Dell Dimension 4550 computers use Intel Pentium 4 processors by default, but that doesn't mean that you can't change yours. Keep in mind that Dell Dimension 4550 motherboards support only socket 478 processors, meaning that you have limited choices despite the ability to change your processor. To upgrade the processor, you must learn to handle it correctly to prevent any static buildup in your body from being released into the processor.
Instructions
1. Unplug all the cables leading to your computer.
2. Open up your computer. Situate it with the back facing toward you and unscrew the screws on the edge of the right side. Pull back on the panel that the screws were on until it slides, and lift it off.
3. Lay down the computer on its side with the exposed interior facing upward. The processor sits near the top of the motherboard, under a large heatsink with a fan on the top. A heatsink is a specially designed metal object that moves heat out of the processor. This structure is known as the cooling unit.
4. Unlatch the processor's cooling unit by pressing down on one of its metal hooks and pushing it to the side with a screwdriver or your free hand. Let go and the metal hook should just spring upward.
5. Remove the cooling unit and wipe off any excess thermal grease that's stuck to the bottom metal plate.
6. Lift the lever on the processor's socket by pulling it to the side then gently pushing it up.
7. Put your fingers around the edge of the processor and gently lift it off the motherboard. Set it down on a table with the bottom facing up.
8. Put the new processor in the socket with the yellow arrow on its edge aligning to the upper-right corner of the socket.
9. Press down on the processor and lower the lever next to the socket until it clicks lightly.
10. Apply a small drop of thermal grease on the processor and smoothly rub it around the surface with a clean finger until it covers the entire surface.
11. Place the cooling unit on the processor and latch it on by pressing the small metal hooks down on each of the socket's protruding plastic parts.
12. Plug the cooling unit into the motherboard on the connector near it labeled "CPU Fan."
13. Reassemble your computer and plug its cables back in. Turn it on to see how fast it goes now.
Tags: cooling unit, your computer, Dell Dimension, Dell Dimension 4550, Dimension 4550, metal hooks