Install The Processor Onto The Motherboard

Installing the processor couldn't be easier. I'm using the Thermaltake Volcano 9 CPU cooler which comes with a thermal sensor that can be used to automatically increase or decrease the CPU cooler fan speed based on the temperature of the processor. This is quite a slick little feature, but many CPU coolers, like the one I used when I built My Super PC based on the ABIT KR7A-133 motherboard don't have this extra gadget. In that case, the installation of both the processor and CPU cooler is even easier. If your CPU cooler comes without a thermal sensor and only has a 3-pin connector coming off the CPU cooler then you may find the Processor Installation page and CPU Cooler Installation page from building my ABIT KR7A-133 based computer helpful.

	The processor socket is the wide square in the right-hand portion of the motherboard in this picture.
	The processor is installed using Zero Insertion Force (ZIF). The ZIF is provided by the metal insertion arm shown at the bottom of the socket.
	Here is a view showing the underside of the processor. You can see that prongs are missing on two corners, just as holes are missing on two corners of the socket. This shows how to align the processor with the socket when it is ready to be inserted.
	The Volcano 9 CPU Cooler I'm using includes a heat sensor which tells the Volcano 9 how hot the processor is so that the Volcano 9 can automatically increase the fan speed of the CPU cooler if needed. Neat, huh? Many CPU coolers, including all the ones I've used in the past, don't have this kind of feature, which is fine, so these steps with the thermal sensor are not necessary.
	The thermal sensor is kept in place with the double-sided thermal tape.
	The wires running from the thermal sensor are very thin and fit easily between the prongs of the processor.
	Lift the metal insertion arm into the full upright position. Notice the holes in the socket in the upper right-hand corner and lower right-hand corner do not go all the way into the corner. The missing holes "key" the processor so that it can only be placed into the socket in one way.
	Align the missing prongs on the processor with the missing holes on the socket and insert the processor into the socket. The processor should lay flat and flush with the socket. It should not be necessary to press or force the processor into the socket. Lower the metal insertion arm to lock the processor in place. It should look like this.

Next: Computer Assembly - Install The CPU Cooler

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How To Build A Computer. Step By Step Instructions To Assemble. Skip To Any Assembly Step.

	Parts List [go]
	Tools [go]
	Antistatic Wrist Strap [go]
	Computer Case and Power Supply [go]
	Motherboard [go]
	Processor, CPU Cooler and Thermal Compound [go]
	RAM - System Memory [go]
	Video Card [go]
	Monitor [go]
	Keyboard and Mouse [go]
	Floppy Drive [go]
	Hard Drive [go]
	CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD RW [go]
	Sound Card and Speakers [go]
	Modem [go]
	Install the Processor onto the Motherboard [go]
	Install the CPU Cooler [go]
	Install the RAM - System Memory [go]
	Install the Motherboard into the Computer Case [go]
	Install the Video Card [go]
	Connect the Power Supply to the Motherboard [20-pin Connector  or  24-pin Connector]
	Connect the PN1 and PN2 Indicators to the Motherboard [KS-282 to EPoX 8RDA+  or  Sonata to MSI K8N Neo Platinum]
	Ready the Monitor [go]
	Ready the Keyboard and Mouse [go]
	First Boot [go]
	First Boot Common Problems [go]
	Install the CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD RW Drives [go]
	Install the Hard Drive and Floppy Drive [PATA Hard Drive  or  SATA Hard Drive]
	Connect the Speakers (if using built-in sound) [go]
	Second Boot [PATA  or  SATA]
	Configure the BIOS Parameter Settings [EPoX 8RDA+  or  MSI K8N Neo Platinum]
	Test The Hard Drive [PATA  or  SATA]
	Install a Second SATA Hard Drive For RAID (optional) [go]
	Install the Operating System - Windows XP [on PATA hard drive  or  on SATA hard drive]
	Driver Installation [go]
	How To Copy Big Files From Another Computer Using Just a Floppy Drive [go]
	Install the Modem [go]
	Install the Motherboard Chipset Drivers [EPoX 8RDA+  or  MSI K8N Neo Platinum]
	Install the Monitor Driver [go]
	Install the Video Card Drivers [EPoX 8RDA+  or  MSI K8N Neo Platinum]
	Install the Sound Card and Speakers [go]
	Install System Information Utility - EVEREST [go]
	Diagnostic Test - DirectX [go]
	Speed Test - System Memory (RAM) Performance [go]
	Speed Test - Hard Drive Performance [PATA and SATA results]
	Speed Test - CD Performance [go]
	Speed Test - Total System Performance [go]
	Stress/Torture Tests [go]
	Connect Front Panel Ports For Audio, Firewire and USB 2.0 [go]
	Install Rear Panel Ports For Firewire And USB 2.0 [go]
	Install The Computer Case Fans [go]
	Post Assembly Needs [go]
	Graduation [go]
	Video Card Driver Settings [go]
	BIOS Flash Update [go]
	BIOS Settings [go]

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