A VRM must be installed for each microprocessor installed. To locate
the VRM and microprocessor sockets, see "System Board
Components" or the interior service label.
For single-processor operations, the processor must be installed in
socket 0 and the VRM must be installed in connector 0. Processor
socket 1 and VRM connector 1 must be empty. To locate these
components, see "System Board Components" or the interior service
label.
For dual-processor operations, both processor sockets and both VRM
connectors must be populated.
For dual-processor operations, the two processors and the two VRMs
must be identical. If the processors do not match, you receive a system
message, the diagnostic lights indicate an error, and the computer may
not startup. If the VRMs do not match, the diagnostic lights will
indicate an error.
If installing a Dell processor upgrade kit for either single or dual
processors, remove and discard the original VRM(s). Then install the
VRM(s) from the upgrade kit. If you are not installing a processor
upgrade kit from Dell, reuse the original VRM(s).
If you are upgrading your microprocessor, keep your original
microprocessor heat sink and securing clips for future trouble-
shooting.
NOTICE: Before disconnecting a device from the computer, wait 10 to 20
seconds after disconnecting the computer from its electrical outlet. Before
removing a component from the system board, verify that the standby power
light on the system board has turned off. To locate this light, see "System Board
Components" or the interior service label.
For each of the metal clips that secure the heat sink to the
microprocessor, press down on the clip's latch to release it from
the heat-sink retention base. Then lift the clip away from the heat
sink (see the following figure).
Lift the heat sink away from the microprocessor.
NOTE: If you are upgrading your microprocessor, keep your original
microprocessor heat sink and securing clips for future trouble-shooting.
NOTE: Your microprocessor upgrade kit should include a replacement
microprocessor heat sink and two replacement securing clips.
NOTICE: If you are not installing a microprocessor upgrade kit from Dell,
reuse the original heat sink and securing clips when replacing the
microprocessor.
Removing the Microprocessor Heat Sink
Remove the microprocessor from its connector.
Your microprocessor uses a ZIF socket with a lever-type handle that secures or releases the microprocessor.
To remove the microprocessor, pull the socket lever up until the microprocessor is released. Then remove the microprocessor from the socket (see the following figure).
Removing the Microprocessor
Install the new microprocessor in the socket:
Ensure that the lever on the microprocessor socket is fully
extended to the release position.
NOTICE: When you place the microprocessor in the socket, ensure that the
microprocessor aligns properly with the socket. To avoid damage, you must
position the microprocessor correctly in the socket.
Align pin 1 of the new microprocessor with pin 1 of the socket.
NOTE: Pin 1 of the microprocessor is indicated by a small triangle in one
corner of the microprocessor. Pin 1 of the socket is indicated by a small
triangle in one corner of the socket. See "Installing the Microprocessor."
NOTICE: The microprocessor pins are delicate. To avoid damage, ensure that
the microprocessor aligns properly with the socket, and do not use excessive
force when installing the processor.
Carefully set the microprocessor in the socket and press it down
lightly to seat it.
Rotate the socket lever back toward the socket until it snaps into
place, securing the microprocessor.
Installing the Microprocessor
Install the replacement microprocessor heat sink:
NOTICE: If you are not installing a microprocessor upgrade kit from Dell,
reuse the original heat sink and securing clips when replacing the
microprocessor.
Remove the film covering the thermal grease on the bottom of the
heat sink.
Lower the heat sink to the microprocessor so that the heat sink fits
in the heat sink retention base.
For each of the replacement metal clips that secure the heat sink
to the microprocessor, fit the end of the clip that does not have the
latch to the heat sink retention base. Then, press down on the
clip's latch to secure the clip to the heat sink retention base (see
"Removing the Microprocessor Heat Sink").
Reconnect the computer and devices to their electrical outlets, and
turn them on.
NOTE: If enabled, the Chassis Intrusion option will cause the following
message to be displayed at the next system start-up:
ALERT! Cover was previously removed.
Enter system setup, and confirm that the top line in the System Data
area correctly identifies the new microprocessor. Also, confirm that the
values under the CPU Information menu are correct for the new
microprocessor.
Exit system setup, and then run the Dell Diagnostics to verify that the
new microprocessor is operating properly.
