How to Put an HP Compaq Computer Back Together

Compaq computers, which are sold under the HP brand name, are bare bones budget machines that usually come with smaller hard drives and lack any high end graphics or audio options. If you want to upgrade any components or replace a faulty part you can disassemble your Compaq computer to reach the internal components. Putting the computer back together is a simple and straightforward process.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Check the orientation of the male pins on the bottom of the processor and compare it to the female socket at the center of the motherboard. Set the processor down carefully to ensure none of the pins do not become bent and push down until the pins hit the bottom of the socket. Place the fan processor on top and then snap the metal clamps upward to hold the fan in place.

2. Slide the square metal box that houses the power supply into the top drive bay. Attach the screws to the sides to hold it in place and then attach the SATA cables from the power supply to the corresponding port on the motherboard. Push the hard drive into the next drive bay and attach the screws. Then connect the cable to the power supply.

3. Push the CD or DVD drive into the next drive bay and repeat the process of attaching the screws and plugging in the SATA cable. Put the USB port and card reader drive into the final drive bay if your Compaq computer has one. Attach the screws and SATA cable.

4. Check the notched key on the bottom of the RAM modules and then snap them down into the RAM slots. Push the plastic holders on either end into place.

5. Put the Ethernet card into the PCI card slot on the left side of the motherboard and push down until it snaps into place. Place the audio or graphics cards into the other remaining card slots if your model of Compaq computer came with them.

6. Slide the side panel onto the case and then attach the four case screws at the top and bottom edges. Set the case down and connect the power cable, monitor cable, mouse cable and keyboard cable into the ports on the back.

Tips & Warnings

• The motherboard on a Compaq computer will generally be soldered directly onto the right side of the case so that it can't be removed.

• Remove any built up static in your hands by briefly touching a metal object that is sitting on the floor before touching the parts inside your Compaq computer.

Resources

• Compaq Support Page
• Buy Computer Parts From Newegg