How to install the Processor

NOTE: When handling a processor, NEVER TOUCH THE PINS. Always hold it from the sides and when working on computers always wear an anti-static wrist strap.

Installing the processor is a lot easier than it looks. Most of the new processors (AMD Athlon, AMD Duron, and Intel Pentium 4's) are installed the same way. Just follow these simple steps.

We also highly recommend watching AMD's processor installation video. Please note you will need to have Windows Media Player or RealPlayer installed on your computer to view the videos.
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1. Put on an Anti-Static Wrist Strap. Attach it to your wrist and then ground it to metal on the case. This isn't completely necessary but highly recommended so you don't damage any hardware. The slightest shock of static can easily damage components. Click here for anti-static wrist straps.

2. Locate the processor socket and lever. Look on your motherboard and you should see a socket similar to the one in the image below. This is where you will place the processor. Attached is a lever that locks the processor in place.

Lift the lever so it is vertical. This will prepare us for the next few steps.

3. Locate missing pin and check processor. First, read the manual. As computer technology gets more advanced, things change. Processors are getting smaller and their installation procedures might be different so please read the manual before continuing.

Most processors have an arrow or a cut corner. This simply tells you how and where to insert the processor because there should be a missing pin there if you flip the processor over. The image below shows you what the arrow looks like. If your processor doesn't have an arrow or cut corner, look at the pins on the bottom, in one of the corners a pin should be missing. This is the corner you need to look for. It is a good idea to always turn the processor over and look for this missing pin so you can line up the corner with the socket in the next step.

Also look on the bottom of the processor to ensure no pins are bent. If any are bent, contact the company and have them send you a new one. Alternatively you can use a screwdriver and CAREFULLY bend them back, though this is NOT recommended as the pin will more than likely break off.

4. Install the processor. First, look at the socket closely for a missing pin hole. It should be located in the corner closest to the lever. You need to line this up with the corner on the processor with the missing pin.

Now ensure the lever is lifted up all the way in the vertical position. There is only one way the processor can be inserted so never force it in. Line up the missing pin corner closest to the lever and drop it in, it will literally fall into place if the pins are lined up with the holes. Once the processor is in place, slowly lower the lever until it is all the way down. The processor is now installed and locked in place.

You have now successfully installed the processor. Lets continue on and install the heat sink.