Installing CPU

Installing the CPU may seem daunting for people who never built a PC before because it is the most important part of the computer. But in actuality it is not that bad if you have the correct information and tools. Its important to take your time on each step.

regular (+) screwdriver

Small (+) screw driver ( I recommend buying a pc screwdriver kit if you plan on doing more PC upgrades)

anti-static band

microfiber cloth

paper towels

rubbing alcohol

thermal paste (sometimes comes with the CPU or you might have to buy your own)

The first thing before you take apart your PC is to make sure your new CPU is compatible with your motherboard. The best way to find out if your CPU is compatible with your motherboard is by doing some research. The website I can recommend are CPU-Upgrade, PCPartpicker and CPU-World. What I like to do is go on PCPartpicker and pick all my parts out to see if everything is compatible with each other. If your motherboard is not compatible with your CPU, you would either have to change your motherboard or find a different CPU that works with your motherboard.

This step is optional but not required. I would recommend backing up your data because there is a small chance that you could lose your data. There are many ways you could perform a backup, I like to save everything on my USB. If you are unsure on which way to back up your data, you can check this link. I would also recommend updating your BIOS because it can help reduce the chances of coming across a problem. But also be careful when upgrading your BIOS because downloading the wrong BIOS update could brick your computer. You can follow these steps here.

Find a flat surface to place your PC, I recommend a wooden table or workbench. You could either wear an anti-static band if you have one or ground yourself by touching a metal object that is connected to the floor or other objects. You should avoid wearing any static clothes. Also have a bowl next to you so that you could place all your screws in it. Next unplug all the cables from your PC and place it on your workbench. Remove the screws from the top back of the PC to open up the left side of the PC. I would advise you to look at your PC case manual if that is not the case for you. Then place the PC on the side with the motherboard facing up.

You now have to remove the cooler in order to access the CPU. For most CPUs there should be a thumbscrew located on each corner of the cooler. Turn the thumbscrew for all four corners and before you lift up the cooler make sure you disconnect the power cable that is attached to the motherboard. If your cooler does not have the thumbscrew I would recommend you to look at your CPU cooler's manual.

After you remove the CPU cooler, find the lever located next to the retention plate. Next gently press down on the lever, you then should be able to life the retention plate. As shown in the picture, some motherboards have screws that hold down the retention plate. You will have to use the small screwdriver to unscrew. If everything is done correctly then the plate will lift. Next carefully remove the old CPU.

Locate the triangle on the CPU and the motherboard. Then align the CPU's triangle with the motherboard's. Gently place your new CPU down. After placing down the processor, it should be laying flat. Next lower the plate onto the CPU, and gently start applying pressing down on the lever. If at anytime you feel a bit of force pushing back on to your finger then that means the CPU is not properly seated. If that is the case remove the plate and make sure you placed the CPU properly.

I would recommend getting rid of the old thermal paste off your heatsink by using rubbing alcohol and a paper towel. After you clean the heatsink make sure there isn't any residue left. The simplest and most common way is to apply thermal paste is to put a small drop of thermal paste onto your CPU. The heatsink will take care of spreading the paste.

After applying the thermal paste, reinstall your CPU cooler. It is important that you carefully screw in everything tightly, but do not make it too tight or else it will break the structure. Make sure you remember to plug in the 4 pin back into the motherboard. After that you can put the left side panel back on and screw in the back screws. I recommend running a CPU intensive program so that the heat sink can spread the thermal paste equally.