VARIOLITE Small Form Factor PC
Upgrading the System Hardware
Page 22
Upgrading the CPU
The CPU fan and heatsink must be removed to gain access to the CPU. This requires the removal of the
HDD/Flash Disk Assembly. There is a specific sequence that must be followed.
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.
Disconnect the IDE ribbon cable at the motherboard.
Disconnect the CPU heatsink fan connector from the motherboard.
The heatsink is secured to the chassis through the motherboard by the four outer screws and nylon spacers
at the corners of the heatsink..
Remove the four screws and withdraw the 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 assembly to the motherboard. 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. It is important that the screws are tightened progressively and evenly. Do not fully tighten
one screw before moving on to the next: this would prevent the heatsink from lying flat on the CPU. 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 fan is
rotating correctly.
Switch off and replace the top cover
.