Install an Intel or AMD CPU Processor For Your Custom PC Build

Posted on July 1, 2010 at 6:20 am

Previously in the series, we introduced the basics of computer building and gave a comprehensive overview of each basic part that you will need for the PC build. We also went over what kind of hard drive, case and power supply to buy. At this point, it’s time to get started with the actual build and assembly of the PC.

Motherboard Intel

Step 1 – Installing the CPU

Installing the CPU processor for your custom computer build is quite easy. However, there are some certain things that you need to make sure that you don’t do. Check out the following steps for installing a CPU.

FOR INTEL MOTHERBOARDS AND CPUS

  • Unlatch the lock arm of the socket (processor holder) on your motherboard. This is normally done by pushing down slightly on the end of the latch and swinging outward. Once free, the lock arm should be at rest.

Intel Socket

  • Life up the socket cover so that you have access to the socket. It should swing open, with a hinged movement. You may have to unscrew a screw in order to lift up the socket cover, depending on what brand of motherboard you have.

Intel Socket

Open Socket

  • Hover your Intel CPU processor over the CPU socket, but don’t drop it in yet. Take a closer look at the CPU. There should be a mark in one corner of the CPU. There is also a mark on one corner of the motherboard socket. Find the mark on both the CPU and motherboard socket, and rotate the CPU so that it is aligned properly and both marks match up.

CPU Arrow

  • Once you have the CPU lined up properly with the socket, go ahead and drop it in, gently. The weight of the CPU should be enough to drop itself into the socket. Never push or force a CPU into a socket. Make sure that all pins are lined up correctly.

CPU Socket Install

  • Close the CPU socket cover and latch the lock arm back in place.

CPU Installed

FOR AMD Motherboards and CPUS

  • Unlatch the lock arm of the socket (processor holder) on your motherboard. This is normally done by pushing down slightly on the end of the latch and swinging outward. Once free, the lock arm should be at rest.

AMD Socket

  • Hover your AMD CPU processor over the CPU socket, but don’t drop it in yet. Take a closer look at the CPU. There should be a mark in one corner of the CPU. There is also a mark on one corner of the motherboard socket. Find the mark on both the CPU and motherboard socket, and rotate the CPU so that it is aligned properly and both marks match up.

CPU Arrow

  • Once you have the CPU lined up properly with the socket, go ahead and drop it in, gently. The weight of the CPU should be enough to drop itself into the socket. Never push or force a CPU into a socket. Make sure that all pins are lined up correctly.
  • Lock the latch arm back in place.

Congratulations. You have just officially installed your first part, and you now know how to install an Intel or AMD CPU.

Next up, we will cover the steps to installing the heat sink. Like the CPU install, Intel and AMD have a somewhat different process.

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2 Responses to “Install an Intel or AMD CPU Processor For Your Custom PC Build”

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  1. Install an Intel or AMD Heat Sink For Your Custom PC Build Says:

    [...] that we’ve got the processor installed on our PC build, it’s time to install the heat sink. Basically the heat sink in necessary because it draws heat [...]

    July 2nd, 2010 at 5:25 am
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  2. Install RAM Memory and Mount a Motherboard For Your Custom PC Build Says:

    [...] in our custom computer build, we covered how to properly install a CPU and install a heat sink. Now, it’s just about time to get the motherboard installed into the case [...]

    July 2nd, 2010 at 6:03 am
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