Dell Optiplex 745 Ultra Small Form Factor Motherboard Replacement

Written By: donnavon

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Dell Optiplex 745 Ultra Small Form Factor Motherboard Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

45 minutes - 1 hour

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the motherboard from the computer. Take proper precautions to prevent risk of electrical shock. Be gentle with computer components to prevent accidental damage to fragile parts.

Tools

Step 1

Make sure to shut down the computer! Go to the start menu and click shutdown from the power options first
Ensure all cables, speakers and other devices are unplugged and turned off before opening the computer case.

Step 2

Lay the computer on its side; you will see a blue knob.
Turn said knob 90 degrees counter clockwise.

Step 3

While the knob is still turned, slide the panel case forward about 1/2 inch, and then lift the panel off the computer.

Step 4

Ground yourself to avoid static from damaging any components. Either use a wrist strap and antistatic mat, or touch the metal computer case every few minutes.
Find the power and data cables connected to the hard drive, press down on the metal tab and carefully remove them.

Step 5

Locate the blue tabs shown on the left and right of the hard disk drive
Squeeze both tabs and slide the hard disk drive towards you, then lift the drive out of the cage.

Step 6

Press down on the two white tabs on either side of the memory module; the RAM will pop out.
Be sure you are grounded to avoid electrostatic discharge, and place your memory modules in an anti-static bag.
Make sure the notch in the RAM lines up with the notch in the slot. It should enter the slot with minimal force. If it does not enter the slot, check that you have the RAM lined up properly.

Step 7

Press the large button on the corner of the optical drive. Pull on the pop-out button to slide the optical drive out.

Step 8

Remove the blue shield by sliding it straight upwards.

Step 9

Pull back on the tab nearest to the front case fan.
Slide the CPU heat sink from under the clip and pull upward.
You may need to twist the CPU heat sink side to side to free it from the thermal paste.

Step 10

Ground yourself before removing any internal components.
Push release lever down slightly and away from CPU.

Step 11

Lift and rotate processor cover off of CPU.
Processor cover will remain attached.

Step 12

Using two fingers holding the sides, lift the CPU from the socket.
Do not touch the underside of the CPU or any of the pins.
When replacing the CPU, do not use excessive force.
Ensure to use the alignment-notches on the new CPU, when replacing.

Step 13

Unplug the power cable attached to the motherboard speaker.
Make sure to press on the release tab while removing the power cable.

Step 14

Remove four black 6mm #2 Phillips screws located at the back of the computer tower.

Step 15

While rotating the case-opening knob, slide the motherboard tray away from the front of the computer.

Step 16

Lift the motherboard from the rest of the computer case.

Step 17

Remove two silver 6mm #2 Philips screws from the Hard Drive Stand.

Step 18

Slide the Hard Drive Stand to left side.
Lift the stand, and disconnect the HDD fan power.

Step 19

Unplug the cable that connects the chassis intrusion detection switch, distinguished by its red wires.
Unplug the cable that powers the hard drive, which has orange, red and yellow wires.
Make sure to press on the release tab while removing the connectors.