Difficulty
Moderate
Steps
13
Time Required
10 - 30 minutes
- Left Panel 2 steps
- Right Panel 2 steps
- Graphics Card 2 steps
- Hard Drive 4 steps
- Motherboard 3 steps
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Introduction
The motherboard is the main body of a computer. Over time, computer components degrade and may need to be replaced. Replacing the motherboard can help make a computer run more quickly, smoothly and without errors.
Parts
No parts required.
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Remove the two Phillips #2 head 5mm screws from the back side of the computer case. You only need to remove the screws that hold down the panel.
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Next, remove the side panel of the computer case to allow access into the computer. Slide the panel towards the back of the computer and lift it up to remove.
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Remove two Phillips #2 head 5mm screws from the back side of the computer case.
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Next, remove the side panel of the computer case to allow access into the computer.
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Remove the Phillips #2 head, 5mm screw holding the graphics card in place.
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Press the latch on the side of the connector area to unlock the graphics card, and carefully slide the graphics card out from its slot in the computer.
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A good technique is to lay the computer onto it side, push the latch down and lift the graphics card out.
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Remove two Phillips #2 head 5mm screws holding the hard drive in place.
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Remove two Phillips #2 head 5mm screws holding in the other side of the hard drive.
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Slide the hard drive out from the metal casing.
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Remove the cables from the back of the hard drive.
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Begin to disconnect all cables from the motherboard. Many of the cables will have clips that need to be undone before you can remove them from the motherboard.
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Remove eight Phillips #2 head 5mm screws from the motherboard. Be sure to have your computer on its side, so that once the screws are out nothing falls and get damaged.
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Double check and make sure all wires and screws have been removed, then carefully remove the motherboard from the computer case.
To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
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Cal Poly, Team 4-5, Maness Spring 2015 Member of Cal Poly, Team 4-5, Maness Spring 2015
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One Comment
If you aim to replace just the motherboard, I don’t think removing the hard drive from the case should be neccessary. The point of removing SATA cable from the motherboard still stands.
This depends on the model of system. Some systems have a lever/latch to pull to release the cover. Many Dell and HP models use latches to open the covers (no tools required to open the system). Some systems need a screwdriver to remove the screws. Some are Phillips screws, others may be Torx.
Dave Ellefson - Reply