Soldering mainboard ICs

[ginfest]

Hi all,
Not sure if this is the right forum, but here goes:
I ordered an Abit TH7-II mainboard/P4 1.6A/Rambus combo. (hasn't arrived yet). I have read that some/most of the i850 based mainboards only have 400 Mhz Rambus clock gens, but also read that some people are getting 133 Mhz plus (533 QDR) with these DRCGs.
JIC, I obtained two sample DRCGs (533 Mhz) from Texas Inst.
I was going to desolder the 400 parts and replace them with the 533 parts before I installed, figuring that at least , assuming the 1.6a/ rambus could do it, I could get 133 Mhz FSB , ie PC 1066.
I also ordered a matched pair of Samsung PC800/16 piece, which I understand should go to at least PC1066 better than the single-sided pieces.
Back to the soldering, I didn't realize these things were so small, I have soldered wire before, but nothing like this.
Should I attempt it, if so, what do I buy? I have a 15W soldering iron, is there special solder for ICs/PCBs? Also would need a magnifying glass, and anti-static workspace?
Seems I'm better off getting the job done by someone, but where should I look, what type of business, computer repair/electronics house?
I'm in Mass, anyone have any tips or know of a place where I can get this done?
TIA,
Mike G

 

[ojai00]

Some tips that I found:

"Take the soldering iron and some solder and rub the hot gun over the solder so it drips into the part you are soldering. Be sure not to use too much or to be too messy. You might cause a short by fusing additional devices to each other if too much is applied"

Soldering Tips

IMO, if you've never done this before, it would be better off to leave it to a pro. You might end up messing up your motherboad, or getting yourself hurt. Hope this helps, and if you do decide to do it yourself, be careful!

 

[ginfest]

Thanks for the post, I'm still debating, but I'll make damn sure before I start. BTW, good link, thanks again.
Mike G

 

[RickH]

No Way!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How many pins are there on the chip?? You have to heat up all the pins at the same time, with out getting the board too hot to remove the old chip. Even removing a simple mouse or keyboard connector is difficult. R

 

[Bleep]

There is a special soldering iron that has a flat like a iron to desolder IC's. You will have to do the bottom first and suck all the solder off the pins and lands before going to the top side of the board, on the top all the pins on one side will have to be desoldered first then the other side. This is not a job for the neophite. To much heat on the new chip is also a killer.
Bleep

 

[tm37]

Sound Like SMT (surface mount tech).

If you have never done it Find someone who has. Those chips Are very difficult to deal with. (I know I do this type of repair and I HATE IT)