Eject your ExpressCard or ExpressCard dust shield if you want to transfer it to the new ExpressCard cage. Eject the card by pressing it in until it clicks, releasing it, then sliding it out.
Remove the 3.80 mm Phillips #1 screw securing the ExpressCard cage.
Remove the two 3.70 mm Phillips #1 screws securing the ExpressCard cage.
Loosen the five #1 Phillips screws securing the heat sink and clean it with compressed air
These screws are attached to the heat sink assembly.
Gently lift the heat sink from side indicated in the picture.
The heat sink may feel like it is glued to the chips because of the thermal paste. Gently wiggle the heat sink back and forth to help break it free.
Be sure to thoroughly clean off the old thermal paste and apply new thermal paste before reinstalling the heat sink. Follow our thermal paste application guide for detailed instructions.
Remove the four 3.70 mm Phillips #1 screws securing the motherboard to the lower case.
Gently peel the front bezel off.
Lift the motherboard out of the lower case.
If you are installing a new motherboard, make sure to transfer any remaining cables onto the new motherboard, as well as the CPU, RAM, modem, and Wi-Fi card.
Thank you for these directions!!! They made the tedious job of replacing the motherboard in my Inspiron 1525 much easier....only had to remove the motherboard one extra time to remove the modem and WIFI modem off the back as well as one cable that wasn't mentioned or needed to just get the motherboard out...Thanks again!!!