How to Replace My PCS Processor

You can replace your PCs processor and save a few dollars if you decide to do it yourself instead of hiring a computer technician. Today, there are hundreds of different types of PC processors available, but choose one that is compatible with your motherboard. Read the users manual that came with your PC to learn more about the motherboard and what type of processors that it is able to run.

Things You'll Need

• CPU processor
• Anti-ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) static wrist strap
• Phillips screwdriver
• Compressed can of air
• Computer thermal grease
• Rubbing alcohol
• Antistatic swabs
• Cotton cloth or paper towels

Instructions

1. Unplug all of your PCs power cords from the electrical outlet. Wait at least 10 to 15 minutes before opening your PCs chassis to work inside. Make sure it has cooled off to avoid getting burned from the heat-generating components.

2. Wear an anti-ESD static wrist strap. Keep yourself grounded at all times to help prevent the possibility of an electrical static discharge that could harm your PCs components. Find a place to work that is clean, uncarpeted and static free.

3. Remove your PCs cover on the chassis. Search for any screws that are holding the cover in place and remove them with a Philips screwdriver. Slide or lift the cover off of the chassis.

4. Locate the cooling fan/heatsink on your motherboard. Use the screwdriver to release the locking mechanism that is holding it into place, or you may need to remove the screws that are securing it. Disconnect the fan's power connector from the motherboard. Lift the fan/heatsink off of the processor. If the fan/heatsink has thermal grease or paste residue on the bottom of it, use antistatic swabs, a cotton cloth or paper towels with a little rubbing alcohol to wipe the surface clean.

5. Lift up the lever or arm that is securing the processor. Then, gently remove the processor from the socket. Try not to get any of the thermal grease or paste residue from the processor on your PCs components. Place the old processor into an anti-static bag.

6. Look for any dust build up in and around the empty processor's socket. Use a can of compressed air to remove dirt and dust that has also accumulated on other components inside your PC.

7. Place the new PCs processor into the socket. Examine the processor to make sure that the pins are not bent. Align the pins on the processor with the holes in the socket. Press the processor's lever back down to secure it. You may also need to place a small dab of thermal grease or paste on the middle of the processor to help keep it cool.

8. Remount the fan/heatsink. The bottom of the surface should be completely dry before remounting the fan/heatsink back onto your PC. Use a screwdriver to push the locking mechanism down to secure it. Or, re-tighten any screws that you may have removed from the fan. Plug the fan's power connector back into your motherboard.

9. Replace the cover on the chassis and re-tighten the screws that you removed. Plug your PCs power cords back into an electrical outlet.

References

• "PC Repair and Maintenance: A Practical Guide"; Joel Rosenthal, Kevin Irwin; 2003

Resources

• Foner Books: Illustrated How to Replace a CPU
• Smart Computing: Replace Your CPU Processor
• Hardware Secrets: How to Upgrade Your CPU