Installing processor

I am purchasing a barebones notebook computer, with the intention of buying a pentium m, ram, and hard drive aftermarket. I am pretty sure on installing the hard drive and ram, but how exactly is the processor put in? Do I just snap it into its module, or is there something more complicated?

 

I'd say it's similar to installing the processor of a desktop other then the fact that it's a little harder to get at it also depends what type of laptop is it like the manafacture and probley the socket type too I am 15 and I have a hp dv4000:hp: and I just took the heat sink off the other day (to clean it from the dust) and the processor was pretty exposed once i got the heat sink off and even that was easy getting off so like I said it depends what socket and/or mother board...but most likely it'll be either like u said a "pop in" type or a type that is sorta like the ram slots where you put the ram in at an angle and then push it down till it clicks or is in all the way 'cept it wud be only a processor and not ram.

 

Here's a guide on how to install from Intel.

http://www.intel.com/support/processors/mobile/pm/sb/cs-007968.htm

 

Will I need to put in a heatsink or thermal compound, or does that come with the processor when I buy it?

 

Most of the time I don't think it comes with the proc. I have seen a few come with, but have crappy thermal paste.

 

So I'll need to buy thermal compound with the processor as well... how much does good thermal compound cost?

Here are my 2 choices:

Buy barebones laptop, buy Pentium M offline for $244, and thermal compound for ???

Buy barebones laptop + the processor preinstalled for $259

Which one...

 

Arctic Silver 5, I paid about 6 bucks off ebay for it. That was for my old desktop.

 

Will I need a heatsink or does that come in the notebook I'm buying?

 

The manufacturer of the barebone should include the heatsink as they are proprietary and specific to a laptop.

 

Also don't be tempted to slather on the thermal compound thinking more is better (as often people do). I recommend following the instructions:

http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_silver_instructions.htm

Notice that there is hardly any thermal compound visible when properly applied vs. what you'll normally see when people post pictures of thier "properly applied" thermal compound. This is because contrary to popular belief thermal coumpound doesn't transmit heat all that well -it just does it better than air.