How to Rebuild an Acer Computer

Much like the engine in a car may need to be rebuilt after years of use, you can rebuild your Acer computer by replacing the various internal components such as the processor and power supply. Rebuilding an Acer computer doesn't require any special tools, but it is a long and involved process that could take up the majority of your afternoon if you aren't familiar with the inner workings of a computer.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Check the manual that came with your Acer computer and find out the type of socket the processor uses. Write down the type of RAM modules it takes and the maximum amount of RAM it can handle. Find out the current hard drive size and the type of expansion card slots it has available. Check the maximum voltage the motherboard can handle from a power supply.

2. Purchase the replacement parts you need that correspond to the information you noted down earlier. Buy a processor of the correct socket that runs at the same speed or faster than the current processor, new RAM modules, a hard drive, a power supply, and a graphics card that fits the right kind of expansion card slot.

3. Power down the Acer computer and remove each of the cables from the back of the case. Set the entire case down on its side and check to see if the side panel is held into place by a thumbscrew or case screws.

4. Twist off the thumbscrew or remove the case screws with a screwdriver. Slide the side panel off of the Acer's case and then set it aside. Find all of the cables running from the motherboard to the devices you want to replace, such as the power supply or processor fan. Disconnect the cables by pulling them straight off of the motherboard.

5. 

   Snap back the plastic holding clips on both sides of the RAM modules. Pull the modules directly off the motherboard and replace them with the new modules. Snap the holding pins back down into place.

6. 

   Remove the screws holding the power supply into the top drive bay. Pull the power supply out of the bay and set it aside. Slide the new power supply into the drive and re-attach the screws. Connect the power supply's cable to the corresponding port on the motherboard.

7. Pull down on the metal clamps holding the processor fan onto the processor. Remove the fan and then pull the processor straight up and off the motherboard. Push the replacement processor down onto the socket and replace the processor fan. Connect the cable from the fan to the port on the motherboard.

8. Take out the screws holding the hard drive into the metal port beneath the power supply. Pull the hard drive out and replace it with the new one. Re-attach the screws and connect the cable to the motherboard.

9. 

   Find the expansion card slots on the bottom left side of the motherboard. Remove the current graphics card if your Acer computer has one and replace it with the new one.

10. Check to make sure all of the cables have been connected to the motherboard. Slide the side panel back on the computer and re-attach the thumbscrew or case screws. Plug all of the cables back into their corresponding ports on the back of the computer case. Power the computer on and wait for the operating system to finish loading to make sure all of the components were installed correctly.

Tips & Warnings

• The electricity in your body can damage the components inside your Acer computer. You can prevent damage from electrostatic discharge by touching a metal object connected to the floor before opening your computer case.

• RAM modules have keyed notches on their bottom ends that show which direction to insert them into the motherboard. If you force the RAM into the motherboard in the wrong direction the RAM module will break.

Resources

• Acer Support Website
• Buy Replacement Computer Parts at Newegg