Illustrated guide to help install or upgrade your motherboard or mainboard
Upgrading your motherboard will allow you to add newer functionality such as USB 2.0, FireWire, SATA, PCI-E, alongside of course a compatible CPU and RAM upgrade. Your motherboard specification will detail the make, and model CPU that you can use within your system.
Power down your PC and switch it off at the wall. Remove the screws holding the sides of the case on and carefully slide off both panels.
Wearing an anti-static wristband is preferable whenever working with sensitive electrical equipment.
Keeping one hand on a metal part of the case will have the same effect, though you may need both hands when installing certain items of hardware.
If you are replacing an existing motherboard, remove any cables that are currently plugged in to the motherboard, such as ATA or power cables. You will also need to remove a series of connecting wires that relate to the power switch, hard drive light and so forth. It may be worth making a note of how these were arranged, though it may be different for your new motherboard.
Next, remove any expansion cards, such as graphics and sound cards, by removing the screw holding the backing plate in place and gently sliding them out of their slot. Put these on an anti-static surface for reinstallation later on.
You may wish to remove any drives you have installed to make removing the motherboard itself easier.
If you're lucky, your motherboard will sit on a tray, and you will be able to slide it out. If not, you will need to remove the series of screws holding the motherboard to the case and gently ease it out. Place it on an anti-static surface for now, as you may need it at a later date or wish to sell if it is still in good working order.
If you are replacing the motherboard, remove the RAM modules by pushing the white clips outwards and lay them on an anti-static
surface.
Remove the heatsink by pulling the lever arm upwards if yours is a newer model, or by pushing down on the metal clip with a flat-bladed screwdriver. You should then be able to remove the heatsink and fan assembly. Finally, pull the metal lever to the vertical position and lift the old CPU out of its socket.
