How to Install an Intel Pentium Processor
The Pentium line of processors from Intel includes four distinct types of single-core processors and one dual-core processor. While only the original processor in the product line was known as "Pentium" (the processors that followed were named Pentium II, Pentium III, Pentium 4, and Pentium D), the Pentium name is now used by Intel to refer to the product line as a whole. The installation procedure remains the same, whether you are installing a true Pentium processor or installing a newer processor from the Pentium line.
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Things You'll Need
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Flat head screwdriver
- Thermal paste
- Thermal paste remover
- Cotton balls or swabs
Instructions
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1
Shut down your computer, unplugging it from its power strip or outlet once the shutdown has finished. Press the power button once after the computer has been unplugged, removing any power that might be retained in the computer's power supply or other components.
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2
Remove the screws on the back of the computer that hold the left side panel in place. Slide the panel toward the back of the computer to remove it, then carefully lay the computer down on its right side so that you will have easier access to the motherboard and processor.
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Locate the processor, which should be just above the center of the computer's motherboard. There will be either a metal heat sink or a combination of a heat sink and a fan mounted on top of the processor.
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4
Unplug the processor fan from the motherboard (if a fan is present) and carefully remove any screws that hold the heat sink in place. If a metal bar passes through the heat sink to help secure it into place, use a flat head screwdriver placed in a slot located on the bar to release it from its locking post.
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Lift the fan or heat sink carefully out of the computer case, exposing the processor underneath. Use cotton balls or swabs to apply thermal paste remover to the portion of the heat sink that makes contact with the processor, removing all of the gray or black thermal paste that is visible.
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Lift the lever that holds the Pentium processor in place. If a cover was used to help secure the processor, lift the cover up so that it is no longer blocking the processor's removal. Carefully remove the existing processor.
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Place the new Pentium processor in the motherboard's processor socket, making sure that it is aligned correctly. Lock the processor in place using the motherboard's locking lever (and processor cover, if one is present).
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Place a drop of thermal paste in the center of the exposed metal top of the processor, then place the heat sink or fan on top of the processor. Move the heat sink very slightly in a few different directions to ensure that the thermal paste is spread evenly between it and the processor, then secure it to the motherboard using the screws that you previously removed. Plug the fan back in if you previously unplugged it, and resecure the metal locking bar of the heat sink if one is present.
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9
Set the computer upright again, and replace the left side panel. Plug the computer in and press the power button, then press and hold the indicated key on your keyboard on the initial startup screen to enter BIOS setup.
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10
Check the BIOS setup configuration to make sure that the new processor has been properly identified. Make changes to the settings if necessary. Press the "F10" key (or other indicated key) to save the new settings and exit, allowing the computer to reboot and launch your operating system.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure that the new processor that you buy matches the socket type that is present on your computer's motherboard. Processors and motherboards of different socket types cannot be used together.
If you are installing a Pentium processor on a motherboard that does not currently have a processor installed, the steps will remain largely the same, though you will not have to remove the heat sink or processor prior to installation.
Avoid static discharge which can damage sensitive computer components by remaining in contact with a metal portion of the computer case at all times or by wearing an anti-static bracelet to keep you grounded.
References
- Photo Credit processor and grease squirt image by Sergey Danilov from Fotolia.com
