CSS 10

Quarter 3 – Module 5
Rectify/ correct defects in computer systems and networks

What I Need to Know

The module is divided into 3 lessons, namely:
 Checking Motherboard Compatibility
 Removing Old Processor
 Installing New Processor

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Use appropriate PPE in line with standard procedures
2. Replace defective processor without damage to the surrounding environment or services

Lesson Checking Motherboard

5 Compatibility
What is It

1 Find your motherboard's documentation. The number one factor that determines what
processor you can install is the socket type of your motherboard. AMD and Intel use different
sockets, and both manufacturers use multiple socket types depending on the processor. Your
motherboard's documentation will provide you the necessary socket information.
 You cannot install an Intel CPU in an AMD motherboard, or vice versa.
 Not all processors from the same manufacturer use the same socket.
 You cannot upgrade the processor on a laptop.

2.

2 Use the CPU-Z program to determine your socket type. CPU-Z is a freeware utility that can
determine what kind of hardware you have installed. This is the easiest program to use to find your
motherboard socket type.

 Download and install CPU-Z from www.cpuid.com.

 Run CPU-Z.
 Click the "CPU" tab and note what is displayed in the "Package" field.
3 Visually inspect the motherboard if you can't find documentation. Open your computer
and find your motherboard's model number to look it up online.

4 Take your old processor to a computer store if you can't identify it. If you still cannot
identify the socket type, remove your old processor from the motherboard and take it to a computer
specialty store. One of the technicians should be able to tell you what socket type it is, and may be
able to make recommendations on what processors would be good replacements.

5 Consider purchasing a new motherboard if you want to upgrade. If you're trying to

upgrade an older computer with a newer processor, there's a pretty good chance that the sockets
won't match. As time goes on, getting a new processor that fits an older motherboard becomes more
and more difficult. Purchasing a new motherboard along with your new processor will make things
a lot easier.

 Note: If you're upgrading your motherboard, you may also need to upgrade your RAM, as old
RAM is often incompatible with new motherboards.
What’s More
ACTIVITY 5.1
What are the factors to be considered in checking motherboard compatibility of your processor?

Assessment
ACTIVITY 5.2
Directions: Arrange the procedures in checking motherboard compatibility by numbering them
from 1-5. Write your answers on your answer sheet.
______ Visually inspect the motherboard if you can't find documentation.
______ Use the CPU-Z program to determine your socket type.
______ Consider purchasing a new motherboard if you want to upgrade.
______ Find your motherboard's documentation. 
______ Use the CPU-Z program to determine your socket type.

Lesson Removing Old Processor

6
What is It
1 Open up your computer case. In order to access your processor, you'll need to open your
case. Shut down the computer and unplug all of the cables. Set the computer on its side with the
back connectors resting closest to the table. Remove the side panel using a Phillips screwdriver or
the thumbscrews.
2 Ground yourself. Make sure you are properly grounded before working inside your computer.
Attach an antistatic wrist strap to the bare metal of your computer case, or touch a metal water tap.

3 Locate the CPU cooler. Virtually all processors will have a CPU cooler installed on top. This
is typically a metal heatsink with a fan attached. You will need to remove this in order to access the
processor.

4 Remove any cables or components blocking access. The inside of a computer can be a

pretty crowded space, and there may be cables or components that are blocking part or all of the
CPU cooler. Detach anything you need to in order to access it, but make sure you remember where
everything was plugged in.
5 Remove the CPU cooler. Unplug the cooler from the motherboard and then detach it. Most
stock coolers have four prongs that can be undone with your fingers or a flathead screwdriver.
Some CPU coolers have a bracket on the back of the motherboard that must be removed first.
 After popping the cooler off of the motherboard, it will likely still be attached to the processor
because of the thermal paste. Gently twist the heat sink back and forth until it comes free
of the processor.
 If you're going to be reusing the CPU cooler on the new processor, wipe off the excess thermal
paste from the bottom of the cooler with rubbing alcohol.

6 Detach the lever on the side of the CPU socket cover. This will pop the socket cover up
and allow you to remove the CPU.

7 Gently lift the CPU straight out. Grip the CPU on the sides and make sure to lift the CPU
straight up so as not to damage any of the delicate pins. You may have to angle the processor a
little bit to get it out from under the socket cover, but make sure you are clear of the pins before
doing so.
 If you want to save your old CPU, make sure to store it in an antistatic bag. If you are storing
an AMD CPU, try to press the CPU into antistatic foam as well to avoid damaging the pins.
What’s More
ACTIVITY 6.1
How would you ground yourself?

