Summary

20 IT Essentials: PC Harware and Software Companion GuideLab 11.4.1: Install a NICIn this lab, you install a NIC and disable an integrated motherboard network adapter. Referto the lab in IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software Labs and Study Guide, ThirdEdition (ISBN 1-58713-198-6). You can perform this lab now or wait until the end of thechapter.Upgrade and Configure a CPU and a Heat Sink/FanAssemblyOne way to increase the apparent power of a computer is to increase the processing speed.You can often do this by upgrading the central processing unit (CPU). However, there aresome requirements that you must meet:■■■■The new CPU must fit into the existing CPU socket.The new CPU must be compatible with the motherboard chipset.The new CPU must operate with the existing motherboard and power supply.The new CPU must operate with the existing RAM. The RAM might need to beupgraded or expanded to take advantage of the faster CPU.If the motherboard is older, you might not be able to find a compatible CPU. In that case,you would replace the motherboard.CautionAlways work on an antistatic mat and wear a wrist strap when installing and removing CPUs. Place aCPU on the antistatic mat until you are ready to use it. Store CPUs in antistatic packaging.To change the CPU, you should remove the existing CPU by releasing it from the socketusing the zero insertion force (ZIF) lever. Different sockets have slightly different mechanisms,but all serve to lock the CPU in place after it is correctly oriented in the socket.Insert the new CPU into place. Do not force the CPU into its socket, or use excessive forceto close the locking bars. Excessive force can damage the CPU or its socket. If youencounter resistance, make sure that you have aligned the CPU properly. Most have a patternof pins that will fit only one way. If there is a question, examine the new CPU toensure that it is physically similar to the old one.The new CPU might require a different heat sink/fan assembly. The heat sink/fan assembly,as shown in Figure 11-15, must physically fit the CPU and be compatible with the CPU socket.The heat sink/fan assembly must also be adequate to remove the heat of the faster CPU.