Dell™ Inspiron™ XPS and Inspiron 9100
Service Manual
Removing the Microprocessor Module
CAUTION: Before performing the following procedures, read the safety instructions in your Owner's Manual.
NOTICE: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by
periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as the back panel) on the computer.
NOTICE: Do not touch the processor die. Press and hold the microprocessor down on the substrate on
which the die is mounted while turning the cam screw to prevent intermittent contact between the cam
screw and microprocessor.
NOTICE: To avoid damage to the microprocessor, hold the screwdriver so that it is perpendicular to the
microprocessor when turning the cam screw.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the system board, you must remove the main battery before you begin
working inside the computer.
NOTICE: To ensure maximum cooling for the microprocessor, do not touch the heat transfer areas on
the microprocessor thermal-cooling assembly. The oils in your skin reduce the heat transfer capability
of the thermal pads.
NOTICE: When removing the microprocessor module, pull the module straight up. Be careful not to
bend the pins on the microprocessor module.
To loosen the ZIF socket, use a small, flat-blade screwdriver and rotate the ZIF-socket cam
screw counterclockwise until it comes to the cam stop.
1
ZIF socket
2
screwdriver (perpendicular to microprocessor)
3
ZIF-socket cam screw
4
pin-1 corner
NOTE: The ZIF-socket cam screw secures the microprocessor to the system board. Take note of the
arrow on the ZIF-socket cam screw, which indicates the direction to turn the cam screw.
Lift out the microprocessor module.
Installing the Microprocessor Module
NOTICE: Ensure that the cam lock is in the fully open position before seating the microprocessor
module. Seating the microprocessor module properly in the ZIF socket does not require force.
NOTICE: A microprocessor module that is not properly seated can result in an intermittent
connection or permanent damage to the microprocessor and ZIF socket.
Align the pin-1 corner of the microprocessor module with the pin-1 corner of the ZIF
socket, and insert the microprocessor module.
NOTE: The pin-1 corner of the microprocessor module has a triangle that aligns with the triangle on
the pin-1 corner of the ZIF socket.
NOTICE: You must position the microprocessor module correctly in the ZIF socket to avoid
permanent damage to the module and the socket.
When the microprocessor module is correctly seated, all four corners are aligned at the same height. If one or more corners of the module are higher than the others, the module is not seated correctly.
Tighten the ZIF socket by turning the cam screw clockwise to secure the microprocessor
module to the system board.
Perform the steps in "Removing the Microprocessor Module" in reverse order, beginning
with step 7.
Update the BIOS using a flash BIOS update program floppy disk or CD. For instructions
on how to flash the BIOS, see "Flashing the BIOS."