Assessment
ACTIVITY 6.2
Directions: Arrange the procedures in removing old processor by numbering them from 1-7. Write
your answers on your answer sheet.
______ Open up your computer case.
______ Ground yourself. 
______ Remove any cables or components blocking access.
______ Locate the CPU cooler. 
______ Gently lift the CPU straight out. 
______ Detach the lever on the side of the CPU socket cover.
______ Remove the CPU cooler. 

Lesson Installing New Processor

7
What is It
1 Install your new motherboard (if necessary). If you are upgrading your motherboard in
order to use a new CPU, you'll want to do this first before proceeding. Remove all of the components
and cables from your old motherboard, and then remove it from the case. Install the new
motherboard in the case, using new standoffs if necessary.

2 Ground yourself. Double-check that you are grounded before removing your new processor
from the packaging. An electrostatic discharge can easily fry the processor, making it worthless.
 Touch a metal water tap again if you aren't sure.

2.
3 Remove the new processor from its protective bag. Be sure to grip it by the edges and
avoid touching any pins or contacts.
3.

4 Line up the notches or triangle on the processor with the socket. Depending on the
processor and socket you are using, you may have several notches around the edges or a small
triangle in one corner. These guides are designed to ensure that you are installing your CPU in the
correct position.
4.
5 Gently lay the processor into the socket. After ensuring that you have the processor
oriented correctly, gently place the processor directly in the socket. Do not insert it at an angle.

 You should never need to force the processor into place. If you apply pressure, you may
bend or break the pins, rendering the processor inoperable.

6 Relatch the socket cover. Once the processor has been properly inserted, close the socket
cover over it and relatch it so that the processor is securely held in place.

7 Apply thermal paste to the processor. Before installing the CPU cooler, you'll want to apply
a thin layer of thermal paste to the top of the CPU. This helps conduct heat from the processor to
the CPU cooler by removing any imperfections on the contact surfaces.
8 Secure the CPU cooler. This process will vary depending on the type of cooler you are
installing. Stock Intel coolers connect to the motherboard using four prongs, while stock AMD
coolers are installed at an angle in metal tabs.

 Make sure to plug the CPU cooler into the CPU_FAN connector on your motherboard. This
will provide power to the cooler's fan.

9 Plug in or reattach anything you disconnected earlier. Before closing up your computer,

make sure everything that you detached in order to reach the CPU has been properly reattached.

10 Close up your case. Return the side panel to its position and secure it with screws. Place
your computer back at your desk and connect all of the cables to the back.
11 Try powering your computer on. If you just changed the processor but kept the same
motherboard, there's a good chance that your computer will boot normally. Open CPU-Z or your
System Properties window (⊞  Win + Pause ) to ensure that your new processor is recognized.

12 Reinstall your operating system (if necessary). If you installed a new motherboard, or
installed a processor that is massively different than your old one, you'll likely need to reinstall your
operating system. If you're having boot issues after installing the new processor, reinstalling your
operating system should get you up and running again.

What’s More
ACTIVITY 7.1
What is the use of applying thermal paste to the processor?

Assessment
ACTIVITY 7.2
Directions: Arrange the procedures in installing new processor by numbering them from 1-12.
Write your answers on your answer sheet.

______ Ground yourself. 

______ Remove the new processor from its protective bag.
______ Relatch the socket cover. 
______ Plug in or reattach anything you disconnected earlier. 
______ Install your new motherboard (if necessary).
______ Secure the CPU cooler. 
______ Reinstall your operating system (if necessary).
______ Gently lay the processor into the socket.
______ Apply thermal paste to the processor.
______ Line up the notches or triangle on the processor with the socket.
______ Try powering your computer on.
______ Close up your case.

Key Answers

Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Lesson 3

What’s more
1. You cannot install an Intel
CPU in an AMD
motherboard, or vice
versa.
2. Not all processors from the
same manufacturer use
the same socket.
3. You cannot upgrade the
processor on a laptop.
What’s more
Attach an antistatic wrist
strap to the bare metal of
your computer case, or touch
a metal water tap.
What’s more
This helps conduct heat from
the processor to the CPU
cooler by removing any
imperfections on the contact
surfaces.
References
wikiHow. 2020. wikihow. January 31. Accessed May 14, 2021. https://tinyurl.com/ae7mswnv.