When you think of
upgrading your notebook’s components, what comes to mind? Adding a
copious amount of RAM? Plopping in a larger, faster hard drive, or an
ultra-speedy solid state drive? Certainly those are most obvious
examples of bettering your PC. But you can also add extra performance by
replacing the CPU—which isn’t as difficult as it may sound.
The Tools
We decided to replace the 1.5-GHz Intel Celeron M processor that powers a four-year-old Lenovo ThinkPad Z60m with a 2.0-GHz Intel Pentium M760 processor (the other option for the machine when it was available for sale). We purchased the replacement CPU from eBay for $60 (you can also buy CPUs from such online vendors as www.newegg.com or www.tigerdirect.com), and a 3.5-ounce tube of Antec Formula 5 Silver Thermal Compound ($10; available at www.newegg.com), a paste which is used to wick heat away from the CPU. You’ll need a screwdriver for this operation, as well as rubbing alcohol.Step 1: Remove the Palm Rest
- Power down your notebook. Turn it over so its bottom faces upward.
- Use
the screwdriver to remove all visible screws so you’ll be able to
detach the system’s bottom. We recommend pulling out the battery and
hard drive as well, as there may be hidden screws that also need to be
removed
- Turn the notebook over. Carefully lift the edges of the
palm rest until you’re able to gently detach it from the base. Be
mindful not to lift it too swiftly, as there’s a cable that connects the
touchpad to the base.
How to upgrade a laptop's processor
Step 2: Detach the Keyboard
Carefully lift the keyboard and detach it from the notebook by unplugging the connection cable from the base.
How to upgrade a laptop's processor
Step 3: Lift the Heat Sink
Locate
the heat sink (the large, copper-colored metallic object) and remove
the screws that bind it into place. Beneath it you’ll find the processor
that you want to swap out.
How to upgrade a laptop's processor
Step 4: Remove and Replace the CPU
- Remove the small screws that keep the original CPU in place. Then, remove the original processor.
- Take
a look at the new CPU and make sure that the small, gold-colored arrow
on its face is positioned in the upper-right corner. Once you have the
processor properly positioned, insert it into the same place as the
original CPU
How to upgrade a laptop's processor
Step 5: Clean Off the Thermal Paste
Use alcohol wipes to remove old thermal paste that may be attached to the heat sink.
How to upgrade a laptop's processor
Step 6: Add New Thermal Paste
Apply
a small, but even amount of the Antec Formula 5 Silver Thermal Compound
to the dark square that’s located in the center of the CPU. Then, place
the heat sink on top of it. Press down firmly, yet gently.
How to upgrade a laptop's processor
Step 7: Re-assemble the Notebook
Reassemble the notebook and replace all the screws.
 |
| How to upgrade a laptop's processor |
Step 3: Lift the Heat Sink
Locate
the heat sink (the large, copper-colored metallic object) and remove
the screws that bind it into place. Beneath it you’ll find the processor
that you want to swap out.
 |
| How to upgrade a laptop's processor |
Step 4: Remove and Replace the CPU
- Remove the small screws that keep the original CPU in place. Then, remove the original processor.
- Take
a look at the new CPU and make sure that the small, gold-colored arrow
on its face is positioned in the upper-right corner. Once you have the
processor properly positioned, insert it into the same place as the
original CPU
How to upgrade a laptop's processor
Step 5: Clean Off the Thermal Paste
 |
| How to upgrade a laptop's processor |
Step 6: Add New Thermal Paste
Apply
a small, but even amount of the Antec Formula 5 Silver Thermal Compound
to the dark square that’s located in the center of the CPU. Then, place
the heat sink on top of it. Press down firmly, yet gently.
 |
| How to upgrade a laptop's processor |
Step 7: Re-assemble the Notebook
Reassemble the notebook and replace all the screws.
