How To Install CPU

Installing A CPU

ALU performs all the arithmetic and logical operations, while the control unit acts as a supervisor and commands all the system components. Our experts are here to provide a guide on how to install CPU. The mounting of this component is effortless but requires extra care.

This installation is easy if it is performed outside the system casing. There is little room inside the case that may cause problems, so do it out of the box to get a lot of space. Intel and AMD are two significant developers to manufacture processing chips.

Their installation process is similar as Intel mounts the processor with push-pins while AMD with a retention arm. AMD also doesn’t provide an enclosure frame or bracket. Before buying a processing unit for your pre-build system, ensure it is compatible with your motherboard.

Intel and AMD use different sockets to produce different types of products for various users. While building a new system, ensure its compatibility with all main components.

CPU Socket

Step 1: Keep Your CPU Where It Is

Before making all the preparations, there is no need to get your chip from the package. It’s a delicate chip that could be damaged, so make sure all the arrangements are made before getting it out.

Before starting the installation, make sure to ground yourself to avoid the electrostatic current with the help of a wrist strap.

Unplug all the power cables, remove them from the system, and open the case by removing screws and side panels. Locate the motherboard, as it will keep your processing chip.

Ready To Install

Step 2: Ready Your Motherboard

We suggest you prepare the motherboard for installation. Draw out the motherboard from the case if you are replacing it while adding a new processing unit in a pre-build system. A cooling solution is installed on the top of the circuit. It’s a heatsink attached to a fan.

Remove the cooling solution to approach the processing unit. There may be different cables attached to it. Remove all of them to clear the path for accessing the circuit.

Note: Write down the sequences of detachment as you have to connect them again with the new central unit.

Find the socket on the motherboard and a metal arm is attached to the socket. It’s also known as the retention arm, which tightens the microprocessor to the board. This arm should be pulled slightly out of its socket while putting adequate pressure.

It lifts and shows the socket from the frame. Remove the old central unit gently in a straight-up motion to avoid damaging the pins. Some processing units may need to tilt slightly to move them out but ensure that pins are safe.

However, if you want to install it into a new system, pick your new motherboard, and you will see a plastic sheet covering the socket. Remove that covering sheet to open the socket space.

Here It Goes!

Step 3: Line Up Your CPU

Place the CPU into the socket posed on the circuit board. Try not touching the metal lid or underside as oil and dirt from your hands can pass on it and cause severe damage and affect the system’s performance.

You can align the socket in the right direction by picking it from the sides. There are indicators on the chip and sockets that help in placing it correctly. Align the socket and processor perfectly by looking for a small triangle indicator. The chip should be laid flat on the jack without pressing it hard.

Place It Nicely!

Step 4: Set The CPU Into Its Socket

It should slip into its correct place as soon as you line up your processor with the socket. If it seems out of place, gently move it around to place it perfectly.

Note: Apply the thermal paste before installing the cooling solution back into it. This paste helps to improve the performance of the cooler. Apply it in a pea size and spread it gently. Ensure bubbles are not produced while spreading as it decreases its performance.

Closing Retention

Step 5: Close The Retention Arm

Put the retention arm down to lock the circuit when placed correctly. If it resists back, that means it is not positioned perfectly. Recheck the placement and push down the metal lid. It requires adequate pressure but should be done gently; otherwise, you may damage the central circuit.

If the arm is pressed down, the chip is locked while the installation process is complete. After this step, the motherboard is ready to be placed in the system.

Place the motherboard back into the system and plug it into the PSU and cooling unit. Recheck to ensure that all the cabling and placement are correct. After this, place the panel sides of the case back and tighten them with screws.

Plug all the detached power and data cables and turn on your system to perform the tasks and activities.

Ready To Rock!

Note: Remember that the installation procedure for AMD items is the same as above. However, they don’t have any frame on the motherboard, so their position requires extra care.