Converting All In One PC to Tower PC

[tim_3_]

I have a dead HP Envy 23 touchsmart all in one desktop (d290) with a dead motherboard. Since my warranty refuses to replace my motherboard, I was thinking on harvesting parts from the 1 year old desktop computer and converting it into a tower. I know that a lot of the parts are specifically for the all in one, but the cpu is my main concern.
CPU-i5 3330s
My computer-http://h20564.www2.hp.com/hpsc/doc/public/display?docId=c03786242

 

[glamdringfh]

It looks like the motherboard uses a typical lever socket, so the CPU isn't soldered in. You should be able to take it out just fine.

To re-use the CPU you'll need to get a new motherboard that supports a 1155 LGA socket.

 

[DonkeyOatie]

The challenge will be the connections between the new tower and the old system for video, audio, and front panel.

What about the CPU? It's an LGA1155 CPU and will fit in any motherboard with an LGA1155 socket.

 

[tim_3_]

Thank you so much. I just wanted to get conformation before I start to buy anything.

 

[glamdringfh]

No problem!

 

[tim_3_]

Also, is it normal to hear a little grinding noise when putting in an intel cpu?

 

[glamdringfh]

Not really, though I suppose you might be hearing the lever mechanism.

The CPU should be gently placed down into the motherboard socket facing the correct direction. You'll know which direction to place the CPU in by matching up the golden triangle on one of the corners with the corresponding marking on the motherboard.

Once sitting correctly in the socket, the motherboard socket cover should be gently (but firmly) secured down. There is usually a lever here which get's pressed down and tucked away, though it might vary by motherboard.

There shouldn't be too much grinding going on during this process.

**Also, when handling the CPU try and only touch it on the very side of the chip, avoiding the gold pins underneath or the silver plate on top.

 

[tim_3_]

Yeah I am not hearing too much grinding. Does it matter if it is an ivybridge or sandybridge when getting a new motherboard?

 

[glamdringfh]

Ivy Bridge is the newer of the two socket types, so you'll want to be looking at those for better performance.