I successfully pulled the old motherboard completely out of the case and removed the stock CPU cooler (heatsink + fan). The new refurbished DF42J motherboard arrived — it’s the exact right replacement. I took it out of the packaging and have it sitting on the table ready to go.
Current status:
- Old motherboard is out and aside, with the CPU still safely sitting in the socket.
- The CPU cooler is removed and sitting in the open case (needs a good cleaning because of the old dried thermal paste).
- New motherboard is protected on the table with the CPU socket cover still on.
What’s left for next time:
- Clean the old thermal paste off the cooler and the CPU.
- Remove the CPU from the old board.
- Install the CPU on the new motherboard (align the triangle markers).
- Put fresh thermal paste on and reinstall the cleaned cooler.
- Move over the RAM, M.2 SSD, and any other cards.
- Put the new motherboard back in the case and reconnect all the cables.
I’m stopping here for today since I have work tonight, but I’m in a good, safe spot. Tomorrow I’ll pick it back up — probably starting with cleaning the cooler once I grab some compressed air.