How to Upgrade an AMD Sempron 2800
Techware Labs reports that Advanced Micro Devices released its Sempron 2800 in 2004 to compete with Intel's Celeron D processor. Since its release, AMD has altered the 2800's design to be compatible with a new generation of motherboard sockets. Thus, installation procedures differ depending on the type of socket your 2800 requires. It is essential that you determine your socket type before purchasing a new processor in order to avoid compatibility issues.
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Instructions
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Visit the link in this article's resource section. It leads to a website offering a free program that identifies your motherboard. Download this program and follow the prompts to install and run it. This is a necessary step as PCs generally do not come with software that displays your motherboard model.
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In the program's main window, click on "CPU" and make a note of your socket type in the field labeled "Package." This will be either socket 462 (otherwise called "socket A") or socket 754, according to CPU World. Then, click "Mainboard" and make a note of your motherboard's make and model.
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Go to your motherboard manufacturer's website and run a search for processors compatible with your motherboard. Contact the manufacturer for instructions if its website does not offer a compatibility search option. Purchase a processor compatible with your board.
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Turn off your computer, unplug it, and remove all cables and peripheral devices. Unscrew your side access panel and remove it. If your side panel does not unscrew, consult your manual for instructions on accessing your motherboard.
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Attach one end of the grounding strap to a piece of metal inside your computer. Attach the other end to your wrist. Locate your CPU heatsink. This is the large fan attached to your motherboard.
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Unplug the heatsink cable from the motherboard. If the heatsink has a lever on one side, pull up on it to unlock it. Unfasten the clips on either side of the heatsink. This may require gentle downward, then outward pressure with a flathead screwdriver. Socket 754 may have screws instead of clips. If so, remove the screws.
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Lift off the heatsink, making a note of its orientation relative to the processor socket. Raise the lever running alongside the socket. If installing a socket 462 processor, push down then out on the lever to dislodge it before lifting it.
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Locate the corner, or corners, of your new processor with missing pins. Align these with the corner/s of the socket with missing holes. Rest the processor in the socket, hold it in place, and return the lever to its downward position.
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Look on the bottom of your new heat sink for a square pad of thermal compound. This is usually pink or grey in color. If no thermal compound is present, do not install the heatsink. Consult your CPU manual or contact its manufacturer for instructions.
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Orient the new heatsink in the same direction as the previous heatsink. Socket 462 heatsinks have a notch that corresponds to an elevated lip on the socket. Rest the heatsink on the socket.
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Tighten the screws, if installing a screw type heatsink. If installing a clip heatsink, fasten one clip by hand. If your heatsink has a locking lever, fasten the clip beside the lever first. Insert a flathead screwdriver into the other clip and press downward until it clicks into place. If the heatsink has a locking lever, push it to its full downward position.
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Plug the heatsink cable into the motherboard, and replace your access panel.
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Tips & Warnings
Some processors may require a BIOS upgrade to function properly. Consult the processor manual or contact the manufacturer for BIOS upgrade instructions if your computer does not recognize your new processor.
Do not purchase a processor just because it uses your motherboard socket. Just because a processor fits your socket does not necessarily mean it is compatible with your specific motherboard.
Do not scratch your motherboard.
