Typical motherboard
Upgrading an ASUS motherboard is a quick way to help a system function more efficiently. As with all motherboards, ASUS boards upgrade by swapping out one board for another with better specifications. It is important when upgrading to make sure the new ASUS motherboard will be compatible with the old processor and RAM. It is also necessary to make sure the new board will fit in the case.
Instructions
Removing the Old Motherboard
1. Remove the side panel of the computer case.
2. Remove any PCI-X or PCI cards connected to the motherboard. These are large cards with inputs often visible from the back of the computer. They can include graphics cards, sound cards and extra USB ports, among others. Many motherboards have onboard audio and video, so rather than residing on separate sound and video cards those functions are built into the board. Depending on the computer case, one screw holding the PCI/PCI-X cards may have to be removed before sliding out the motherboard.
3. Disconnect the cables to the hard drives, disk drives and any power connections from the motherboard.
4. Unscrew the motherboard and remove it from the case.
5. Remove the RAM by unclipping it from the motherboard. Normally, RAM aligns vertically right next to the CPU, which is covered by a heat sink or fan.
6. Remove the heat sink/fan and the CPU from the motherboard. While heat sink/fan units often clip onto a motherboard via some type of plastic harness, some clip directly onto the board. These may need to be unclipped from the back of the motherboard (the side without any of the components). The CPU attaches to the motherboard with a clip. When touching the CPU, hold it by the sides. Also, the CPU has a smooth side (the side that was touching the heat sink) and a prickly side. Avoid setting the CPU down on the prickly side, which could damage the needles and cause it to not work or at least not work properly.
Installing the Upgraded ASUS Motherboard
7. Connect the CPU to the motherboard. Most CPUs are marked with a little yellow arrow that can be aligned with a similar arrow on the motherboard. If the CPU is not seated properly, do not force the clip.
8. Apply a small amount of thermal paste to the CPU, then connect the heat sink/fan to the CPU and motherboard. The thermal paste will help achieve a better heat transfer from the CPU to the heat sink. The cooler you keep the CPU, the better its chance to run optimally.
9. Clip in the RAM on the motherboard.
10. Slide the motherboard into the case, making sure that it is aligned with the correct screwholes, and screw it in.
11. Reconnect all power cables, disk drives and hard drives to the motherboard.
12. Connect all PCI and PCI-X cards to the motherboard.
13. Replace the side panel of the computer.
Tags: heat sink, from motherboard, PCI-X cards, aligned with, ASUS motherboard, case Remove