How to Install an Intel Celeron D Processor
The Intel Celeron processor has been a popular choice for inclusion in desktop and laptop computers since its introduction in the late 1990s. The Celeron D, one of Intel's latest revisions to the Celeron family, illustrates once again that a low-cost computer component does not have to be a low-power one. Upgrading your aging computer with an LGA775 processor socket requires little more than a flat head screwdriver.
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Instructions
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Removing the Old Processor
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1
Turn your computer off, and remove every cable from the back of the machine. Open the computer case. Some cases have easy-release levers, while others have fasteners which must be unscrewed. If you are building a new computer rather than upgrading an existing one, skip to the next section.
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2
Wear an anti-static wrist strap, or touch a grounded metal object to discharge built-up static electricity.
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3
Locate the four plastic barrels surrounding the CPU heatsink. Each barrel will have a notch for a flat head screwdriver. Turn each barrel 90 degrees counter-clockwise, then pull the barrel up.
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4
Remove the CPU fan header from the motherboard. This is a 3-or-4 pin connector extending from the CPU heatsink. Lift the heatsink away from the motherboard and set it aside.
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5
Lift the arm on the left side of the CPU socket, then lift the swinging metal bracket covering the CPU. Left the CPU from the socket and set it aside. Do not touch the metal contacts on the bottom of the CPU or in the CPU socket.
Installing the Celeron D
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6
Find the two notches on the side of the Celeron D, then find two similar tabs in the CPU socket. Place the CPU into the socket so that the tabs and notches meet.
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7
Lower the metal bracket completely onto the CPU, then lower the arm on the left side of the socket. The arm will lock into place.
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8
Lower the heatsink directly onto the CPU, making sure that the four plastic barrels line up with the holes along the outside of the CPU socket. Once the CPU and heatsink are in contact, do not twist or slide the heatsink. Push the plastic barrels down to engage them with the motherboard.
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9
Plug the power cable extending from the heatsink into the motherboard fan header located near the CPU socket.
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10
Close the computer case, reconnect all cables, and turn the computer on. The new processor will be detected by the motherboard automatically.
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Tips & Warnings
The most recent Celeron D uses the LGA775 CPU socket. The Celeron D is also available for the Socket 478 platform. The installation process for this version of the Celeron D is similar. Consult the instruction manual to learn of any specific differences before beginning the installation. It is not necessary to use the Intel heatsink provided with the Celeron D. Third-party heatsinks are available from computer shops, which may provide quieter or more efficient cooling. If you purchase a third-party heatsink, you will also need to buy thermal compound such as Arctic Silver. The Intel heatsink needs no thermal compound, as it includes a permanent heat transfer pad.
If you are building a new computer, it is likely that the motherboard will be outside of the case when you install the CPU. However, the motherboard must be installed before the CPU heatsink. The barrels used to secure the heatsink to the motherboard also secure it to the case itself. If the heatsink is installed before the motherboard is put into the case, it will not be safely anchored and could cause damage.
