The motherboard inside your Dell computer controls how you are able to upgrade the system with additional components, such as extra RAM or a new graphics card. The original motherboard installed from the factory may not have the ports you need to continue upgrading your computer. If you want to expand your Dell computer's capabilities, you may need to physically remove the existing motherboard and replace it with an entirely new unit.
Instructions
1. Close each program currently running on the Dell computer and completely turn off the operating system. Wait five minutes to allow the internal components to cool down and unplug every cable and device attached to the computer's case.
2. Position the case on its side with the left side panel visible and facing up. Check the far back end of the side panel to see if your Dell model uses two case screws or a release button.
3. Remove the screws with a Phillips screwdriver and set them aside, or push in the release button. Pull the side panel completely off the computer if it used screws, or lift the panel to the right until it snaps into the 90-degree position if it used a release button.
4. Unplug each of the cables connected to the ports on the rectangular motherboard inside the case. Locate the thin, green RAM modules at the upper-right end of the motherboard.
5. Snap down the plastic release knobs at the top and bottom end of each RAM module. Grip both ends of the module tightly and pull the module up to remove it from your Dell's motherboard. Set each module outside the computer case.
6. Check to see if your Dell model has any expansion cards connected to the card ports at the bottom-left end of the motherboard. Remove the locking screw at the left end of each card and pull the cards off the motherboard.
7. Locate the cooling fan and heat sink assembly that cover the motherboard's processor. The assembly is positioned near the middle of the motherboard and consists of both a plastic fan and a ridged metal heat sink.
8. Remove the screws holding the fan and heat sink in place, or instead snap down the metal clamps if your Dell model doesn't use screws. Lift the fan and heat sink off the processor and set them outside the computer. Avoid touching the bottom of the heat sink, as oils from your skin will damage the component.
9. Find the locking arm positioned to the side of the square processor. Grip the arm and pull upward to release the processor from its motherboard socket. Pull the processor off the motherboard.
10. Remove the Phillips screws at the top and bottom of the motherboard. The number of screws present will vary between Dell models, but is usually either six or eight.
11. Lift the entire motherboard out of the computer case. Set your replacement board inside the case and line up the expansion card ports with the holes at the back end of the case. Replace the screws you removed earlier to lock the motherboard in place.
12. Reassemble all of the computer's internal components you removed earlier. Replace the computer's side panel and plug in each of the various device cables.
Tags: your Dell, heat sink, side panel, computer case, Dell computer, Dell model, release button