How to Upgrade Your CPU P3 to Go Faster
The Pentium III processor, also known as the P3, was one of the most advanced processors of its time. Though it was replaced by the Pentium 4 and later Intel processor product lines, there are still a number of computers in use that feature P3 CPUs. In order to make these computers perform better, their owners may choose to upgrade the P3 processor to a faster model. Upgrading a Pentium III CPU isn't difficult, requiring only basic tools and approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete.
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Things You'll Need
- Pentium III CPU for upgrade
- Thermal paste
- Thermal paste remover
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Flat head screwdriver (optional, depending on the design of the Pentium III CPU heat sink)
Instructions
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1
Shut down your computer and unplug it. Press the power button to make sure that there isn't any residual power left in the system, then carefully lay the computer down on its side so that the left side of the case is facing up.
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2
Remove the two screws along the back edge of the computer that hold the left side panel in place. If your computer case has a single panel that wraps around the case, there will be four screws to remove instead. Once the screws have been removed, slide the panel back, and lift it off of your computer case in order to access the components inside.
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3
Locate the Pentium III processor. It will either be underneath a metal heat sink or fan on the top half of the motherboard or will be in a vertical cartridge that plugs in to the motherboard.
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4
Unplug the CPU fan from the motherboard if one is present. If the P3 processor connects directly to the motherboard, check the heat sink to see whether there is a mounting clip that goes through the middle of it to lock it in place; if the mounting clip is there, place a flat head screwdriver in the slot above the release switch to pry the clip free.
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5
Press the locking clips (if the computer features a CPU cartridge) holding the cartridge in place, and remove the cartridge from the computer.
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Unscrew the screws holding the heat sink or fan in place (either on the motherboard or on the CPU cartridge), and carefully remove the heat sink or fan unit. Use thermal paste remover and a clean cloth to clean any thermal paste from the fan or heat sink's CPU connection plate until there are no signs of gray or black thermal paste on the plate.
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Lift the lever beside the P3 CPU that holds it in place, then carefully remove the old processor from the processor socket. Place the new Pentium III processor into the socket, making sure that the processor pins are aligned properly, then lock it into place by lowering the lever again.
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8
Place a drop of thermal paste onto the processor, then replace the heat sink or fan unit. Screw the heat sink or fan back into place, giving each screw a few turns before moving on to the next so that the CPU connection plate will be able to evenly spread the thermal paste between itself and the CPU.
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9
Replace the CPU cartridge (if your computer uses a cartridge.) Plug the fan back into the motherboard if your CPU cooler features a fan.
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10
Replace the side panel and its screws. Place the computer upright again, then plug it in and boot the computer.
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Press the "F2" key (or other key indicated on the initial BIOS splash screen) to enter BIOS setup. Make any needed adjustments to the system BIOS so that its settings match those of the new P3 processor that you have installed. Save the settings and exit, allowing the computer to reboot.
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Wait while your operating system loads and recognizes the change in hardware that has occurred.
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Tips & Warnings
Be careful when working inside your computer case, as static buildup can result in a discharge that can damage sensitive internal components. Maintain contact with a metal portion of the computer case or wear a static protection strap to avoid this.
References
- Photo Credit processor image by red2000 from Fotolia.com
