Not many users have to deal with the assembly of the system. A computer is not so difficult to assemble on your own, but still there are many nuances in this business that you will encounter. For example, not everyone knows how to install a processor on a motherboard.
CPU and motherboard
Before you figure out how to properly install the processor on the motherboard, you should understand the task of these two components.
In order not to go into technical details, it is best expressed figuratively. For example, a motherboard is the nervous system of a PC. Due to the huge number of microcircuits, each component receives the necessary amount of electric current. Thus, all the elements will begin to work.
The processor in this case plays the role of the brain. This is a computing chip that is responsible for the results of any system task. It is also one of the main components that will help launch the OS and work with any program. But, of course, for this you need a RAM module, a hard drive and a power supply.
CPU installation
How to install the processor on the motherboard with your own hands? Enough to figure out its configuration. The chip must be installed in a connector on the board called a socket. As technology advances inexorably, this connector is constantly changing.
Intel and AMD have a huge number of sockets that are suitable for certain generations of processors. Each chip has a certain number of legs with a special placement. It is installed in the socket and should ideally fit the socket. Typically, the surface of the chip is covered with thermal grease, and a cooler with a radiator is installed on top.
The cooling system is also important in the system, and without it the computer will not work correctly. Installing it is part of the chip installation process. It is important to carefully and correctly do whatever is necessary.
First step
How to install the processor on the motherboard? It’s easy to do, but you need to be careful. The most important thing is to choose the right chip format. The user will have to carefully understand all the possible options and examine the necessary information.
What you should pay attention to? Usually, when assembling a PC, the user selects the processor and video card, and after that he selects the motherboard. When choosing a chip, you should pay attention not only to the number of cores and the frequency of operation, but also to the socket. The most popular with Intel is Socket 1151.
How to install the processor on the motherboard? After determining the socket, you need to pick the same on the system platform. If the system is based on 1151, then you need to select the appropriate connector on the board.
Second step
If you install the chip in a new motherboard, you need to put the board on a special foam mat. It is usually available complete with the platform. So you can protect yourself from static electricity.
Now you need to consider the motherboard. The largest rectangular connector is a socket for installing a chip. Next to it there is a special lock, which must be raised. If we are talking about the system on Intel, you also need to remove the metal processor cover, which protects the legs of the chip. There is also an option with a plastic plug.
After the space for installing the processor is freed, you can get it out of the box.
Third step
How to install the processor on the motherboard? If we are talking about AMD, then you need to know one caveat: the chip comes immediately with thermal grease. On the one hand, this is good, since you don’t have to apply it to the surface of the processor yourself, on the other hand, you need to be careful and not lubricate it when installing the component.
With Intel chips, things are different. Most of the new models are not presented with thermal grease, but it is applied to the radiator or supplied.
To install the chip correctly, you need to consider the processor legs and socket. Depending on the location of the grooves, you will need to put a chip. It is also worth paying attention to the triangle in the corner. It is the guide for the correct installation of the processor.
Without using serious force, it is necessary to place the chip in the socket so that each leg gets into the holes. After that, it will be necessary to verify the correct installation, but in no case should force be used. At the end of the process, it will be enough to lower the latch lever or close the metal cover.
Cooler installation
When the user understands how to install the Intel processor on the motherboard, you will have to tackle the chip cooler. There will be nothing complicated if this is a proprietary cooling system (CO). But there is a difference in installing an Intel and AMD cooler.
Intel has 4 legs, which are ideal for four holes on the system platform. When installing the fan, you need to arrange everything so that the power is easier to connect to the connector. It is important that the wire does not hang down and does not cling to other elements. It is necessary to attach the cooler so that the legs fall into the holes and fix them.
AMD has a different mount. And if the question is how to install the processor on the motherboard, then you will have to figure out how to install the cooler. In the center of the radiator there is a bar with a hole in it. There is a special lever on top of the system that will help secure it to the board.
For proper installation of the cooler, you need to carefully attach it to the chip so that the lever remains on top. After you need to bring the lower and upper part into the grooves, and then fix the structure.
Chip replacement
Some users have to change the processor to a more powerful one. But for this you will have to remove the obsolete chip from the motherboard. To do this, disconnect the cooling system from the power supply, then remove it and get to the processor.
In principle, this process is no different from installing components. You need to do everything in the reverse order. The main thing to remember is that you cannot use force and sharply pull on a cooler or processor. Otherwise, elements on the motherboard may be damaged.
Thermal Paste Replacement
In this case, you will have to change the thermal grease. For some, this procedure can be difficult. But the matter is actually simple, because it does not require additional resources and special knowledge.
In general, a change in thermal paste is needed in any situation, since it is recommended to do this a couple of times a year. Therefore, the following information will be useful for all PC users.
So, for the replacement you need a cotton pad and alcohol. Thus, it will be possible to remove the old layer of thermal paste. Now you can start applying the protective layer. To do this, squeeze a small amount of thermal paste into the middle of the metal cover of the processor. Typically, an apple kernel is enough to cover the entire surface.
To distribute thermal grease, you need to use a special spatula or an unnecessary credit card. Also, some users advise using a syringe to distribute the protective layer.