The motherboard should be selected based upon the desired CPU and expansion requirements.
Upgrade a Gateway 700s desktop computer to gain capacity or speed from the system when it starts to run slow or new applications are installed. Replace the motherboard and CPU to gain speed or upgrade the hard drive for additional storage capacity. Add RAM or a new video card to speed up memory intensive operations or video intensive processes. Upgrade the operating system and multiple components to achieve the performance of a new computer for the price of an upgrade.
Instructions
Preparing for the Upgrade
1. Obtain upgrade components as desired from reliable vendors who offer liberal return policies and free technical support if possible.
2. Back up any important files or settings on the computer prior to the start of any hardware or software upgrade to avoid data loss (See Resources).
3. Shut down the computer and disconnect all of the cables from the computer case.
4. Attach an anti-static wrist strap to the metal part of the case and to one wrist prior to opening the case to prevent electrostatic discharge from damaging any of the internal components.
Performing the Upgrade
5. Open the case and remove the screws holding the video card and any other expansion cards in the system. Remove the video card and all other expansion cards by pulling each one straight out of the socket.
6. Disconnect the power supply cables from the motherboard and drives. Disconnect the front panel connectors from the motherboard header pins and disconnect the data cables from the motherboard.
7. Remove the screws holding the motherboard in place and lift the end of the motherboard near the front of the case slightly and then pull the motherboard away from the rear panel and out of the case.
8. Lift the CPU locking lever to the upright position on the new motherboard and carefully insert the CPU into the socket, being sure to align Pin 1 on the CPU with Pin 1 on the socket as indicated by the small triangle on one corner of the CPU and the socket. Lower the locking lever into place. Place the heat sink and cooling fan on the CPU and attach the metal clips onto the plastic tabs on the CPU socket and then attach the fan power lead to the location on the motherboard marked "CPU FAN."
9. Open the retaining clips on the RAM sockets by pushing them toward the motherboard. Place the new RAM modules into the new motherboard by aligning the small plastic key tab in the RAM sockets with the notch in the RAM and then pushing the module straight into the socket using firm, steady pressure on both ends of the module until the RAM audibly clicks into place.
10. Replace the hard drive or optical drive by removing the old drive from the system using the mounting bracket or screws that hold it in place and replacing it with the new drive in the same manner.
11. Replace the rear panel face plate with the face plate included in the new motherboard. Match the new motherboard up with the motherboard standoffs in the case to ensure there is one standoff for each screw hole in the motherboard and no extra standoffs installed. Add or remove standoffs as necessary.
12. Insert the rear ports of the motherboard into the rear panel of the case and lower it onto the standoffs. Secure the motherboard with a screw in each hole and attach the power supply cables to the motherboard.
13. Attach the front panel connectors and drive data cables to the motherboard as indicated in the motherboard manual or by the markings on the board.
14. Insert the video card and other expansion cards into their sockets and secure each card with a screw to hold it in the case. Attach a power supply cable to the drives and to the video card if required.
15. Power on the computer and insert the operating system disk or system recovery disk in the optical drive if the hard drive was replaced or allow the system to boot and detect the new hardware if it was not. Install the operating system if required or insert the driver disk for the new motherboard to install drivers as necessary.
Tags: video card, cables from, card other, card other expansion, expansion cards, from motherboard, hard drive