Ever since computers have invaded all of our homes the one thing that might have always daunted the normal user is “I want to upgrade my processor but I don’t know how.” Many people’s initial reaction is to call a friend or run it past the local computer store (and might lose it for a few days if they’re busy)… But trust me when I say you can do this yourself.
This tutorial isn’t for the advanced users, but for those who are interested in hardware who might just lack that little extra information on how to swap components.
In this following small tutorial you will see how to remove a stock cooler from a LGA 775 Socket with an Intel Core2 Duo E6600. We also show you how to install DDR2 memory, not that it should be needed since it’s as easy as shooting fish in a barrel, but you never know =]
We start by removing the stock cooler as if you where to swap out for a higher end processor.
When we look at the cooler itself you can see the way its mounted. It uses several plastic prongs to lock the cooler in place. Simply align the pins with the designated holes in the motherboard and push down. When you press down on the prongs, a middle pin extends through the prong to expand the little hooks on the end, locking the prongs through the holes in the motherboard.
Now let’s say we were to swap out a processor… we would first need to release the prongs that keep it secured on the motherboard. This is done by using a large flathead screwdriver, or as I like to use my trusty Swiss knife’s flathead. Turn each pin counterclockwise about 90 degrees, then pull up on the tab to remove the locking pin that keeps the plastic prongs expanded. Repeat for the remaining three and remove the cooler.
You can now see the cooler is covered in old T.I.M (also known as Thermal Interface Material). You want to get rid of this gunk, so use isopropyl alcohol to do that job, but I like to use Akasa’s TIM remover, as it does a really good job at removing the old compound (and stickers and other adhesives).
Just remove the excess compound with a piece of toilet paper tissues or any other disposable, then put on a few drops of the isopropyl alcohol or a TIM remover solution, let it soak in for a bit and wipe clean, repeat if needed.
I always like to clean the processor itself in this manner, as well to make sure both surfaces are clean before putting on new thermal compound. I have used Arctic Silver products for a few years now, and I just love the Ceramique thermal compound. It doesn’t stain like the Silver versions and is also easier to clean up. Oh, and it’s a great thermal compound, too!
If you see any thermal pads on a stock cooler, remove them as they generally suck and diminish the cooling capability of the cooler (due to bad thermal bonding from the cooler to the processor). If you’d like to know more, just Google on Thermal Interface Materials.
When you look at the motherboard itself you will usually notice some big warning stickers and labels as well as a protective cover to protect of the socket pins from damage. Older CPUs had pins on the bottom of the chip, but Socket 775 has the pins on the socket itself (which touch metal points on the bottom of the processor. This makes for a more care-free installation, which also lowers the chance of damaging your processor.
The only downside to this (as shown by the warning sticker itself) is that the pins on the socket are very (and I mean very (!)) easy to damage and bend out of shape… so avoid touching them directly and replace the protective cover whenever you’re not using it (or are not going to install the processor within 3 minutes :P)
Removing the plastic shield is easy. Just pull the tab where it says remove (or read the manual provided). If you look on the socket you can see 2 notches / dimples. When installing the new CPU just make sure those 2 dimples line up with the 2 notches in the socket with the processor and you cant mess this one up. The same holds true for AMD processors, which have an alignment notch corresponding to Socket A.
First add a small strip of thermal compound then with a credit card or any other thing smear out the thermal compound to spread it around the entire surface that will contact the cooler. Some people use their finger to spread it but I think that would be contaminating if you have dirty hands. Besides, it’s more cleaning up to do.
Try to spread the compound as best as you can, and remember that just because some parts aren’t covered doesn’t mean you have to use the entire tube of thermal compound. Less is more – just apply it specified by the manufacturers of your brand of thermal compound.
Socket 775 has a retention mechanism that holds down the processor against the pins. To install your new CPU, you must first release this mechanism and open the latch to expose the socket. Remove the plastic shield, undo the retaining bracket and flip open, now align the notches of the processor with the notches on the socket itself and close the bracket again. You will notice it might take some force so don’t be alarmed (however putting on your bodyweight would be a no no).
When the retention mechanism is secured back in place just put the cooler back on. Turn the prongs back into their default position, align the pins to the motherboard holes and push down. You’ll hear the prongs snap into place. It probably doesn’t really matter in which order you lock the pins, but I always like to do it diagonally (like an X) to distribute the load evenly on the motherboard and socket, whichalso makes installation easier.
And there, you did it! You have successfully swapped out or removed / installed a new processor / cooler. There was no need to drive down to your computer shop because you were able to do it yourself.
As for installing memory, well it can’t come any more easier than that.
To remove a stick of RAM, just push the RAM’s 2 retention clips to the side outwards and the stick will just pop out. Pull the memory straight out.
All modern memory has an alignment notch which corresponds with the motherboard’s memory slot (which keeps you from installing the RAM the wrong way). So, if it won’t go in forcefully, then YOU’RE DOING IT WRONG! Just apply equal pressure to both sides of the memory stick itself and the retention clips should snap into place.