Installing A CPU

After you've taken basic precautions, such as backing up your hard disk, and you've decided what CPU you'll buy, it's time to do the upgrade. First, you'll remove your old CPU, heat sink, and cooling fan. If the system has been running and the heat sink is still rather warm, it can be removed with less chance of damage than when it is cold. The silicon adhesive pads have a tendence to bond the heatsink to the processor, which aids in the heat dissipation process.

Before you can install a new CPU, you have to turn off your computer and then let it cool down. First turn it off, and then unplug the power cord. Ground yourself, take off its case, and let the CPU cool for about 10 minutes if you've been running your computer. CPUs can get hot when they run, so be sure it's cooled down before handling it.

Remove CPU from Type 1 Slot

Removing the old CPU will be determined by what kind of socket it is in. Before you can remove a CPU from a type 1 slot, you must first disconnect the CPU cooling unit from the power source. (CPU cooling units, also called heat sinks, prevent chips from overheating.) After you disconnect the heat sink, unclip the heat sink support if your CPU has those supports. Finally, release the processor from the motherboard by applying pressure to the tabs on each side of the chip to unlock it, and then gently pulling it straight up.

Remove CPU from ZIF Socket

Many Pentiums and 486s are in a ZIF socket, and a small lever removes the CPU. If your CPU is in a ZIF socket, push the small lever away to the side of the CPU, and then lift up the lever. That pushes the CPU from its socket so you can then easily lift the CPU out by hand.

Remove CPU from LIF Socket

LIF sockets have no handle, so the best way to remove a CPU from one is to use a CPU extraction tool or a chip puller. A chip puller looks like tongs. Put the tongs under either side of the CPU and pull the chip up firmly but carefully. If you have to move it from side to side to get it loose, remember to pull the chip straight up to remove it. Be careful not to tilt it too much to one side, or you could break a pin.

Install the New CPU

Put the upgrade CPU into the now-empty slot on the motherboard. Align pin 1 on the processor with pin 1 on the socket. If it's a ZIF socket, pin 1 is on the corner that lacks the corner pinhole. Align the CPU's pins with the socket's holes and slowly lower the CPU into the socket, ensuring that all the pins are lined up properly. Press down slowly until the CPU is all the way in the socket. Connect a heat sink or cooling fan (often referred to as an active heat sink) if one is not already attached to your new CPU.

Caution: The cooling fan must be properly seated on the CPU or it will provide the same effect as not having the heat sink, meaning that the CPU will overheat. This will lead to damage to the processor and possibly even the motherboard.

Turn on Your Computer

Because things can go wrong when installing a CPU, turn your computer on before putting the case on, in case you need to reseat the CPU. After you're sure everything is working properly, shut down your machine again, close the case, and reboot.