How to Change a Mother Board

Changing the motherboard in your computer will allow you to upgrade to newer hardware components and gain access to additional features not supported by your current motherboard. You may need to replace the motherboard when upgrading to a faster processor or you need more RAM or greater video capabilities than the current main board supports. Changing the motherboard also can solve system problems caused by a failed motherboard component or an outdated BIOS that cannot be flashed.

Removing the Motherboard

• 1

  Power off the computer and unplug the power cord. Disconnect the monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers and any other cables connected to the computer.

• 2

  Open the cover and connect the clip end of the anti-static wrist strap to a bare metal part of the case while attaching the other end to one wrist.

• 3

  Disconnect the main power supply bundle from the motherboard by squeezing the small plastic clip in the middle of the connector and pulling the cable from the board. Remove any additional power connectors from the board in a similar fashion.

• 4

  Disconnect the data cables that lead to the hard drive and optical drive. Disconnect the wires connected to the front panel.

• 5

  Remove any adapter cards by removing the single screw that holds the card in place and pulling the card straight out of the slot. Release any slot retention clips if the card does not extract easily.

• 6

  Remove the screws securing the motherboard to the chassis and tilt up slightly on the end of the motherboard nearest the front panel. Pull the motherboard away from the rear panel of the computer gently to remove it from the system.

• 7

  Remove the RAM from the motherboard by pushing the plastic retention clips open on both ends of one module at a time and removing the module from the slot by pulling it straight up.

• 8

  Disconnect the CPU fan power lead from the motherboard. Push down on the heat sink clip to release one end of it from the plastic clip on the CPU socket, and then slide it slightly toward the other side of the socket to release the other end from the plastic clip on the opposite side.

• 9

  Release the CPU locking lever by raising it to the upright position, then grasp the CPU by the edges and slowly remove it from the socket.

Installing the New Motherboard

• 1

  Raise the CPU locking lever on the motherboard. Align Pin 1 on the CPU with Pin 1 on the CPU socket by inspecting both the CPU and the socket for a small triangular mark or notch on one corner, which signifies the location of Pin 1.

• 2

  Insert the CPU into the socket gently, allowing it to slide into place under its own weight to avoid bending pins. Lower the locking lever on the CPU once it is seated in the socket.

• 3

  Remove the thermal paste from the bottom of the heat sink and the top of the CPU, and clean each surface with a lint-free cloth dampened with Isopropyl alcohol 91% to remove all traces of the thermal compound. Allow the CPU and heat sink to air dry. Then, apply a thin layer of fresh thermal paste to the top surface of the CPU. Refer to the instructions supplied with the thermal paste for specific directions and precautions.

• 4

  Affix the heat sink to the top of the CPU and attach the metal clips to the plastic tabs on the CPU socket. Connect the power lead from the CPU fan to the motherboard socket labeled "CPU FAN."

• 5

  Install the RAM modules one at a time by aligning the plastic key tab in the slot to the key notch in the module and sliding the module straight into the slot using even pressure on both ends until the plastic tabs click into place.

• 6
  The rear panel faceplate is designed to match a specific motherboard. computer equipment image by Ivan Polushkin from Fotolia.com

  Remove the rear panel faceplate from the back of the case, if changing the motherboard to a different model, and replace it with the new rear panel faceplate supplied with the new motherboard.

• 7

  Align the motherboard with the standoffs in the chassis, ensuring that each screw hole in the motherboard aligns with a corresponding standoff. Add more standoffs for additional screw holes, if necessary, and remove any extra standoffs to prevent electrical shorts.

• 8

  Slide the rear ports of the motherboard into the rear panel faceplate, being careful not to bend any of the metal grounding tabs. Then, lower the front end of the motherboard into place. Insert screws into each screw hole in the motherboard and tighten them gently into the standoffs.

• 9

  Attach the front panel connectors to the motherboard by matching each connector with the markings on the motherboard. Connect the data cables to the drives and the power cables from the power supply to the motherboard.

• 10

  Reinstall your expansion cards and adapters by sliding them straight into the expansion slots while aligning them with the slot openings at the rear of the computer. Secure each adapter in place with a screw in the top bracket.

• 11

  Close the case and reconnect your peripherals and the power cable. Boot your computer to begin using your new motherboard.