Monday 26 January 2015

Upgrade A Gateway Performance 1000 Motherboard

Install a new motherboard in your Gateway computer.


The Gateway Performance 1000 was a mid-tower desktop computer released in 2000. Like all ATX desktops, it can be upgraded almost infinitely, if you've got the parts and the know-how. Replacing the motherboard isn't an easy task; you'll need to remove most of the interior wiring and a lot of components to get it out, then put a new one in and reassemble the computer. This should not be attempted by those without at least a little knowledge of computer upgrades. If you've never swapped out RAM before, ask a pro (or an experienced friend) for help.


Instructions


1. Turn your computer off and remove all power and data cords. Place the computer on a clean, sturdy table with the left side facing up.


2. Remove the screws holding the access panel in place on the back of the computer. Slide the access panel back and set it aside.


3. Remove all the power and data cables obscuring your access to the motherboard. You will have to remove all of the following, and any others in your way: power cables running from the power supply to the motherboard and CPU power socket, the IDE cable running into the motherboard, the case power button/lighting cables, and any case fans attached to the motherboard. Observe the locations of these cables; you will need to reinsert them later.


4. Unscrew any sound, video or other peripheral PCI or AGP cards inserted into the motherboard. Remove any power supply cables from the cords and pull them out of the case. Set them aside.


5. Remove the screws holding the motherboard in place. There may be as many as 16 (you can place them in a bag or cup to keep from losing them). Set the old motherboard next to the new motherboard on the table.


6. Unscrew the CPU cooler from the mounting bracket. Unplug the cooler from the 3- or 4-pronged power jack and set it aside. Raise the plate holding the processor in place. Pull the processor out and place it upside-down on a clean surface. Push the tabs on the RAM DIMM slots down, then pull the RAM DIMMs out and set them aside.


7. Raise the CPU plate on the new motherboard and insert the CPU. Replace the plate. Place a pea-sized drop of thermal paste on the exposed area of the processor, then place the cooler on the mounting bracket. Screw it into place and plug the power cord into the motherboard. Insert the RAM into the DIMM slots until the tabs click into place.


8. Place the new motherboard into the case and screw it into place. Replace any expansion cards you removed in Step 4. Reassemble the internal wiring, working backwards from the wires you removed in Steps 3 and 4. Every component needs power from the power supply and a connection to the motherboard, and the motherboard has jacks for both main motherboard power and CPU power. Case fans and the case power button and LEDs also connect to the motherboard.


9. Replace the access panel and screw it into place. Place your computer in its usual spot and replace all power and data cords. Turn your computer on.

Tags: into place, access panel, into motherboard, power data, power supply