Your motherboard is the main circuit board where all electrical components and hardware devices connect with your computer. If your motherboard stops working, your computer will not work at all. When this happens to your Sony VAIO desktop computer, you may be tempted to go out and buy a new computer. While this is not a terrible idea, you can replace your VAIO desktop's motherboard for a small fraction of what it would cost to buy a new PC.
Instructions
1. Power down your computer with its current operating system. Unplug the power cable, and any external devices from the computer. Touch an unpainted metal surface to discharge static electricity from your body. This will prevent electrical damage to your computer while you're taking apart the VAIO. You may also use an antistatic wrist strap.
2. Rotate the computer tower so the rear panel is facing toward you. Pull on the side release panel in the in the upper right corner on the back of the computer. Grasp the right side access panel, and remove it from the computer to reveal its inner contents. Lay the computer horizontally on its left side on a flat surface.
3. Remove all PCI cards attached to the back panel. PCI cards generally include your video card, sound card and USB and/or serial data ports. Each PCI card is fastened to the desktop by a single Phillips-head screws. Lift straight up on each card to disconnect from each card's motherboard connector. Store the PCI devices in static-free plastic bags, if possible.
4. Locate the two memory slots near the bottom-left corner of the motherboard. Remove the memory module from each memory slot. Each card is secured in place by two plastic retaining clips. Remove the small, coin-cell CMOS battery from its socket situated next to the memory slots.
5. Locate the large power supply attached to the rear panel of the computer. Disconnect all cables extending from the power supply to the motherboard. Remove the single Phillips-head screw fastening the power supply assembly to the desktop's frame. Pull on the retaining metal tab on the top side of the power supply, and then lift the entire unit out of the computer.
6. Locate the CPU cooling fan revealed by the power supply. Disconnect its power cable from the motherboard, and then remove the Phillips-head screws securing it in place. Remove the cooling fan from the computer.
7. Lift straight up on the CPU chip's retaining lever to disengage it from the motherboard's CPU socket. Or, turn its flat-head locking screw in the counterclockwise direction as far as possible. Lift the processor out of its socket, and set it aside.
8. Disconnect all remaining cables and/or devices from the motherboard. Remove the remaining screws fastening the motherboard to the desktop's casing. Carefully lift the motherboard out of the computer, and set it aside.
9. Reverse this procedure to install the new motherboard assembly. All hardware removed from the motherboard must be transferred to the new motherboard as you reassemble your computer.
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