Before a CPU can be replaced, a technician must remove the fan or heat sink. Fans and heat sinks might be joined together as a single module or installed as separate units. If the fan and heat sink are separate, remove both components individually.
To replace a CPU with a separate fan and heat sink, follow these steps:
Step 1. Power off the computer and disconnect the AC adapter.
Step 2. Remove the battery and any other components recommended by the manufacturer.
Step 3. Turn the laptop over, if necessary, and remove any plastics covering the fan.
Step 4. Locate the fan and remove any screws holding the fan in place.
Step 5. Disconnect the power cable connecting the fan to the motherboard.
Step 6. Remove the fan from the laptop.
Step 7. Remove the heat sink from the CPU by removing any screws holding it in place.
Step 8. Remove the screw that locks the latch holding the CPU in the socket.
Step 9. Open the latch and remove the CPU from the socket.
Step 10. Remove any thermal paste from the CPU and store the CPU in an anti-static bag.
Step 11. Gently place the new CPU into the socket.
Step 12. Fasten the latch that holds the CPU in place and tighten the screws holding it down.
Step 13. Apply thermal paste to the CPU before replacing the heat sink.
Step 14. Insert the heat sink and replace all necessary screws.
Step 15. Insert the fan and connect the power cable to the motherboard.
Step 16. Fasten the fan to the motherboard by replacing all necessary screws.
Step 17. Replace the base cover of the laptop.
Step 18. Insert the battery and replace all necessary components.
If the fan and heat sink are joined together, use the following procedure.
To remove and replace a heat sink or fan and heat sink assembly, follow these steps:
Step 1. Power off the computer and disconnect the AC adapter.
Step 2. Remove the battery and any other components recommended by the manufacturer.
Step 3. Turn the laptop over, if necessary, and remove any plastics covering the heat sink.
Step 4. Locate the heat sink or fan and heat sink assembly and remove any screws holding it in place.
Step 5. Disconnect the fan power cable from the motherboard.
Step 6. Remove the heat sink or fan and heat sink assembly.
Step 7. Remove the screw that locks the latch holding the CPU in the socket.
Step 8. Open the latch and remove the CPU from the socket.
Step 9. Remove any thermal paste from the CPU and store the CPU in an anti-static bag.
Step 10. Gently place the new CPU into the socket.
Step 11. Fasten the latch that holds the CPU in place and tighten the screws holding it down.
Step 12. Apply thermal paste to the CPU before replacing the heat sink.
Step 13. Insert the heat sink or fan and heat sink assembly and connect the power cable to the motherboard.
Step 14. Fasten the heat sink or fan and heat sink assembly to the system frame by replacing all necessary screws.
Step 15. Replace the base cover of the laptop.
Step 16. Insert the battery and replace all necessary components.
NOTE: A CPU is one of the most fragile components in a laptop. It should be handled with great care.
NOTE: It is important to note how the CPU is positioned. The replacement must be installed the same way.