Upgrade an MSI motherboard by obtaining a new motherboard that supports the existing CPU, RAM, video card, drive interfaces and case style, and then swapping the new board into the existing system. Perform the upgrade by backing up the information on the computer, removing all of the components that are attached to the motherboard, swapping the new board into place, and replacing the components. Drivers are then loaded and updated drivers can be installed from the website of the motherboard manufacturer.
Instructions
Removing the Existing MSI Board
1. Shut down the computer and remove the power cord from the back of the power supply. Connect the anti-static wrist strap to one wrist and the other end to a bare metal part of the case.
2. Remove the cover and disconnect the power-supply leads from the motherboard. Disconnect the front panel connectors from the motherboard. Disconnect the hard drive and optical drive data cables and any other cables from the motherboard.
3. Remove the video card and any other expansion cards that are present on the motherboard by removing the single screw holding it in place and pushing gently on any plastic retaining tab that is present until the card can be slid out of the socket.
4. Remove the screws from the motherboard and lift the front edge of the motherboard slightly while pulling the entire motherboard away from the back panel to remove it from the case.
5. Remove the RAM by pressing down on the plastic clips until the modules are loose and can be easily removed by pulling on them. Remove the heat sink and fan combination by pushing down slightly on the retainer clips to loosen them and then sliding one end of the clip at a time from the motherboard connector until the heat sink comes off easily.
6. Remove the CPU by lifting the locking arm and picking straight up on the CPU, gripping it by the edge. Transfer the CPU directly to the new motherboard using the Pin 1 indicator on the CPU and the Pin 1 indicator on the new motherboard to line up the CPU with the motherboard. Pin 1 is typically indicated by a small triangle in one corner of the chip and the socket. Lock the CPU in place by lowering the locking arm.
Installing the New MSI Motherboard
7. Attach the heat sink and fan to the motherboard, making sure the heat sink is in full contact with the CPU and that there is sufficient heat-sink compound on the heat sink. Place a small amount of heat sink compound on the heat sink, if necessary.
8. Insert the RAM modules into the sockets on the motherboard using even, steady pressure and aligning the key notch in the module with the key pin in the socket. Press the modules down until an audible click is heard, indicating that the modules are locked in place.
9. Replace the rear port panel with the new panel that was supplied with the new MSI motherboard. Align the motherboard with the case to ensure that there is exactly one standoff for each screw hole in the motherboard. Insert the rear panel ports through the rear panel of the case and lower the motherboard down onto the motherboard standoffs. Attach the motherboard using one screw for each standoff.
10. Install the video card and any other expansion cards, locking them into place using a screw. Attach the power connectors from the power supply to the motherboard and attach the CPU fan power lead to the port on the motherboard marked "CPU Fan."
11. Connect the drive data cables and the front port connectors to the motherboard. Secure any loose cables using the nylon cable ties, being careful not to tighten them too much or allow the cables or cable ties to contact any fans or the CPU. Replace the cover and connect the power cord. Power on the computer and insert the motherboard driver disk into the optical drive if requested by the operating system.
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