Installing the processor on the motherboard is a simple but responsible task that requires a careful approach. If you follow the instructions provided, then this procedure will not take much time. To begin with, it is worth deciding on the wishes for the new processor and the capabilities of the motherboard.
How to choose a processor
First you need to decide on the manufacturer. At the moment, there are two leading representatives in this area - AMD and Intel. Each processor is unique in its own way (generation, socket, specifications and features).
The installation of Intel processors depends on which generation it belongs to. For example, processors created for server tasks will not fit the gaming motherboards at all. Sockets for installation are also not the same, but socket 1155 is considered the most popular. Processors of the third and fifth generation are suitable for this socket.
AMD manufacturers currently have a common socket - this is AM3. Processors passing under the Ryzen brand are suitable for it.
The selection of a processor for installation also depends on the individual characteristics of the component itself and the user's needs. For everyday execution of simple tasks and launching simple applications, budget-type processors are suitable. Fans of the game world will need a processor with overclocking potential, but the price will be corresponding.
Motherboard selection
There is a reverse situation, when the processor is already on hand, and the motherboard is not yet. In this case, pay attention to the socket - it must support either Intel or AMD. Each processor can support a certain number of slots for RAM - this also must be taken into account.
AMD CPU Installation Instructions
AMD processors have contacts on the chip, so installing the processor does not take much time. In the event of an unsuccessful attempt, you can not only damage the processor itself, but also disable the motherboard itself. Mindfulness does not hurt.
At the connector from AMD, the base is completely plastic, and the leg is made of metal. Installing a new processor begins with this very leg - it needs to be brought into a vertical position. To correctly install the CPU, you need to clarify the location of the contacts on the chip or use the hint from the manufacturer - there is usually a small gilded triangle below the chip indicating the side of the installation. Next, you just need to lower the lever - and the processor is installed.
Intel CPU Installation Instructions
Unlike the previous representative, Intel developers decided to completely redesign, leaving the contacts on the motherboard itself. Before installing the processor, you need to lift the metal cover and look at the connector - on the sides there will be "keys" that correspond to the holes on the processor itself. Next, you just need to put the processor in the socket and close the lid. Omitting the locking lever, you can notice that the lid is slightly shifted forward - this manipulation is necessary for a tight connection of the processor with the contacts.
Thermal grease and cooling system
After installing the processor on the board, it is too early to start the system. The processor does not have its own cooling system, so you need to take care of a quality heat sink. Cooling installation is best done in the motherboard installed in the case.
First you need to apply thermal grease, which will provide better contact with the cooler. The most ideal cooling option is a tower cooler. The tower itself consists of copper pipes of the heat sink, radiator, fan or fans, power wires.
The number of copper tubes is very important, because the more they will be in the cooling system, the more heat they can remove from the processor. Then the tubes go into the radiator, and the fan cools it down.
The power cable, in which there are three or four contacts, is also important. A cable with three contacts will constantly maintain maximum fan speeds in the “tower”, which will negatively affect not only the noise level, but also the wear of the cooling system itself. An ideal option would be power to four contacts, where one is responsible for adjusting the fan speed. Again, such power can only be used for motherboards that support this connector. All that remains is to set the BIOS to automatically adjust the speed, and the cooler will be less prone to wear.
The cooler itself is selected according to two main components. This is the power consumption of the processor and the power of the power supply. When choosing a powerful cooler, you need to calculate the power of the power supply. The second item will be the processor power consumption. The characteristics of the coolers indicate the maximum power consumption of the processor with which it can work. If the cooling system is incorrectly selected, the processor will simply constantly heat up, disrupting the operation of the entire system and undergoing self-destruction.