Step-by-Step Motherboard Removal (ATX and BTX)
Step 1. Turn off the power switch and disconnect the AC power cable from the power supply.
Step 2. Disconnect all external and internal cables attached to add-on cards after labeling them for easy reconnection.
Step 3. Disconnect all ribbon cables attached to built-in ports on the motherboard (I/O, storage, and so on) after labeling them for easy reconnection.
Step 4. Disconnect all cables leading to internal speakers, key locks, speed switches, and all other front-panel cables. Most recent systems use clearly marked cables, but if the cables are not marked, mark them before you disconnect them so you can easily reconnect them later.
TIP: You can purchase premade labels for common types of cables, but if these are not available, you can use a label maker or blank address labels to custom-make your own labels.
Step 5. Remove all add-on cards and place them on an antistatic mat or in (not on top of) antistatic bags.
Step 6. Disconnect header cables from front- or rear-mounted ports and remove them from the system.
Step 7. Disconnect the power-supply leads from the motherboard. The new motherboard must use the same power supply connections as the current motherboard.
Step 8. Remove the heat sink and the processor before you remove the motherboard and place them on an antistatic mat. Removing these items before you remove the motherboard helps prevent excessive flexing of the motherboard and makes it easier to slip the motherboard out of the case. However, skip this step if the heat sink requires a lot of downward pressure to remove and if the motherboard is not well supported around the heat sink/processor area.
Step 9. Unscrew the motherboard mounting screws and store for reuse; verify that all the screws have been removed.
CAUTION: Easy does it with the screwdriver!! Whether you're removing screws or putting them back in, skip the electric model and do it the old-fashioned way to avoid damaging the motherboard. If the motherboard is held in place with hex screws, use a hex driver instead of a screwdriver to be even more careful.
Step 10. Lift the motherboard and plastic stand-off spacers out of the case and place them on an antistatic mat. Remove the I/O shield (the metal plate on the rear of the system that has the cutouts for the built in ports; and store it with the old motherboard
Follow @EugeneComputerG