There is something special about upgrading an old machine. When you open the side panel, remove dust gently, and replace the heart of the system — the CPU — the entire computer feels transformed. Today’s story is exactly about that moment: taking a ZBonx cabinet PC running a 6th-generation Core i3 processor and upgrading it to a much more capable Core i5 8th-generation CPU.
This article walks you through every step of the process: understanding the configuration, preparing the system, removing the old processor, installing the new one, checking for compatibility, verifying the display, and shutting down safely. Everything is explained as if you’re right beside the PC, learning through a calm, practical flow.
1. Before the Upgrade: Understanding the Existing Configuration
Before touching anything inside the cabinet, it’s important to know what the machine currently has. This gives you clarity and avoids confusion during troubleshooting.
Inside this ZBonx cabinet, the setup is quite typical:
- Core i3 6th Generation CPU
- 8GB RAM
- 2GB Graphics (Dedicated GPU)
- 1TB Hard Disk (HDD)
- SSD also installed for faster performance
This combination is good for basic work, but upgrading the processor can significantly boost performance — especially if you’re moving toward multitasking, programming, or moderate productivity tasks.
However, one crucial point must be mentioned here:
👉 6th-gen motherboards typically support only 6th and 7th gen CPUs.
👉 8th-gen CPUs usually require a newer motherboard (300-series chipset).
If your motherboard truly supports 8th gen, it must be a compatible LGA1151 (v2) board — sometimes sellers modify boards or supply updated BIOS versions.
To avoid confusion, I have adjusted unclear parts of the script but kept the story intact.
2. Shutting Down the PC and Preparing for the Hardware Upgrade
Before opening the cabinet, the system must be completely safe to work on.
A gentle shutdown is always the beginning.
Once the computer turns off, unplug every cable:
- Power cable
- HDMI/VGA
- Keyboard and mouse dongle
- Any USB devices
- Ethernet cable, if connected
The PC now becomes a safe piece of hardware you can open without worrying about electricity or short circuits.
3. Opening the Cabinet: Entering the Heart of the System
Opening a ZBonx cabinet is straightforward, but it needs patience.
The side panel usually slides off after removing two screws at the back.
The moment you lift the lid, you get a full view of the motherboard — CPU fan, RAM sticks, GPU, cables, and storage drives. This is where the upgrade will happen.
Take a moment here.
Let your eyes adjust to the layout.
This initial observation helps you understand where the CPU fan is and how the locking mechanism works.
4. Removing the CPU Fan Safely
The first physical step in the upgrade is removing the fan that sits above the processor.
The CPU fan generally has four twist-lock pins or screws.
In this case, the fan unlocks by gently turning it in the indicated direction.
A light twist…
A soft pull…
The fan comes off naturally.
Place the fan aside carefully — preferably on a clean surface.
At this point, you see the processor beneath, locked inside a metal bracket.
5. Removing the Old Core i3 Processor
This part needs calm hands and complete focus.
The processor socket has a lever or metal latch.
Lift it gently — never force it.
Once the latch opens, the processor becomes free.
But here is where many people make mistakes:
Processors must be removed exactly in the correct orientation.
Every Intel CPU has two small notches (cuts) on its edges. These notches ensure that the processor can be inserted only in the correct direction.
- Look at the notches.
- Memorize their position.
- This prevents incorrect placement later.
Gently lift the old Core i3 chip and keep it aside.
6. Installing the New Intel Core i5 (8th Gen) Processor
Now comes the exciting part — placing the new processor.
Unbox the new Core i5 8th-gen CPU and hold it from the edges only.
Never touch the golden pins underneath.
Align the notches exactly where the old processor was placed.
The chip should drop into the socket naturally — without pressing.
If you feel resistance, the alignment is wrong. Adjust and try again.
Once it sits properly, close the metal bracket and lock the lever.
This click confirms the new processor is installed correctly.
7. Testing for Display Before Installing the Fan
Many technicians prefer testing the system once before reassembling everything. This is helpful because if something goes wrong, you don’t have to remove the fan again.
Reconnect:
- Power cable
- Display cable
- Keyboard and mouse receiver
Press the power button.
If the display appears and you see the system begin to boot, you know the new processor is successfully detected.
However, one important warning:
⚠️ Never run a processor for more than a few seconds without a CPU fan.
It can heat up rapidly, causing shutdown or damage.
A quick test for 3–5 seconds is enough.
Once display is confirmed, shut down the system immediately.
8. Reattaching the CPU Fan and Applying Thermal Paste
Before placing the fan back, apply fresh thermal paste on the new CPU.
This ensures proper cooling and keeps the processor healthy for years.
Spread a small pea-sized drop in the center — the fan pressure will spread it evenly.
Now attach the fan back using the same locking mechanism.
Make sure the fan cable is connected to the CPU_FAN header on the motherboard.
Without this connection, the system may refuse to boot or shut down instantly to prevent overheating.
9. Final System Boot and Configuration Check
Once the fan is locked and cables are connected, perform a complete boot.
The PC powers on.
The display appears.
The system loads into Windows.
You open the system information page and confirm:
Intel Core i5 – 8th Generation
Everything feels faster — programs open quicker, tasks feel smoother, and the system breathes more easily.
The upgrade is officially successful.
10. Final Safety Thoughts
Upgrading a processor is one of the most satisfying hardware tasks.
But it must always be done with patience and clarity.
Disclaimer:
If you are unfamiliar with motherboard compatibility, BIOS versions, or socket types, always double-check before installing a new CPU. Using an unsupported processor may prevent the system from booting or potentially damage components.
Also, never run a processor without proper cooling for more than a few seconds.
11. Wrapping Up
From shutting down the PC to removing the fan, aligning the processor, testing the display, and verifying the final configuration, the entire upgrade becomes an enjoyable journey.
Your ZBonx cabinet PC, which earlier had a Core i3 6th-gen processor, now runs on a Core i5 8th-gen — giving it more power, longer life, and better performance.
Upgrading hardware is not just about improving speed.
It’s about giving an old machine a new identity.
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