The motherboard connects all of the other components together.
Upgrade the motherboard and CPU on a Gateway E4000 desktop computer system for a major improvement in the system's speed. When a minor upgrade is no longer enough to get the job done, the core components can be replaced to speed the computer up to the level of a brand-new machine. Replacing the motherboard and CPU are the first steps to a major upgrade that can include new RAM, a new video card and even a new power supply on some systems, depending on your needs.
Instructions
1. Back up any files on the computer that are important and not already backed up to an external device, such as a USB flash drive or network location.
2. Click "Start," "Shut Down" to shut the computer off properly. Do not allow the computer to go into sleep or hibernation mode as this can lead to corrupted system files during an upgrade. Disconnect the power cord from the back of the computer or the wall. Remove all other cables from the computer, including the keyboard, mouse, video, network and sound cables, plus any USB devices or printers.
3. Take the cover off the Gateway E4000 and connect the anti-static wrist strap according to the instructions that came with it. Clip one end to the case and the other end to one wrist.
4. Remove the cover and disconnect all of the cables from the motherboard, including power connections, drive data cables and front panel leads.
5. Remove the expansion cards by removing the screw or locking device that holds each one in place and carefully lifting it straight out of the slot.
6. Remove all of the screws holding the Gateway E4000 motherboard in place and pull up slightly on the edge of the motherboard farthest from the rear panel ports. Slide the motherboard out of the system with the RAM and processor still attached.
7. Line up the new motherboard with the old one to ensure all of the screw holes are matched up exactly, and add or remove motherboard standoffs inside the Gateway E4000 case as needed so that each hole has a standoff for a screw and there are no extras.
8. Remove the rear panel faceplate from the case and replace it with the faceplate that was included with the new motherboard.
9. Remove the RAM from the old motherboard by spreading the plastic retaining clips apart and lifting the RAM straight up out of the socket. Move the RAM into the new motherboard by spreading the plastic retaining clips wide and pushing the RAM modules down into the slots until the plastic retaining tabs audibly click into place, locking the RAM. Pay attention to the small key tab in the slot that matches the key notch in the RAM module for proper orientation. Press the tabs together after the RAM is installed to ensure a tight connection.
10. Lift the processor locking lever to the unlocked position and install the processor into the socket by aligning the corner of the processor with a triangle shape drawn on it with the matching notation on the socket. Lower the processor into the socket slowly and without excessive pressure to avoid bending pins. Lock the locking lever in place.
11. Clean the old thermal heat sink compound from the base of the heat sink and the top of the processor. Scrape the excess compound using the plastic scraper and then scrub the residue using the 91% isopropyl alcohol and lint-free cloth. Avoid touching either surface after cleaning, and allow a minute or two for the surfaces to dry completely before applying new thermal heat sink compound.
12. Apply a thin layer of thermal heat sink compound to the top of the processor and then lower the heat sink and cooling fan squarely onto the processor. Attach the heat sink using the included metal clips by placing the static end over a plastic tab on the processor socket and then push the movable end onto the other plastic tab to secure the heat sink in place.
13. Place the rear port end of the motherboard into the case so that the rear ports protrude through the rear port faceplate, being careful not to bend any of the small metal grounding tabs on the faceplate. Lower the motherboard onto the standoffs and secure a screw in each hole.
14. Install each of the expansion cards into matching slots and secure them with a screw or locking device as they were before.
15. Attach the main power cable to the motherboard on the 24-pin connector. Note that this connector is designed to only fit one way and should start with little force. Push down harder at the end to snap the retaining clip securely into place.
16. Connect the drive data cables to the motherboard. Connect the front panel connectors to the motherboard. Refer to the motherboard manual or the manufacturer's website for exact placement of each connector.
17.Power the system on and allow it to boot to the operating system. Insert the driver disc that came with the motherboard if prompted, or alternately launch a Web browser and connect to the manufacturer's website to obtain the latest hardware drivers for the new motherboard and integrated components.
18. Allow Windows to activate over the Internet if prompted to avoid the system going into limited access mode.
Tags: heat sink, Gateway E4000, heat sink compound, plastic retaining, sink compound, thermal heat