Socket LGA 775 processor
Although top-of-the-line Pentium D's and Core 2 Duos share similar clock speeds, a Core 2 Duo combines smaller transistor sizes with larger cache memory and faster bus speeds while being compatible with many of the same motherboards as a Pentium D. This makes a Core 2 Duo an ideal upgrade from a Pentium D. In order to ensure the upgrade is a success, it is essential to find a Core 2 Duo that will work with your motherboard and to install it properly.
Instructions
1. Look in your computer's manual for your motherboard's model number and make a note of it. If you can't find this information, visit the first link in the resource section for a free program that will display your motherboard model number. Download the program, run it, click on "mainboard," and make a note of your motherboard model number.
2. Visit the second link in the resource section. Click the option that reads "Find processors that will work with my board," then enter your motherboard model number in the space provided. Purchase the Core 2 Duo processor of your choice from the search results.
3. Turn off your computer and unplug it from the wall. Take off its access panel. This usually entails removing the screws on the computer's side panel and lifting it off though some now simply slide off and have no screws.
4. Attach one end of a grounding strap to your wrist and the other to a piece of metal in your computer's interior.
5. Locate the heatsink for your processor. This is a large fan fixed to the motherboard. Unplug the heatsink cable from the board. Insert the tip of a flathead screwdriver into the slot on top of each of the heatsink's four legs. Turn each leg counterclockwise then pull each leg out of the motherboard. Remove the heatsink. This exposes the processor socket.
6. Press down slightly on the hooked lever beside the socket to release the lever, then pull the lever until it frees the socket door. Lift the door up and remove the processor.
7. Hold the processor by its sides so as to avoid touching its contacts, which, according to Intel, can damage the processor. Align the notch in the corner of your new Core 2 Duo processor with the bump in the CPU socket. Note that the corner of the processor with the notch also contains an arrow. Rest the processor in the socket.
8. Close the socket door and reset the lever to lock it in place. Place a dab of thermal paste on the processor. Intel states that you should spread the paste evenly over the processor.
9. Line up the new heatsink that came with your processor so that its legs fit into the holes in the motherboard. Press down on each of the legs to secure them in the holes. Plug the cable into the socket on the motherboard. Tie the cable off with a zip tie so that it won't touch the motherboard or get in the way of the fan.
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