How to Replace a P3 With a Celeron
The speed of your computer's internal processor impacts how quickly your operating system loads up and how fast you are able to install and run any given program. When your system starts to lag behind the technology curve, installing a new processor breathes fresh life into your computer. If your Pentium 3 processor uses the Socket 370 connection type, it's only a matter of taking apart a few pieces to remove the current processor and replace it with a new Celeron.
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Instructions
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Turn off your computer's operating system and unplug each cable attached to the computer's case. Wait at least five minutes to let the Pentium 3 processor cool down and set the case over on its side on a desk or other stable work surface.
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Remove the Phillips screws at the back end of the computer's side access panel. With some computer models you may need to instead turn a plastic thumbscrew clockwise or push in a release latch to unlock the access panel from the computer case.
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Slide the access panel off your computer so the hardware components are visible inside the case. Certain models may instead require you to lift the panel up until it locks in place at a straight 90 degree angle.
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Find the plastic cooling fan and metal heat sink attached to the top of the Pentium 3 processor. The processor and its attached cooling fan and heat sink are positioned near the middle of the computer's motherboard.
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Locate the cable on the side of the cooling fan that attaches to a motherboard port. Unplug the cable and push down the metal clip holding the fan in place.
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Pull the fan off the heat sink and set it aside. Grip the edges of the heat sink and remove it from the processor. Set the heat sink outside the computer case in an upside-down position. Avoid touching the bottom of the heat sink so you don't contaminate it with oils from your fingertips.
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Lift up the plastic bar on the edge of the Pentium 3 processor. Grip two opposing corners of the square processor and gently pull the processor directly upward.
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Set aside the Pentium 3 and position the new Celeron processor over the processor socket on the motherboard. Align the processor so the pins on the bottom end are lined up with the holes on the socket.
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Push the Celeron processor down so the pins sink into the socket. Push the plastic arm back into its original position to lock the Celeron in place.
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Follow the directions on the thermal grease packaging to apply a thin layer of the grease to the top of the processor. Depending on the type of grease you are using, you may need to push a thin layer out of a syringe or apply it directly with a small brush.
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Reassemble the metal heat sink and plastic cooling fan over the new Celeron processor. Put the access panel back into its original position and plug in the computer's cables.
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Tips & Warnings
Thermal grease, which is also known as thermal paste, is usually available through electronics websites that sell processors.
Static electricity discharging from your hands can kill your new processor before its installed. To keep your processor safe from static electricity, touch your hands against the metal ports on the back of the computer case.
Pentium 3 processors come in two different styles and may connect to a Slot 1 connector instead of a Socket 370 connector. Check your computer's manual first to ensure it has a Socket 370 motherboard port before buying a Celeron processor.
