Ben Harding's Blog: How to replace a processor

How to install or replace a processor

Firstly you need to get the desktop computer. Also before you start taking it apart you will need to plug it into a power supply and into a monitor, keyboard and mouse to see if it works and also have the special wristband so you don’t overload the components with electricity. Then after checking it works simply start unscrewing it, but just make different piles of the screws e.g. where they came from (the shell). After unscrewing the shell and taking it off, lay the computer on its side to view all the content. After doing so, start to unplug the drives (the CD drive, the floppy disk drive, the Hard Drive Disk and any other drives that you may have). After unplugging the drives move all the cables out of the way so you can access the motherboard to install or replace the CPU. Then you will need to unscrew the motherboard and then put it on the table next to the computer. After this, you will need locate the CPU, it’s normally under the fan (which helps it not to overheat). After you have found it, you will need to unclip the levers from each side of the fan. Once unclipped the fan you will have to be REALLY careful because there is a toxic fluid that keeps the processor intact with the fan, the fluid is called thermalpaste (you can get it on your hand, and you probably will do but just wash your hands after). After removing the fan you will be able to see the processor and all you need to do is unclip the lever at the side of the processor to be able to lift it up. Once you can lift it up do so but with great ease. After it has been removed, insert the new processor in the correct way (on the underside on the processor you should see a golden triangle and there should be a golden triangle on the processors slot. Once found be REALLY careful to insert the processor because if you bend any pins the processor WILL NOT work. If you were going to install a processor from scratch you will need to do any of the above because that is for replacing the processor. After you have inserted the processor you will have to screw back the motherboard back into the computer, then put the drives back in, plugged the drives back in and put any other spare adapters that may be needed to plugged into the motherboard. Then after everything has been screwed in, plug in a mouse, keyboard and a monitor and then plug the desktop computer into a power supply to check to see if it works.