Processor Insertion

Now you will insert the processor into the motherboards processor socket. This process will vary a little bit depending on your processor socket type. This guide will cover the two most common types of sockets to give you a general idea. The documentation that comes packaged with your motherboard should contain more specific instructions. If you are still unsure of the process, I highly recommend looking up a video of the processor insertion procedure on a video sharing website such as YouTube. Failure to insert the processor into the socket correctly can bend pins on the processor or the socket potentially causing irreversible damage that is almost never covered under warranties! Knowledge is your best tool against making a mistake in this procedure.

LGA Type Socket

All modern Intel processors for the consumer market will use an LGA type socket. Insertion procedures for any LGA type processors should be very similar. LGA stands for Land Grid Array which means that the pins that connect the processor to the motherboard are on the motherboard. This means extreme caution should be used when handling anything near the processor socket. Most motherboards will come with a protection plate to prevent things from bumping the socket pins (1). This will need to be removed from the processor socket prior to installation (2).

(1)

(2)

Next, you will want to release the retaining bar on the processor socket. Push the small metal arm down with firm pressure and lightly push it away from the retaining clip (1) and then pull the bar up and away from the socket (2). Then proceed to pull the hinged retention plate back (3). This will leave the processor socket open for insertion (4).

(1)		(2)
(3)		(4)

Now it is time to seat the processor. Carefully remove the processor from its packaging. It should be handled just like the RAM and the motherboard, by only touching the edges of the processor (1). Note the notches in the edges of the processor (2). Line these up with the corresponding tabs on the processor socket and gently set the processor into the socket (3). There is no need to apply pressure to the processor when inserting it into the socket. This runs the risk of bending a pin on the processor socket. The processor should fit snugly into the depression in the processor socket (4). Now that the processor is inserted into the socket, lower down the retention plate (5) and secure the latching arm back in place (6). It might take some pressure to push down the retention arm into place on the first insertion.

(1)		(2)
(3)		(4)
(5)		(6)

PGA Type Socket

PGA type sockets are used by many older Intel sockets and the large majority of newer AMD sockets. They are the opposite of LGA processors in that the pins are on the processor itself. Insertion procedure for a PGA socket is fairly straightforward.

First, unlock the socket by pulling the retaining arm slightly to the side to get over the locking tab and pull it up (1). Next, remove the processor from the packaging and hold it only by the edges (2). Take note of the area on the socket and processor that are missing pins (3). This prevents the processor from being inserted incorrectly. Line up the missing pins on the processor with those on the socket and slowly lower the socket down into the socket. There should never be any need for pressure to be used in this procedure. All modern PGA sockets are Zero Insertion Force sockets, or ZIF sockets, meaning there is no need for pressure during insertion. Simply set the processor down gently slide it a little until it settles down into the socket. If the pins are going in only part way and do not want to seat all the way, it is possible that you have not unlocked the socket all the way. Make sure the locking arm is completely in the unlocked position (4). Take a look at the processor sidelong to make sure that the processor is completely seated. If not, possibly gently wiggle the processor or apply gentle pressure to the top of the processor.

(1)		(2)
(3)		(4)

Now that the processor is in the socket slowly return the retaining bar to the locked position (1). At some point along the way you may encounter a bit of resistance. This is normal. That is simply the pin locks engaging. Slip the locking arm back under the locking tab and you have now finished inserting the processor!

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Thermal Paste

Thermal compound is an important component in ensuring a nice cool processor. Thermal compounds allow better overall contact between the surface of the processor and the heatsink to allow better heat transfer. Many heatsinks will come with a thermal pad already applied to the contact surface of the heatsink (1). Although these pads are of lower quality than a aftermarket paste, for most applications it will be perfectly sufficient. Avoid touching this pad with your fingers because the oils on your hands will cause it to not do its job as well. If the heat sink you purchased did not come equipped with a thermal pad it would be strong advised to use a thermal paste to help the heat transfer between the two object. Without thermal paste minor imbalances in the mounting of the heatsink can cause hot spots to form which can damage the processor.

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Depending on the thermal paste you get application will be slightly different. Some come in a bottle with a tiny paint brush; some come in a squeeze tube. Apply a very small amount of the paste directly onto the processor surface. Some people like to take a clean razor blade to carefully spread an even coating of thermal paste over the contact surface. If you do this, use extremely minimal force. You do NOT want to accidentally scratch the top of the processor. Using a razor is not strictly necessary though, because when you put the heatsink on it will spread the paste pretty well by itself. Quantity is very important because too much can spread off of the processor when it’s squished down and get on neighboring components. The picture below should give you a general idea of how much to apply for each different processor surface (1). High quality thermal pastes are frequently non-conductive, but it’s easier to not take the chance.  Now that the thermal paste has been applied, it’s time to install the heatsink.

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