Upgrade computers - Installing a CPU

There are several different socket types available today, you must check your motherboard to verify what kind of socket it will accept. You also need to know what CPU type and speed it will accept. Most of the fundamental techniques are the same for each type though, so if you’ve got the right parts, these instructions will help you get the job done. For excellent deals on processors for the desktop, check out some killer deals online.

Installing a CPU

Power down the computer and touch the case to discharge and electro static buildup. Remove the case and locate the CPU. Remember that it is covered with a fan or heat sink, so look for those items on the motherboard. The CPU is usually located near the power supply.

Installing a cpu - Locate the CPU Fan

Now here it gets a bit tricky. There are some elaborate techniques by manufacturers to clip the fan to the motherboard and hold pressure against the CPU. You want to look for clips or hooks.

Usually a flat screwdriver is used to press a metal clip down and unhook it from the socket. See the pic below to see what I refer to.

Once the fan is unhooked, pull it off the CPU and you will see a handle on the socket. Pull the handle up and the CPU will come out by pulling straight up. There should be some dielectric grease that creates a bond for heat transfer between the CPU and fan. If you are reusing the fan, wipe this off and put new grease on before putting it on the new CPU.

Installing a cpu - Which way does it go?

After you’ve pulled the old chip, turn the new chip upside down and you’ll see that the pins are in a pattern and there is a corner or two that is offset. This makes the chip keyed so that you can’t plug it in wrong. Pin 1 is always clearly marked in some way. Your chip may not be just like this one, just note that it is keyed in a similar fashion. Line that up with the holes on the socket. (This is different for Intel’s new 775 socket, which doesn’t have pins!)

Put a new fan on - Installing a cpu

If you purchased a retail box, it will include a new fan and I would recommend replacing your old one. There may be a packet of grease included with the fan, or there may be some plastic covering a gray square on the bottom of the fan. Remove the plastic or apply the grease following the fan’s directions, also check out my article on installing a CPU fan. Clip the fan back onto the socket and plug in the power connector for the fan.

In most cases you are done, but bare in mind that you might have to change BIOS clock settings or even jumper settings on the motherboard in some cases. Most newer boards will detect the CPU and adjust themselves. Power up and remember, don’t let the smoke out!

That about wraps it up for my installing a cpu article.

More Build/Upgrade articles

Installing a motherboard
Installing a cpu
Installing a cpu fan
Installing memory
Installing a graphics card
Installing a sound card
Installing a network card
Installing a hard drive
Installing floppy disk drives
Installing a cd drive