How To Properly Install The CPU
The CPU or Central Processing Unit is indeed the brains behind any computer system. Without the cpu chip, the computer simply can't do anything at all. The cpu has three sections, the ALU, or Arithmetic Logic Unit, the Registers and its Control Unit.
This chip transfer data to the other components of the computer via the system bus. This "Bus" is the physical wires used to send and receive data to each part.
The CPU accepts input, processes data,and provides output. The data must be stored temporarily or permanently and the computer's RAM memory becomes very important.
The importance of RAM memory becomes rather clear when you know just how the cpu chip handles instructions. As these chips becomes faster and faster, the ram memory must also keep up with the development and thus, become much faster as well.
There are several way you to determine which central processing unit is installed in your computer. Some computers will display a boot-up screen of system unit information. This information may include the hard drive size, ports installed, size of drives and memory installed. Here is where you may see the type and speed of your cpu chip.
Use diagnostic software that can be downloaded from most shareware sites. These utilities can help you determine which cpu is installed and will tell you a lot about the components in your system. Some older systems that don't show information during boot-up may require this method of finding your type of cpu chip.
Another method to determine your cpu type and speed is to remove the system unit cover and take a good long look at the chip. Look at the label on the chip to determine its model, speed,and the manufacturer. If a Heat Sink or a Fan is installed on top of the chip, you will have to remove these components to view the cpu label.
How to Install a CPU Chip
THE BASIC STEPS TO UPGRADING YOUR CPU CHIP ARE......
- Turn off and unplug the system unit. Disconnect any components that may be in the way of removing the system unit's cover.
- Remove the screws from the rear of the case and slide the cover away from the system unit case. Place the cover away in a safe place.
- Remove any and all electrical static charge from your clothes and body by touching a doorknob or any other grounded object. With the cover removed, now locate the CPU Chip.
- The CPU Chip will be mounted onto the motherboard in a socket and depending on the type of computer you have, the socket may be shaped in various forms. Older computers have their CPU Chip soldered onto the motherboard and will need to have the entire motherboard replaced instead of the chip. CPU chips use a Math Coprocessor which is placed inside the CPU chip to aid in the processing of mathematics.
- Some CPU chips are soldered onto the motherboard and can only be upgraded by removing and installing a new motherboard. This type of chip is referred to as the Proprietary CPU Chip. Before you consider upgrading to a more powerful processor, check your computer's manual to see if the CPU is Proprietary. If the manual tells you to consult will the manufacturer if you want to upgrade the processor, it's mostly likely a propriety Central Processing Unit.
- You may have to remove such components as the hard drive or an expansion slot to gain full access the the chip. Newer Tower units allow easy access by removing a couple screws and sliding the panel with the motherboard down.
Once the CPU is in plain view, grasp the lever on the Zero Insertion Force sockets and carefully but firmly pull the lever straight up. This lever is normally located on the side of the chip. Some chips may contain a clamp that must be removed as well. Check your owner's manual to see the components of your CPU. Some chips are covered by a Heat Sink and/or a Cooling Fan. These components will have to be removed and set aside. When inserting the new chip, place the beveled end of the chip to match the beveled end of the socket. This was designed so that the chip can be installed in only one direction.
REMEMBER:
Remember to be sure that the chip you buy is compatible with your system and ask if you can return the chip if there are any problems. Be sure that the upgrade will perform what you want it to do. Your computer's performance will improve with a CPU upgrade but you may need to add more ram if you want to improve your Windows programs.