The Processor, or CPU, is a motherboard component that serves as the computer’s “brain.” The Processor’s primary function is to process data within the system.
The central processing unit (CPU) is composed of three components: the control unit, the arithmetic logic unit, and the register file.
These are broadly classified into two types:
- CISC (Complex Instruction Set Chip) architecture
- RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Chip) architecture (Reduced Instruction Set Chip)
These are further classified according to their core count, such as single-core processors, dual-core processors, quad-core processors, and so on.
Several reasons why learning how to remove the CPU from motherboards is critical.
If you’re experiencing system failures or constant freezing after a few minutes of use, including while gaming, your CPU may need to be replaced.
Another reason to upgrade is if the motherboard’s socket supports a faster processor than installed.
Taking a CPU from a motherboard is not a difficult task.
Nonetheless, it would help if you exercised caution to avoid damaging or ruining a functioning processor.
Table of Contents
What To Do First
Understanding how to remove and install components on your computer is critical.
Before you begin removing the CPU from your desktop, there are a few steps you must take, the first of which is to turn it off.
- Unplug all cables from the case.
To make the removal significantly safer and more accessible, you must disconnect all connections to your PC case.
Examine all wires attached to the front and back of your case and begin removing them properly.
Begin with the power cord, which connects to the AVR.
It is typically the thickest wire and is located near the top of the PC case’s back panel.
Following that, disconnect the network cable. This cord connects your desktop computer to the modem.
Proceed to other peripherals if you’re using a wireless network adapter.
Disconnect the monitor, mouse, keyboard, speaker, and headset, as well as any external storage devices, until no wires remain attached.
- Acquire Your Tools
As is the case with most peripherals, a screwdriver is required.
Even better, a good set of screwdrivers to effectively loosen or lock the components into place.
Additionally, it would help if you considered wearing an antistatic or ESD wristband or stepping on an antistatic mat.
If you do not have one, you can prevent static discharge by periodically touching a metal component of the casing while working.
- Discard the Side Panel
To gain access to your desktop’s internal storage, you must first open the PC case.
Depending on the screws used in your PC case, you can either remove them with a screwdriver or with your fingers.
After removing the screws, slide or nudge the panel to the left until it completely detaches.
If your side panel features an integrated fan, disconnect it from the motherboard before storing it.
- Unplug the computer (Optional)
To ensure that your Processor is excellent when you remove it, turn off your PC for at least two to three hours.
On the other hand, it is safe to unplug the CPU even if the computer is turned off for several hours.
In comparison to other peripherals, the Processor is a particularly delicate component.
Once the PC has been turned off, you can immediately remove RAM sticks, video cards, drives, and even the power supply, but not the CPU.
While some professional builders may argue that it should be fine regardless, it is always prudent to exercise caution.
- Clean Your Computer (Optional)
It is unnecessary to clean out the dust accumulated inside your computer whenever the CPU is removed.
Cleaning your computer regularly is a good practice.
Depending on the location of your system, you should dust the internal components of your computer every two to three months.
Dust may be causing your computer to run slowly or make a lot of noise as it attempts to function.
It is drawn in by the intake fan of your system, along with the airflow that cools the internal components.
Dust then accumulates on your computer’s components, trapping heat.
This can result in overheating your CPU and other components if you allow excessive dust to remain inside for an extended period.
If you’re having problems with your computer, one solution is to clean its interior.
That is why it is necessary to regularly inspect the inside of the case, not just when replacing or installing parts.
How to Disassemble a Motherboard’s CPU
- Disconnect the CPU Cooler
Begin by gently nudging the cooler in one direction until resistance is encountered.
Once you detect the impediment, reverse the motion until you encounter another.
In other words, remove the cooler using a very delicate back-and-forth twisting maneuver.
It would help if you had slight difficulty loosening and then lifting the cooler completely.
If the heat sink appears to be stuck to the CPU, you may warm the thermal paste slightly.
Warming the thermal paste with a heat gun may work, but you should exercise caution to avoid overdoing it.
You can also try gently nudging it to loosen it, but be careful not to apply too much force when doing so.
If you pull the cooler too hard, you risk yanking the CPU out of its socket.
This can destroy both the CPU and the connector.
Once a pin is retained within a socket, the motherboard is permanently damaged because the socket cannot be replaced.
With these possible scenarios in mind, always use gentle pressure when handling CPU components.
- Eliminate the Thermal Paste
Removing the thermal paste from the cooler’s base if you intend to resell or give away your current CPU cooler and CPU.
Once the CPU cooler is removed, the actual Processor becomes fully visible.
While in this section, it’s a good idea to wipe away any remaining thermal paste from the CPU.
Gently wipe any remaining thermal compound away with a microfibre cloth.
If the paste is too concentrated, warm the Processor slightly with a heat gun or hairdryer.
The elevated temperature softens the thermal paste, making it less resistant.
