A motherboard shown here being removed from the computer.
Upgrade a motherboard and CPU in a desktop computer to keep pace with the latest technology and gain the performance of a new computer. The new motherboard may have more ports and expansion slots or support new types of technology that were not available on the board being upgraded. The new CPU may run at a faster clock speed and offer more cores to allow a significant increase in speed for the new generation of applications.
Instructions
1. Click "Start" (Windows Orb), "Control Panel" and "Back Up Your Computer" to launch the Windows Backup utility. Back up any files or settings on the computer onto an external device or network location before upgrading the motherboard and CPU.
2. Click "Start" and "Shut Down" to power off the computer. If the computer is already off and it is unclear whether this method was used, power it back on and shut it down using this method to ensure the computer is not in sleep mode or hibernation. Disconnect the power cable, monitor cable, keyboard and mouse cable, sound cable and any other cables connected to the computer. Remove any external devices such as USB flash drives from the computer as well.
3. Remove the case cover and connect the anti-static wrist strap between one wrist and the inside of the case where there is an exposed metal part of the frame.
4. Disconnect all of the wires and cables coming from the motherboard.
5. Remove all of the expansion cards that are plugged into slots on the motherboard by removing the single screw holding each one in place and pulling them straight out of the slots.
6. Remove all of the screws holding the motherboard in place and remove the motherboard by lifting the front edge up slightly and pulling the motherboard away from the rear panel and out of the system.
7. Compare the mounting holes on the new motherboard to the old motherboard or to the case and insert or remove the motherboard standoffs as needed so that there is one standoff in the case for each screw hole in the new motherboard.
8. Lift the locking lever for the CPU socket on the new motherboard. Insert the new CPU into the new motherboard as indicated by the Pin 1 marking in one corner of the CPU that matches one corner of the CPU socket. Drop the CPU gently into the socket and close the locking lever, being careful not to force the CPU into the socket but ensuring it is fully seated.
9. Apply a thin layer of thermal compound to the top of the CPU if there is none on the heat sink already. Place the heat sink squarely onto the CPU and attach it to the mounting tabs on the motherboard. Connect the power lead from the fan to the location on the motherboard marked "CPUFAN" or equivalent.
10. Remove the RAM from the old motherboard by pressing outward on the small plastic retention clips and pulling the RAM straight up from the sockets once it has risen up slightly out of the socket. Install the RAM onto the new motherboard by opening the retention clips fully and sliding the RAM modules straight into the slots with sufficient force to allow the retention clips to rise into place and audibly click into the locked position. Notice the small key notch in the RAM modules that matches the key tab in the socket to ensure the proper orientation of the module during installation.
11. Replace the rear panel face plate with the one that matches the layout of the ports on the new motherboard.
12. Insert the new motherboard into the case by aligning the rear ports with the rear panel face plate and gently sliding the port end of the motherboard into place and then laying the motherboard flat onto the standoffs. Be careful not to bend the grounding tabs on the rear panel face plate. Place a screw into each hole in the motherboard and tighten them gently into the standoffs.
13. Attach the main power supply lead and auxiliary power leads as needed to the motherboard. Connect the front panel face plate connectors to the motherboard as indicated on the cables and the motherboard or the user manual for the motherboard.
14. Attach the data cables and any other cables to the motherboard. Reinstall the expansion cards into the slots and secure them with one screw for each card.
15. Wrap a nylon cable tie around any loose wires or wires that pass too closely to the CPU fan and tie them off gently. Allow some slack in the cables and avoid pinching the cable ties too tightly as this can cause damage to the insulation on the conductors.
Tags: face plate, panel face, panel face plate, rear panel, into slots, rear panel face, retention clips