PE3M Small Form Factor PC
Upgrading the System Hardware
Page 31
Upgrading the CPU
The CPU fan and heatsink must be removed to gain access to the CPU. While it is not necessary to remove the
HDD assembly as indicated in the section on Upgrading Memory, it may be easier to gain access to all the
screws retaining the CPU Fansink.
Removal Procedure
Switch off the AC supply to the unit. Unplug the AC input connector from the power supply unit.
Remove the top cover.
Remove the hard disk drive assembly if required.
Disconnect the CPU heatsink fan connector from the motherboard.
Remove the plastic air-guide from the CPU heatsink fan.
The heatsink is secured to the motherboard by the four outer screws and nylon spacers at the corners of
the heatsink.
Remove the four screws and withdraw the fan & heatsink assembly.
Ease the lever on the CPU socket away from the socket and lift it to release the CPU pins.
Lift the CPU from the socket.
Replacement Procedure
Replacement is essentially the reverse of the removal procedure, with the following notable points.
When fitting the CPU to the socket, care must be taken to align and avoid bending the pins.
Once the CPU is fitted to the socket, the top of the CPU and the heatsink should be wiped clean. Apply a
very thin smear of heatsink compound to the top surface of the CPU and spread it over the whole of the
contact area. It is important that the minimum amount of compound is used, and it is spread as thinly as
possible.
Loosely fit the heatsink & fan assembly to the motherboard using the nylon locking nuts. Using the play
in the heatsink, slide the heatsink on the top of the CPU to spread the heatsink as evenly as possible.
Then centralising the heatsink, tighten the fixings. The heatsink must be in firm contact with the CPU,
but not so tight that the motherboard is distorted.
The remainder of the refitting procedure is the reverse of the removal procedure.
Before finally fitting the top cover, apply the AC supply, switch the unit on and confirm that the fans are
rotating correctly.
Switch off and replace the top cover.
