Upgrade a Pentium MMX 266 processor with a modern CPU, motherboard and RAM.
Speed up that old MMX 266 computer by upgrading the processor and related components. The upgrade path for an Intel Pentium 266 MMX processor requires the user to change to a newer processor architecture, which requires an updated motherboard and matching RAM. Sound cards, network adapters, USB cards and video cards can often be eliminated by using motherboards that come equipped with these components, and larger power supplies can be used on newer motherboards with simple adapters.
Instructions
1. Obtain a new processor, a motherboard that supports it, and some compatible RAM. Acquire a larger power supply if the current one is less than 400 watts, or purchase the necessary 4-pin power adapters allowing the current power supply to connect to the motherboard.
2. Power down the computer and remove the power cord. Put on the anti-static wrist strap and open the case. Attach the anti-static wrist strap to the case at a location where bare metal is showing.
3. Remove the existing video card, sound card, network card, modem, and any other expansion cards which are installed by removing the single screw holding each card in place and pulling the card straight up out of its slot on the motherboard.
4. Disconnect the power supply cable, data cables and front panel connectors from the motherboard. Remove the screws fastening the motherboard to the case and gently lift the edge of the motherboard that is nearest the front of the case. Pull the motherboard away from the rear panel to remove it from the case.
5. Replace the rear panel faceplate on the case with the new faceplate included with the new motherboard. Align the motherboard with the case to ensure that each screw hole in the motherboard aligns with a standoff. Add or remove standoffs as necessary.
6. Install the CPU onto the motherboard by raising the small locking lever and aligning the triangular marking in one corner of the CPU with the same marking in one corner of the socket. Gently lower the CPU into place and secure the locking lever. Place a drop of thermal compound on the top surface of the CPU, in the exact center of the chip. Secure the heat sink and fan to the CPU using the plastic tabs on the CPU socket. Connect the fan power lead to the pin on the motherboard marked "CPU FAN."
7. Install the RAM to the motherboard by aligning the small key notch on each module with the key tab in the slot. Press down firmly on both ends of the RAM module until the plastic retainer clips snap into place.
8. Insert the rear ports of the motherboard through the rear panel face plate to ensure that the ports protrude through the rear panel without bending any of the small grounding tabs. Lower the motherboard into place and place a screw in each hole.
9. Connect the power supply leads to the motherboard, using adapters if necessary to power the extra four pins on the main connector plus the additional four-pin square connector near the CPU. Attach the data cables from the drives to the motherboard and connect the front panel leads to the appropriate pins, which are marked on the motherboard.
10. Power on the computer and allow the operating system to load. Insert the motherboard driver disc when prompted and follow the instructions on the screen to install updated drivers for the new components.
Tags: power supply, rear panel, into place, anti-static wrist, anti-static wrist strap