Replace PC mainboard

Once the Zalman Heatsink is fixed to the PC mainboard, the mainboard need to be replaced into the PC case. The next few stages are the reverse of the first few stages.

Fix mainboard into case

Lift the mainboard back into the PC case and push it back on to the PC case screw supports at the back. Position the mainboard holes over the supports making sure that the external sockets are correctly located in the case at the back. Put the screws through the mainboard one at a time and screw in but do not tighten them yet. When all the screws are in, tighten them up. Make sure you do not over tighten them.

Replace the graphics card and any other cards e.g. PCI modem.

Fix chassis fan

Replace the chassis fan and any other components that you removed before you took out the mainboard.

Replace cables

Replace the internal cables.

First the mainboard power cables:

• EZ Plug (Molex) to right of  audio out sockets
• ATX 12V at top left 
• EATX power at top right.

Then replace the other cables:

• Hard disk
• DVD / floppy drive
• Front panel cables - speaker, power / reset switches, power / HDD LEDs
• Fans

Replace the external cables:

• Monitor / S video
• USB
• Firewire (IEEE 1394)
• Audio
• Network
• Modem (Ethernet / ADSL)
• Printer

The last cable to be connected should be the power cable.

You can now turn your PC back on and enjoy a quieter PC!

Monitor the temperature of the heatsink and check the airflow to ensure that the heatsink does not get too hot.  With a sensor on the two lower fins my heatsink heats up to 42 degrees Celcius. CPU = 32, mainboard = 32, Ambient room temperture 25 degrees Celcius.

Before and after views

Placing the mainboard into the PC case.

Details of Original
 Heatsink / Fan