7730G CPU upgrade Tutorial

stege Notebook Consultant

Reputations:: 11

Messages:: 157

Likes Received:: 3

Trophy Points:: 31

I've managed to upgrade from T5800 to SP9400, micro FCPGA (socketP)

Here's a quick guide:

Tools needed:

* small cross screwdriver (with a plastic tip point preferably)
* small tweezer
* small plier
* AS5
* old credit card
* a napkin
* one cold beer
* a good tune playing in the background

Steps required:

STEP1

Place the laptop on a bed (any soft surface). Remove the battery and power it on. (This will ensure that all remaining current in the capacitors is gone) Turn the beast on its belly and unscrew the 5 screws holding the back plate. (The screws dont get off, thanks to acer thinking we might loose them)

STEP2

Unscrew the 3 screws holding the CPU radiator. (The screws dont get off, thanks to acer thinking we might loose them)

STEP3

Turn the cpu retention screw from locked to unlocked position.

STEP4

Very gently, use a screwdriver to hold the CPU radiator and heatpipe lifted, while with your other hand (using a small screwdriver or a toothpick) try to remove the CPU from the socket and slide it gently bellow the radiator that you are precariously lifting.

STEP5

With the old CPU removed, here comes the tricky part. The cpu radiator, the surface that is in contact with the cpu die is filled with thermal paste, the hardened type. First of all, put a piece of paper on the cpu socket, beneath the radiator so the thermal paste remains will not clog the socket pin holes. You have to lift the radiator once again and try to clean the underneath surface with a piece of plastic (cut an old credit card, or bus card or whatever, hell cut a good credit card if you wish - its worth it!) 2cm wide by 5-7cm long, bent on the end like a spoon. Once you've managed to clean most of the hardened thermal paste, prepare yourself for the next step.

STEP6

Cut a piece of cloth and spray it with isopropylic alcohol / strong alcohol / aftershave. Put the piece of cloth beneath the radiator and clean the surface like you'll do a shoe shine (while with your third hand keep the radiator lifted ) The piece of paper still covers the socket. Picture attached.

STEP7

Remove the piece of paper covering the socket. Clean the remains of the thermal paste that you inevitable lost around the cpu socket. Take the new CPU and clean its die with isopropylic alcohol / x/ x - you know the drill. Apply some AS5 on the die. Use you finger to level the paste on the die. Once in your life, be cheap! Don't use the paste like
you use the ketchup in your burger.

STEP8

For the last time, lift the freakin radiator and VERY GENTLY slide the new CPU into the socket. You have a very tight space to maneuver so be extra careful. If you're a convinced alcoholic, now its the time to add some strong scotch along that beer that you've finished before even touching step1.

STEP9

While keeping a finger pushed on the center of the radiator (so a pressure is applied evenly on the cpu die) screw the 3 radiator screws back in.
Put the battery back in, turn the laptop in normal position, put it on a flat surface and finally say a little prayer.

STEP10

Power the thing on. If everything is ok, smoke should not come from it. If not, do not blame me. Still, if everything its ok, screw the 5 screws holding the back plate back in and enjoy your new CPU.