A BTX motherboard has the expansion slots on the right side instead of the left.
The process of upgrading a BTX form factor motherboard is virtually identical to updating the older ATX-style motherboards. In essence, you still need to remove the motherboard and swap in the new one. The one and only difference is where things are physically located on the motherboard, since a BTX motherboard is laid out somewhat differently than an ATX motherboard.
Instructions
1. Ground yourself by touching the metal part of your computer case. This will ensure that you do not release any static electricity into the machine.
2. Open the back of the computer. This is typically done by releasing two screws on the right side of the back of the case. In some computer cases, there is a latch to be lifted and opened instead of screws. You may have to slide the top out of the way and then lift it up and off for some models.
3. Locate the expansion cards. These will be on the right side of the motherboard and will look like long, narrow cards. They may be secured with a screw. If they are, unscrew them and pull them out, pulling straight up.
4. Unplug all of the plugs attached to the motherboard. Be sure to take note of how each one is used when you unplug it.
5. Remove the RAM chips by opening the levers on either side of them and pulling straight up. You should not feel resistance when doing this.
6. Open the latch for the heat sink and fan on top of your CPU. Remove it by pushing down on one side to take off the clips holding it in place, then slide it off the other side. Open the lever for the CPU and carefully lift it up and off the slot.
7. Unscrew the screws holding your motherboard in place. They are usually located around the edges. Be sure not to release the posts beneath the motherboard with them. They are little gold colored screws with a screw hole on top, and they go between the motherboard and your screws so that the motherboard doesn't rest directly on the case. Lift the old motherboard out of the computer.
8. Put the new motherboard in place on top of the posts and line it up so the holes match the posts. Put the screws in to hold it in place. Open the latch for the CPU and carefully replace it. Close the latch and put a drop of thermal grease on the CPU. Spread it with your finger, making sure not to put too much on. A drop or so should suffice. Attach the heat sink and fan on top of the CPU. Hook one side onto the support slats and then push down to hook the slats on the other side. Close the lever. Put all of the plugs back according to your motherboard's instructions and put back the expansion cards and RAM chips. Close your computer and put the screws that were removed in step 2 back in.
Tags: right side, expansion cards, heat sink, motherboard place, Open latch, other side, pulling straight