Upgrade Guide

1. Remove the Old CPU

After you've done a complete backup, turn off your PC (but leave it plugged into a grounded outlet), remove the cover, and find the CPU. Usually, it's easy to locate, but you may have to unplug some cables or remove add-in cards to access it. If so, first note where everything is connected.

If your old CPU has a heat sink held on top by a spring clip, you may need a small screwdriver to remove the clip. If your CPU has a fan, disconnect the fan's power cable.

Very important: Before you remove the CPU, observe the corner that has a small diagonal cut indicating pin 1 (photo) and the corresponding pinhole 1 in the socket. Take careful note of the cut's position relative to the rest of the motherboard. You'll need to know where pin 1 goes when you put in the new CPU. (Hint: Use masking tape to mark the pin 1 location on the motherboard.)

The vast majority of computers made over the past three to five years have ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) CPU sockets. Touch a metal part of your PC's case to ground yourself, and with your other hand lift the lever that releases the CPU and carefully pull the chip straight out of the socket.