A CPU or central processing unit is a very important part of the PC. This part can significantly raise computer speeds to allow the computer to handle more demanding applications. On the contrary, installing or upgrading a CPU will require you to open the case cover and remove some components. Although some desktop computers may slightly vary from one another, the process of installing a CPU is similar to one another. For example, a computer case may have a case lock locking the case cover and another computer may not have this case lock. When a situation like this occurs, look around the case and try and look for things that might allow you to unlock the cover. Similar situations might happen when working inside of the computer. For instance, if you see a cable or a hardware component that is preventing you from installing the CPU, simply move it out of the way.
Step 1:
To start, open the computer case cover by pulling on the tab that locks the cover. While holding down the case lock, simply pull off the case cover.
Step 2:
Once the case cover is removed and the internal computer components are exposed, the CD drive must be removed in order to remove the heatsink. To remove the CD drive, first remove the power and data cables. Then remove one screw holding down the drive. Once the screw is removed, you will need to pull on a blue labeled lock on the right side of the drive.
The tab lock that locks and unlocks the CD drive
Once the CD drive is removed, the the other screw that is holding down the heatsink will be exposed. Pull off the CPU heatsink by unlocking it. A lock tab is located on each side of the heatsink.
Step 3:
When attempting to remove the heatsink for removal, the heatsink and the heatsink vent will detach from the CPU together.
Step 4:
Once you remove the heatsink and vent, the CPU will be exposed. You can remove the CPU by unlatching the latch that locks down the CPU. Unlatching the latch will allow you to remove the CPU. On this computer, the hard drive was unfortunately in the way. To remove the CPU, you need to loosen the hard drive to slightly move the HDD out of the way. Once the HDD is move slightly, the latch is able to fully unlatch the CPU.
