This review will describe how to install a cooler on a processor. The following procedure will allow installation of the microprocessor cooling system without special problems. Recommendations will also be given regarding the correct selection of such a device.
What is this device?
Before installing a tower cooler on a processor or any other, we will understand what kind of computer component it is and why it is needed. Twenty years ago, CPUs consumed little electrical energy and were not very hot. Therefore, for their high-quality cooling, a radiator was enough.
Now the heat emission of microprocessors has increased. Therefore, in normal mode, they are cooled by coolers. If acceleration is performed, then an improved version of the fan is used, or even liquid cooling.
General cooler mounting procedure
The algorithm of how to install a cooler on a processor consists of the following main steps:
- Installing the CPU in a socket on the system board.
- Drawing thermal paste on a metal microprocessor cover.
- Installation of a cooling system.
- Connection cooler.
- Turn on the PC. Testing the performance of the computer.
CPU mounting. Its features
Before you install the cooler on the processor, we’ll figure out how to install the CPU. Since currently Intel chips are most often used as part of computers, we will begin to consider this stage using the products of this manufacturer as an example. Its computing platform is based on the LGA1151-v.2 socket. In this case, the central microprocessor is immediately installed in the guide metal frame and with the help of a special metal handle is lowered into the connector on the system board. First, you need to verify the correct location of the CPU key and socket label on the system board. They should be in the same corner.
AMD motherboards do not have a metal guide frame. Therefore, in this situation, it is enough only to install the chip with the key in mind and fix it with a plastic handle.
Thermal Paste Application
The next important step in the algorithm is the application of thermal paste. It removes the minimum air gap between the top cover of the chip and the surface of the cooling system. It is supplied in a tube or in a syringe. First, squeeze a little thermal paste onto the surface of the microprocessor. Then it must be carefully distributed on the CPU cover with a gloved hand or in any other convenient way.
Cooling system installation
First, let's figure out how to install a cooler on an Intel processor. As previously noted, the main computer platform of this manufacturer is the socket LGA1151-v.2. This company uses fans with four plastic screw fasteners in its computing systems. In this case, we deploy the cooler so that its four fastening elements coincide with the holes into which they must be twisted. Next, gently bring it to the system board and press firmly. In this case, the effort should be such as not to crush the latter. At the next stage, we tighten the screws in random order, only after that you can release the specialized fan. We check the quality of installation by checking the absence of cooler displacement.
If the AMD microprocessor is used, a completely different design of the cooling system is used. Its fans are fixed on the system board using two metal latches. First, one of them is mounted on the protrusion of the plastic retainer. And then the second is neatly pulled and put on the opposite fastener. After that, we carefully check the quality of the installation of the cooling system. It must be securely installed and locked. Again, we make reasonable efforts and exclude possible damage to the components of the computer system.
Commutation
Connecting the cooling system to the system board is the next step in analyzing how to install the cooler on the processor. As a rule, a three-pin connector on the system board is used for these purposes. Next to it is the CPU-FAN marking. It is to him that the wires with the connector from the cooler will connect. Then they must be carefully laid and, if necessary, fixed using plastic clamps for the installation of cable products. Then it is necessary to visually verify that the wires from the microprocessor fan under no circumstances fall on its blades.
Turn on the computer. Health testing
This completes the procedure for installing a cooler on an AMD processor or Intel. After the complete assembly of the PC and its full connection, it is necessary to test the computer for operability. There are two ways to test the performance of a microprocessor cooler. One of them is based on the use of the BIOS system. In this case, it is enough to press the F2 key or Del when turning on the computer. This information can be found in the manual for the PC motherboard. After entering the initial BIOS window, go to the PC Health tab. For this movement we use the navigation keys with arrows, and to select a menu item - Enter. This window should contain the item CPU Fan. Opposite it, the current number of revolutions of the cooling system will be displayed. If their number is in the range from 2700 to 3300, then everything is in order, and the cooling system is operating normally.
The second possible way to diagnose the cooler is through specialized software, which must be installed separately on a PC, for example, SpeedFAN. After its launch, this information can be clarified. But such utilities do not always produce the correct results. Therefore, it is recommended to determine the cooler speed using the BIOS system.
Selection recommendations
After we figured out how to install a cooler on an Intel processor or AMD, we will consider the main types of such cooling systems. Conventionally, such fans can be divided into two groups. One of them is air devices, and the second is liquid-based. The first group can be conditionally divided into ordinary and specialized solutions. The latest devices and liquid fans are used in cases where the microprocessor accelerates. But an ordinary cooler applies when the CPU is operating normally. It is starting from this simple condition that such devices are chosen.
Conclusion
In this review, not only how to install a cooler on a processor was described in stages, but also general recommendations were given on choosing cooling systems. The procedure for checking their performance is also outlined. There is nothing complicated in the above order; everyone can handle such an operation.