After preparing your motherboard for installation, this article will cover the install CPU on the motherboard tutorial.
We have come to a critical moment in building your computer. Remember the ESD precautions.
Make sure you are grounded while handling the CPU.
First, lift the lever on the side of the ZIF(zero insertion force) socket.
Now line the CPU up with the socket making sure that the keyed corner of the processor matches up with the similarly keyed corner of the ZIF socket.
Hold the chip by it’s edges as you gently lower it into the socket. The CPU should drop into place.
DO NOT use force on the processor. You may bend pins and permanently damage it.
If it doesn’t drop into place review the install cpu on the motherboard instructions. Make sure the keyed corners are aligned and the locking arm is up.
After it drops into place lower the locking arm.
Install the HeatSink
Thermal paste Install the heatsink next. Start by putting a small amount of thermal paste on the CPU. A little dab will do it. Spread it across the top of the CPU’s surface using a business card as a trowel.
Note: If your heatsink has thermal tape on it skip this step. Usually new heatsinks will have thermal tape. It’s only good for one use. In other words, if the heatsink/fan is used you will need to use thermal paste.
Next, affix the heatsink to the CPU. The trick is to lineup the clips with the retaining arms at the four corners of the ZIF socket.
Push each clip one by one into it’s respective retaining arm. You should here a solid click as each one seats.
Now rotate the levers at each side of the fan to lock the heatsink/fan assembly tightly against the CPU.
heatsink/fan If you have trouble with this procedure Intel and AMD provide excellent instructions with their retail boxed CPU/Heatsink sets.
Lastly, plug the heatsink fan power(three pin connector) into the proper connector on the motherboard (its labeled cpu fan or use the closest one to the CPU).
