Removing the old processor

    This section describes how to remove the old processor and related components from the case.

    Important

    The illustrations in this guide show a typical computer and its parts. Use this guide even if your processor or computer components look somewhat different.

    You can also use the documentation that came with your computer for detailed information.

    If you do not have printed documentation, go to the Gateway Web site (support.gateway.com) and print the appropriate document before starting the installation procedure.

      When replacing the processor:

    Write down or draw where and how cables and computer parts connect. This guide describes typical cables and computer components. Your computer may be somewhat different.
    Label groups of screws that you remove so you will know which screws you will need to reinstall the various components.

    Warming up the thermal pad

      If your computer has a socket processor, it may have a thermal pad. Thermal pads, unlike thermal grease, need to be warmed up so the heat sink can be separated from the processor. You can warm up the thermal pad by turning on your computer and letting it run for approximately ten minutes.

      Warm up your computer BEFORE removing the computer case cover.

    Opening your computer case cover

    To open your computer case cover:

      1. Follow the instructions under "Preventing static electricity discharge".

      2. Shut down your computer, then disconnect the power cord and modem, network, and all peripheral device cables.

      3. Drain any residual power from your computer by pressing the power button.

      4. See the documentation that came with your computer for instructions on removing your computer case cover.

    Removing the old processor

      This section shows you how to identify and remove socket and slot processors from the system board.

    Identifying your processor

    Socket processors

      Socket processors are square and covered by a heat sink.

    Socket processor with passive heat sink (no cooling fan)

    Socket processor with active heat sink (cooling fan)

    Slot processors

      Slot processors are rectangular and covered on one side by a heat sink.

    Slot processor with passive heat sink (no cooling fan)

    Slot processor with active heat sink (cooling fan)

    Removing a socket processor

      The following photograph shows the parts of a socket processor.

    To remove a socket processor:

      1. If the processor you are replacing has an active heat sink with a fan power cable connected to the system board, disconnect the fan power cable from the system board.
      1. Your heat sink may have one of the following retention mechanisms. Follow the instructions that most closely resemble your heat sink.

      Warning

      You may need to use a small flat-blade screwdriver or needle-nose pliers to help you release the clip. Be careful not to apply too much force or you could damage the socket or system board.

          1. Heat sink with removable retention clips
          1. Heat sink with captive retention clips
          1. Passive heat sink with removable retention clip
        1. Remove the heat sink. Be careful not to scratch or remove the thermal pad or grease on the bottom of the heat sink.
        1. Lift the lever on the side of the socket, then remove the old processor.

      Removing a slot processor

      To remove a slot processor:

        1. If you have an full-size tower case with an additional cooling fan and fan duct, unplug the fan power connector, then remove the screw on the back of the chassis that holds the fan duct in place. Slide the fan duct up until the tabs on the duct are released from the slots in the chassis, then lift the duct out of the chassis.
          - OR -
          If you have a mid-size tower case with an additional cooling fan and fan duct, unplug the fan power connector, then remove the fan/duct assembly.
        1. If your processor has an active heat sink, unplug the heat sink fan from the system board power connector. Make note of the fan power cable connector location on the system board.
        1. Your slot processor may have one of the following retention mechanisms. Follow the instructions that most closely resemble your processor.

        Warning

        Make sure that you unlock the processor from the processor retention rails before you try to remove it or you may damage the rails and the system board.

            1. If you have a processor retention cap, remove the screws that secure it to the retention rails, remove the cap, then remove the processor.
            1. If you have a bottom retention bracket, squeeze the ends of the retention bracket and pull the bracket away from the processor, then remove the processor.
            1. If latches hold your processor to the system board, release the latches at each end of the bracket, then remove the processor.
            1. If the processor has tabs on the side, push in on the release pins, pull outward on the tabs, then pull the processor up and out of the retention rails.
            1. If the processor has tabs on the top, press and hold the tabs, then pull the processor up and out of the retention rails.