Computer processors are important component of a computer system and this is obvious to everyone. In our previous article “Processor Buying Tips” you came across different factors that may help you in buying a competent computer processor for your system. In this article will offer assistance to those who wish to install or replace their existing processors.
There are numerous who want to manipulate with their processor for enhancement but due to lack of knowledge and skills they are unable to install or upgrade their processors. Here are some steps to help them manipulate with processors; however, it should remember that processor is a significant component and any mistake can lead to bigger issues. Therefore, it is advised to posses appropriate tools as well as possible guides to help you accomplish the task with effectiveness.
Prerequisite steps:
- You need record all the information such as Processor model number, Serial Number etc on a paper.
- You need to be careful of ESD or Electrostatic Discharges and make arrangements to avoid ESD in any case.
- Make sure that the computer system is turned off and the Adapter is disconnected from the power switch.
Replacing Processors:
If you are replacing your processor for enhancement or up gradation then you need to remove your existing processor first. To do this you will have to dismantle the chassis and some of its components; hence, you should possess appropriate computer tools. If your processor has a heat sink installed on it then you will first have to locate the heat sink and remove is before you remove the processor. Most socket processors have attached heat sink which will have a wire through which it obtains power supply. You first need to look for this wire and disconnect it. You will find clips on both sides of the processor fastening it to the motherboard. Try to unlock the clip and separate the heat sink from the processor.
Once you have successfully separated the socket heats sink you now need to start dismantling your processor. If you learn that your processor is a ZIF processor then you need to remove the minute side, metal arm. Generally this arm is moved from horizontal to vertical position which losses the processor. However, if you determine that your processor is an LIF processor, then you may require appropriate tool to remove the processor. This tool can be purchased from any nearest computer product vendor. While you try to dismantle the processor using these tools you need to make sure that you carry the task gently as any minute mistake can lead to bigger issues.
In case of slot processor there may be not need of removing the heat sink. In case of most slot processor nowadays the heat sink is well affixed and cannot be separated. In order to take away a slot processor, you need to find out two clips on either side of the chip, you need to move these buckles outwards which will enable you to remove the processor.
Installing Processor:
Once you have removed the existing processor you can now start installing a new processor. Remember that these steps are also applicable for installation of new processors in a fresh computer system.
Socket Processors:
ZIF: If you have a socket based interface and you are planning install a ZIF processor for your system, you need to be careful and determine the placement of the processor. The placement can be determined based on the pins of the processor and the pin-holes on the interface. Try to match the pattern of the pins and pin-holes and accordingly place your processor. Make sure you do it gently and do not cause any pin to bend, this may lead to termination of your processor warranty. Once you have placed the processor you need to fasten the liver or side metal arm in order to affix the processor.
LIF: LIF or Low Insertion Force as the name suggests that it requires some kind of force to be installed. Unlike ZIF or Zero Insertion Force processors, these processors do not have any metal arm or liver on the sides. Hence, in order to install these processors the executor needs to push it gently in to the interface to fix it. In this case the chances of damages or slightly higher than that of ZIF socket processors. One needs to be careful as well as gentle while installing LIF processor. Again the position of the processor is based on the matching pattern of pins on the chip and pin-holes on the interface. For example the positioning should be in such a way that pin 1on the processor should match with pin-hole 1 on the interface.
Slot Processor: Slot processors usually have buckles or tab on its sides. You first need to move the clips outward in order to open it and then place your processor by determining its appropriate position. Gently press the processor into the slot interface and fasten the side clips. Make sure that the processor is firmly placed and fasten to the slot.
Installing heat sink:
Heat sink is a significant component that should be installed when it comes to installing processor. It should be remembered that if your processor enjoys 200MHz or higher speed and does not comes with a heat sink then you should apply appropriate heat compound before you install heat sink. Grease can be considered as a heat compound that can be useful in installing heat sink. However, this heat compound also known as thermal compound may be given to you along with the CPU. You should apply this compound between the processor and heat sink. Once the thermal compound or heat compound is appropriately applied you can now place your heat sink and fan on the processor chip and fix it using the side clips if offered. Do not forget to connect the power supply cable of the fan to the appropriate port. This port will be very small in white color and will be tagged as ‘CPU FAN’.
After performing the above mentioned steps appropriately you are set to use to new or enhanced processor. Place all the dismantled components back to their places start your computer.
