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Microprocessor and VRM: Dell™ OptiPlex™ GX115 System User's Guide

	Upgrading the Microprocessor
	VRM

Upgrading the Microprocessor

To replace the microprocessor, perform the following steps.

NOTE: Dell recommends that only a technically knowledgeable person perform the following procedure.

CAUTION: To avoid the possibility of electric shock, turn off the computer and any peripherals, disconnect them from their electrical outlets, and then wait at least 5 seconds before you remove the computer cover. Also, before you upgrade the microprocessor, see the other precautions in "Safety First—For You and Your Computer."

1. Remove the computer cover according to the instructions in "Removing and Replacing the Computer Cover."
   

CAUTION: The microprocessor and heat sink assembly can get extremely hot. Be sure the assembly has had sufficient time to cool before you touch it.

3. Remove the cooling fan/heat sink assembly from the microprocessor by pressing down on the inside edge of the green tab on the securing clip that holds the heat sink to the microprocessor socket (see Figure 1) and lifting the heat sink away from the microprocessor chip.
   
   The securing clip hooks over the tab on the side of the socket opposite the hinged end.
   

Figure 1. Microprocessor Heat Sink Removal

1 Securing clip 2 Press here to release securing clip

4. Remove the microprocessor chip from the socket.
   
   NOTICE: Be careful not to bend any of the pins when you remove the microprocessor chip from its socket. Bending the pins can permanently damage the microprocessor chip.
   

Your microprocessor socket is a zero insertion force (ZIF) socket with a lever-type handle that secures the chip in, or releases it from, the socket.

To remove the chip, pull the microprocessor-socket release lever straight up until the chip is released (see Figure 2), and then remove the chip from the socket.

Leave the release lever extended so that the socket is ready for the new microprocessor.

Figure 2. Removing the Microprocessor

1 Microprocessor chip 2 Release lever 3 Microprocessor socket

NOTICE: Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer.

NOTICE: Be careful not to bend any of the pins when you unpack the microprocessor. Bending the pins can permanently damage the microprocessor.

5. Unpack the new microprocessor.
   

If any of the pins on the chip appear to be bent, see "Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

6. Align the pin-1 corner of the microprocessor chip with the pin-1 corner of the microprocessor socket (see Figure 3).
   
   

   NOTE: You must identify the pin-1 corner to correctly position the chip.

The pin-1 corner of the microprocessor is the beveled corner. In Figure 3, the pin-1 corner of the socket, labeled "1," is the front-left corner of the socket as you face the front of the computer.

NOTICE: You must position the microprocessor chip correctly in the socket to avoid permanent damage to the chip and the computer when you turn on the system.

7. Install the microprocessor chip in the socket (see Figure 3).

1. If the release lever on the microprocessor socket is not fully extended, move it to that position now.
   
   
2. With the pin-1 corners of the chip and socket aligned, align the pins on the chip with the holes in the socket.

NOTICE: When you place the microprocessor chip in the socket, be sure that all of the pins go into the corresponding holes on all sides of the socket. Be careful not to bend the pins.

3. Set the chip lightly in the socket and make sure all pins are headed into the correct holes. Because your system uses a ZIF microprocessor socket, there is no need to use force (which could bend the pins if the chip is misaligned). When the chip is positioned correctly, press it with minimal pressure to seat it.
   
   
4. When the chip is fully seated in the socket, pivot the microprocessor-socket release lever back toward the socket until it snaps into place, securing the chip.

Figure 3. Installing the Microprocessor Chip

1 Pin-1 corners of chip and socket aligned

NOTICE: Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the back of the computer.

8. Replace the fan/heat sink.

NOTICE: You may reuse the heat sink with the new microprocessor. Once the new microprocessor is installed in the socket, use a flat-blade screwdriver to remove the thermal grease from the old microprocessor and place it on the new processor.

10. Replace the computer cover, reconnect your computer and peripherals to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.
    

As the system boots, it detects the presence of the new microprocessor and automatically changes the system configuration information in System Setup.

11. Enter System Setup and confirm that the Microprocessor option correctly identifies the installed microprocessor.

12. Run the Dell Diagnostics to verify that the new microprocessor is operating correctly.

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VRM

1. To remove the voltage regulator module (VRM), press on the levers of the VRM connector until the module is released and pops up (see Figure 4). Since there is not much room between the microprocessor heat sink and the VRM, you may have to use a plastic flat-head screwdriver to press on the levers.
   

Figure 4. Removing the VRM

1 VRM 2 VRM connector 3 Levers (2)

2. Install the VRM by inserting it into the connector until you hear the module snap into place.

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