- Disconnect the Processor
To remove the processor from the motherboard, carefully unclamp and lift it out using the zero insertion force or ZIF lever.
In most cases, the CPU should easily pop out of the socket without your intervention.
If the Processor does not move for some reason, you can slowly lift it while applying just enough force to hold it.
Because the Processor is connected to the motherboard via extremely delicate pins, you should handle it with extreme caution.
If a pin is broken, the CPU is rendered permanently unusable, so proceed with caution when removing it if you intend to use it in the future.
Installing a New CPU
Unless you intend to disassemble your PC completely, you must replace the Processor you removed.
- Locate the Processor
You can then carefully unwrap the replacement CPU from its packaging and insert it into the empty processor slot.
Because the chip can only travel in one direction, you must know the corner indicators to ensure precise alignment.
Once the CPU has been fitted smoothly, you must lower the lever to secure it in place.
If you’re having difficulty, it’s possible that you made an alignment error.
If that is the case, gently lift the CPU and try in a different direction until the alignment is correct.
- Distribute Thermal Paste
Thermal paste, more commonly referred to as thermal grease, is critical for heat transfer from the CPU to the cooler’s heatsink.
Squeeze a droplet onto the center of your new CPU, but be careful not to apply too much.
You only need about the size of a tiny seed to cover the Processor’s surface area.
Do not be fooled by one of the internet’s most infamous PC building videos produced by a company called “The Verge.”
This video drew criticism from new, casual, and veteran technicians due to the builder’s excessive use of thermal paste.
When reattaching the cooler to the PC, you can distribute the thermal paste with various tools, but it’s more natural to use the heatsink that came with it.
Please remember that thermal paste is frequently pre-applied on new CPU coolers, and adding additional may cause issues.
- Concluding
Screw-based coolers comprise the majority of coolers.
Thus, all you need to do is ensure you’re using the correct bracket for the connector on your motherboard, align the screws, and secure them.
After applying the required amount of thermal compound, you must carefully secure the CPU cooler.
You can accomplish this by orienting the cooler horizontally relative to the motherboard.
Sure CPU coolers are secured with pins or tabs, while others are aligned with metal tabs.
Before installing the CPU cooler, gently press it down to evenly distribute the thermal compound in a small circular motion.
After installing the cooler, don’t forget to connect it to the CPU fan connector on the motherboard.
(FAQs) About How to Remove CPU from Motherboard
Can the CPU be removed from the motherboard?
Yes, but you must follow the proper procedures. If you are inexperienced, it is recommended that you avoid opening the CPU to prevent the risk of thermal burn.
I would recommend bringing the CPU to a personal computer service center located inside a Best Buy or a computer store. They would be able to assist you.
How do I disassemble the CPU from the motherboard?
This is quite simple. If you have screwdrivers that fit the screws, remove them. Otherwise, you will need to remove the ram. Several are clipped in.
Typically, the CPU is powered solely via the pins. Two pins generally are left unconnected. Connect those two prongs, and the CPU should come out.
How to disassemble a motherboard’s bios chip?
The procedure for removing the BIOS chip from the motherboard varies according to the type of motherboard you own. Generally, the BIOS chip is a detachable component.
It is typically concealed beneath a clear plastic cover. Remove the body with a screwdriver and press down on the chip itself. Specific older computers lack a removable BIOS chip.
In this case, you can replace the motherboard. The motherboard will include a special connector for the BIOS chip, which you will connect to the new motherboard’s particular port.
After that, you can remove the BIOS chip from the old motherboard and replace it with the new one.
How do I unplug the motherboard’s power cable?
To quickly disconnect the power cable from the motherboard, you may need to press the power cable connector while pulling the line out.
You can also unplug the power cable connector while relocating it to the motherboard if in doubt. This way, if you disconnect the power cable accidentally while pulling it out, you will avoid damaging the motherboard.
How to disassemble a gigabyte motherboard’s CMOS battery?
To access the CMOS battery on the Gigabyte GA-78LMT-S2 Motherboard, you must open the computer case. The CMOS battery is typically located in the motherboard’s lower-left corner.
A CMOS battery holder is located in the motherboard’s lower-right corner, between two banks of RAM.
To gain access to the CMOS battery holder, unscrew the mounting screws adjacent to it and remove the mounting bracket. Following that, carefully pull up the battery holder to remove it.
Conclusion
A computer’s memory and brain are the CPU. As a result, carefully removing a CPU from a motherboard is required. If you don’t do this correctly, you risk damaging your CPU and ruining your motherboard, which will result in your computer’s complete failure.
Now that you know how to remove the CPU from the motherboard, we wish you the best of luck.
Arun is a self-published author and blogger with a passion for sharing his knowledge and expertise on Tech with people who are looking to find the perfect content for their needs. He tries to furnish you with genuine content about gadgets & tech that can assist you with deciding whether a gadget is appropriate according to your requirements or not.
