How to Install a CPU Processor in a Dell Inspiron Laptop
- 1). Shutdown the computer and remove the AC adapter. Close the LCD screen and flip the laptop over. Slide the battery latch into the unlocked position. Remove the battery from its bay.
- 2). Flip the laptop back over. Open the LCD screen. Push the left and right hinge covers forward and then the side to remove them.
- 3). Close the LCD screen. Press the two center hinge cover snaps inward and then pull up on them to release them from the laptop. Open the LCD display as far as it will go.
- 4). Put on the anti-static wrist strap. Lift the center hinge cover slightly so that you can reach the flexible cable connector underneath. Disconnect the flexible cable from the motherboard.
- 5). Remove the retaining screws for the keyboard that are located just above the top row of keys. Lift the keyboard up out of the computer. Disconnect the keyboard ribbon cable from the motherboard and set the keyboard aside.
- 6). Turn the Dell laptop over so that it is facing bottom side up. Remove the two monitor retaining screws labeled "D" on both edges of the notebook. Turn the laptop back over and remove the two antenna cables from the system motherboard.
- 7). Disconnect the display cable from the tab connector on the motherboard. Lift the LCD display screen out of the laptop while holding it at a 90-degree angle.
- 8). Remove the four retaining screws that hold the primary keyboard bracket in place. Remove the bracket and set it aside.
- 9). Remove the four screws used to secure the video card assembly. Gently pull the video card out and set it aside.
- 10
Remove the four screws that hold the thermal cooling assembly in place. Be sure to remove them in the order as numbered (one through four) on the cooling assembly. Remove the assembly from the motherboard. - 11
Loosen the ZIF socket for the processor by rotating the cam screw counterclockwise with a flathead screwdriver. Turn the screw until it comes to the cam stop. - 12
Lift the old processor out of the socket. - 13
Insert the new processor into the socket. Tighten the ZIF socket cam screw. Spread a very thin layer of heatsink compound on the new processor with your finger or flat object. Replace the thermal cooling assembly. - 14
Replace the video card, keyboard bracket and display assembly. Install the components be reversing the process used to remove them. - 15
Replace the keyboard and hinge covers. Turn the computer over and replace the battery. - 16
Flip the laptop back over so that it is right side up. Plug in the AC adapter and power on the computer.
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