Upgrade a Dell Inspiron 8000 Processor
The Dell Inspiron 8000 model laptop initially comes with a 1 GHz mobile Pentium III processor. While it will handle most standard computing needs, you may want to upgrade the processor for more computing power. Replacing a laptop processor is a much more difficult process than on a desktop because of how small the parts are and how little room there is to maneuver inside the case.
Instructions
1. Find and purchase a mobile Pentium III or Celeron replacement processor (see Resources below).
2. Turn off the laptop and close the lid. Pull out any peripherals you may have attached, such as a USB device or external mouse. Set the laptop upside down so that the bottom is facing upward. Press down on the battery release catch, and slide the battery entirely out of the computer.
3. Remove the four screws at the center of the case marked with a circle that has the letter "K" inside of it. Flip the computer back over and then open the top lid so the monitor is facing toward you. Slide the edge of a flathead screwdriver underneath the blank keyboard key at the bottom right side. Push up and pry the entire keyboard unit upward and toward the left. Detach the cable running from the left side of the keyboard to the motherboard.
4. Pull off the plastic bezel above the area where the keyboard was. Remove the screws holding the lid hinges on and pull off the hinges. Locate the processor cooling unit at the top right side of the motherboard just above the processor itself. Pull back the clips holding it into place and then pull out the cooling unit.
5. Hold a flathead screwdriver so that it is exactly perpendicular to the laptop and slowly remove the screw holding the processor down. Pull the entire processor straight up and set it aside. Line up the pins on the new processor with the holes where the old processor was located. Push the new processor down gently and attach the screw. Place the cooling unit into place and snap the clips that hold it in place.
6. Re-attach the hinges, bezel, keyboard and screws on the bottom end of the case. Put the battery back into the laptop and power it on.
Tags: cooling unit, Dell Inspiron, Dell Inspiron 8000, Inspiron 8000, 8000 Processor, flathead screwdriver