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The PL-iP3/T appears to be solid and well made. The retaining mechanism is identical to the one on the Deschutes P2-400MHz processor that originally came in my Dimension XPS-R400. Once the unit is seated in the CPU slot, you just pop the retaining "ears" outward, locking the unit into the slot guides. The power lead can be used with a spare internal power plug, but can also be "daisy-chained" with an existing IDE device, in case you have no unused power connectors left.

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The "working side" of the PL-iP3/T shows a good cooling system, with a substantial aluminum heatsink topped with an Intel fan. While earlier prototypes used a different fan that was reported to be a bit on the noisy side, the Intel fan runs very quietly. I haven't tried overclocking the unit, but the cooling system looks like it should be up to the task.

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Here's the "old" Coppermine P3 processor, ready to be removed from my XPS-R. No retention mechanism was used, other than a good, firm seating in the CPU motherboard slot. Note that the fan lead (yellow & green wires) is still attached to a connector on the mobo, and needs to be disconnected before pulling the CPU.

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Click on pic to enlarge After disconnecting the fan, its just a matter of lifting STRAIGHT UP on the processor to remove it. For a tight slot fit, it may be necessary to gently rock the processor lengthwise while pulling up. Don't forget to remove/loosen any slot retention mechanism that may be in place on your particular machine.

For a "stock" Dimension XPS-R, the old Deschutes P2 CPU has a large brass-colored passive heatsink with a plastic retaining clip that must be removed first. And don't forget to pop the two retaining "ears" inward at either end of the top of the P2 processor module before lifting it out.

Now to install the PowerLeap unit!