How to Upgrade a Laptop Processor

As computer components continue to upgrade to new speeds and new software is released that relies on better equipment to run, you may find that the laptop that suited all your needs a few years ago is now being left behind in the dust. If you want a significant speed boost, or your current processor has suffered a malfunction, you can replace your laptop's central processing unit with a newer one.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Check the manual that came with your laptop computer to find out what socket the processor connects to and the speed of the current processor. Purchase a new processor that connects to the same type of socket and is at least the same speed or faster (see Resources below).

2. Shut down the laptop computer completely. Close the top screen lid and remove the power cable if it is currently connected. Remove any other cables that may be connected to the laptop. Turn the laptop computer over so that the bottom side of the case is facing up.

3. Remove the laptop's battery by pushing down on the battery release latch and then sliding the battery out of the case. Turn the laptop back over and then open the lid.

4. Check to see if your laptop has plastic latches at the top and bottom of the keyboard. Push down on the latches with the flat end of a screwdriver to disengage them and then pop the keyboard off of the case. Disconnect the cable running from the keyboard to the motherboard.

5. Slide the flat end of a screwdriver underneath the seam of the plastic bezel above the keyboard if your keyboard does not have plastic latches. Wiggle the flat end up and down to disengage the bezel from the case. Pull the bezel and keyboard off of the case and disconnect the cable connecting the keyboard to the motherboard.

6. Locate the processor heat sink, which will usually be on the lower right corner of a laptop motherboard. Remove the screws holding the heat sink into place and pull the heat sink out of the case. Grab two different sides of the processor and pull it directly upwards and out of the laptop case.

7. Compare the pin configuration on the bottom of the new processor to the socket on the motherboard. Set the new processor on the socket and gently but firmly press it down. Place the heat sink on top and reattach the screws. Reconnect the motherboard cable to the keyboard. Place the keyboard and plastic bezel onto the case.

8. Put the battery back in the laptop and then power it on. Wait for the operating system to completely load to make sure the processor was installed correctly.

Tips & Warnings

• Computer components are susceptible to damage from static electricity. Ground yourself before opening your laptop case by touching any metal object that is firmly rooted to the ground. If you no longer have the manual that came with your laptop, you can still find out the information about the processor by going to the manufacturer's website and searching for your specific model.

• If you place the processor onto the socket incorrectly, the pins may bend which will render the processor completely useless.

Resources

• Buy Laptop Processors From Newegg