Date: 10/30/06 (Computer Geeks)    Keywords: no keywords

I've replaced pretty much everything on a computer before (fan, drives, power supply, cards, the usual stuff) except the CPU. Because I'm n00b as far as ripping out and plucking in a processor, I thought maybe you guys can give me a few tips besides the ones I've seen on the internet.

Some considerations:

1. I assume that I can't just pull the processor with my bare hands. At least, I shouldn't. Does that mean I need to buy a "plucker" or something? How to pull without bending any pin.

2. Separate heatsink from CPU, then take out CPU? (I have this funny mental picture of ripping the heatsink off like the Incredible Hulk) Many guides just assume that I'm installing, and that's it.

3. I have socket 478 (2nd gen P4). I can't really see the old retention bracket. Does that mean it's not there and I need to buy a new one or what? Maybe I just need to look more carefully...

4. Cleaning heat spreader before applying paste.

Thanks.

Source: http://community.livejournal.com/computergeeks/995098.html