Socket-mounted Chips

• 1). Back up all of the important information on the device before attempting to replace a broken computer chip, if possible.
  
  
• 2). Turn off the power and remove the power cord. Connect the alligator clip from the anti-static wrist strap to a metal component on the case and put the other end on one wrist.
  
  
• 3). Place the ends of the chip puller under the ends of the chip to be pulled, ensuring a complete insertion of the tips of the puller under the edges of the chip.
  
  
• 4). Pull straight up in a quick, guided motion to remove the chip from the socket. Alternately insert a small flat blade screwdriver gently under one end of the chip and pry up a small amount, then place it under the other end and pry up a small amount, going back and forth until the broken chip comes loose.
  
  
• 5). Insert the replacement chip in the socket as indicated by the marking on one end for Pin 1, which matches the marking on the socket. This Pin 1 indication is often a small U-shaped indentation or marking on one end of the chip. Press the chip fully into the socket.
  
  

Soldered Chips

• 1). Back up all of the important information on the device before attempting to replace a broken computer chip, if possible.
  
  
• 2). Turn off the power and remove the power cord. Connect the alligator clip from the anti-static wrist strap to a metal component on the case, and put the other end on one wrist.
  
  
• 3). Trim the solder-removing copper braid wick, if there is any solder embedded in it, so that a fresh braid is available for removing solder.
  
  
• 4). Apply the tip of the solder-removing copper braid wick to the first lead on the chip where the lead meets the circuit board.
  
  
• 5). Press the hot electronics soldering iron to the copper braid wick until the solder is melted and drawn into the wick. Keep the soldering iron applied to the junction for no more than five seconds before pulling the soldering iron and the wick away from the junction. Using a fresh section of wick, repeat this process until no more solder comes off the junction, then repeat the process for the same leg of the chip on the back side of the board until the lead is free of solder all the way through the hole. Repeat this for each lead of the chip until the chip can be easily removed.
  
  
• 6). Remove the chip from the socket, noting the orientation and location of Pin 1 as indicated by a small triangular marking on one corner of square chips or by a small U-shaped marking on rectangular chips.
  
  
• 7). Place the replacement chip into the socket using the same orientation as the chip that was removed.
  
  
• 8). Clip one of the clip-on soldering heat sinks to the first leg of the chip, as close to the chip as possible.
  
  
• 9). Apply the hot tip of the soldering iron to the junction between the circuit board and the first lead of the chip for approximately one second before pressing the tip of the solder onto the junction. Allow some solder to flow into the hole and quickly remove the soldering iron and solder. If done correctly, the junction will have enough solder just to fill the hole, and the lead of the chip will protrude through the hole with a coating of solder on each side of the board. Remove the solder using the wick if necessary and try again if the connection does not come out looking similar to other solder connections on the board.
  
  
• 10
  
  Remove the heat sink and attach it to the next leg of the chip and repeat the soldering until every leg is firmly soldered into place. Inspect using the magnifying glass to detect any serious imperfections.