A Few Steps to Replace the Processor and Heat Sink

For a Dell Optiplex GX 280

1. Shut down the computer and remove the computer cover.
2. Remember that before you touch anything inside your computer, you must ground yourself.
3. First remove the heat sink shroud.
4. Remove retention module clips by pressing in on toward the center of the clips and lifting the clips (in Dell PC the clips are green, this was the most difficult portion of the task)
5. Next press on the retention base tab until the heat sink pop up slightly and then press out on the second retention base tab.
6. Lift the heat sink out and lay down on its side.
7. Next, push down and out on the socket release lever and open the processor cover.
8. Then lift the processor vertically.
9. Remember to not touch any pins inside the socket.
10. Align the pin-1 corners of the replacement processor with the socket and place the processor lightly in the socket.
11. When the processor is fully seated in the socket, close the processor cover and snap the socket release lever into place.
12. Then, check the bottom of the heat sink to determine if there is any thermal grease. Clean the bottom of the heat sink with a clean, lint-free cloth.
13. Apply the grease to the processor in three small spirals. Keep the thermal grease away from electrical traces, pins, and leads.
14. Replace the heat sink, put back the airflow shroud and replace the computer cover.
15. Lastly, using your parts warranty, you have less than five days to contact Airborne and have the old heat sink and processor shipped back to Dell before you are charged for the parts.