noting the pins are keyed and can only go one way) into the socket. Press gently to make sure that the PCB (printed circuit board) is flush in the socket. Once the Zif is seated lower the lever and lock it back in place.
   
   The upgrade should have come with a package of thermal grease. Apply just enough to evenly cover the core of the processor. Do not over apply or allow grease to get on the PCB as this can cause damage.
5. After jumper settings (if any) are set, the thermal grease has been applied, and any other manufacturer's specific instructions have been followed you can now install the heat sink. Most upgrades come with a replacement heat sink to help dissipate more heat allowing the processor to run faster and not over heat. This area is tricky, different upgrades have different heat sinks. Some may have fans and etc. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific upgrade for the best results.
   
   Once the processor and the heat sink assembly have been installed the case can be closed.
6. At this time the Blue & White needs to be powered up. Before doing that consult your installation instructions as some upgrades require a software and or firmware upgrade. These should be done as specified by the manufacturer.
   
   Once the CPU control software have been installed and the firmware has been upgraded (if needed) check the clock speed in the CPU control software.
   
   Congrats on upgrading your Mac!

Tips & Warnings

• Read the manufacturer's instructions before performing the upgrade in the event you need to download any support programs.
• Use a ground strap if available and observe all precautions to reduce electro static discharge.
• Retain the old parts and instructions in the event that the processor is bad so as you can return the Mac to it's previous state.
• Make sure to touch the metal frame of the Mac if you do not have a ground strap to avoid electro static discharge.