How to Install a CPU Processor

Installing a CPU generally takes less than 30 minutes.

A computer's central processing unit (CPU), or processor, is one of the system's most important components. Whether you are upgrading your computer's processor or installing a CPU in a new computer, it's important to install the processor properly to prevent hardware problems or overheating. Installing a CPU requires little by way of tools and takes 30 minutes or less on average to complete. However, care must be taken while installing the processor to prevent accidental damage to the CPU or other hardware components.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Flat-head screwdriver
• CPU heat sink (new or previously installed)
• Thermal paste
• Thermal paste remover (if reusing a heat sink after removing a previous CPU)
• Anti-static wrist wrap

Instructions

1. Shut down your computer, allowing your operating system to close any programs that might be running before the shutdown occurs. Unplug the computer, then press the power button to discharge any electricity remaining in the power supply or other components.

2. Remove the screws on the back of your computer's case that hold the left side panel in place. Set them aside, then slide the panel toward the back of the case so that you can remove it. Lay the case on its right side in order to have easier access to the motherboard and processor socket. Put on an anti-static wrist strap to prevent damaging the computer.

3. Identify the processor socket among the other components. It should be just above the center of the motherboard, to the left of the computer's memory slots. If a processor is already installed in the computer, a heat sink with a fan will be mounted on top of it.

4. Unplug the heat sink's fan from the motherboard, if a heat sink is present. Look for a thin metal bar passing through the heat sink to help secure it to the CPU socket; if a bar is present, use a flat-head screwdriver to carefully pry it free from the socket post to which it is connected. Unscrew the heat sink and remove it.

5. Lift the CPU locking lever on the processor socket; if a processor is installed, it might shift its position slightly. If a CPU cover panel is installed, lift it as well so that you will have access to the socket. Remove the existing processor if one is present.

6. Line up the processor with the socket so that missing pins or guide posts are aligned to allow the processor to install properly. Lower the CPU into position, avoiding the use of force while inserting it into the socket. Use the CPU cover (if one is present) and the locking lever to secure the processor in the CPU socket.

7. Clean the contact panel on the bottom of the heat sink using thermal-paste remover and a clean cloth. Make sure that dust and gray or black thermal paste (if the heat sink was previously installed) have been removed before continuing with the installation.

8. Place a drop of thermal paste onto the processor, centering it among the processor cores if installing a multi-core CPU. Line up the heat sink with its mounting holes, then lower it into place and secure it using the heat sink screws. Plug the heat sink's fan into the motherboard using the three pins that are next to the processor socket and are labeled "CPU_fan."

9. Replace the left side panel of the computer and secure it using the screws that you removed when you first removed the panel. Set the computer upright again, then plug it back in.

10. Press the power button to start the computer. Wait for the initial loading screen (known as a "BIOS" screen) to appear, then press the indicated key on your keyboard so that you can enter BIOS setup.

11. Locate the processor-information section of the BIOS setup utility. (Its location will vary depending on the type and version of BIOS that your computer uses.) Make sure that the speed listed for the CPU matches that which is listed on the CPU's packaging, and then turn on features such as hyper-threading and virtualization support, if they are not enabled (and provided that they are listed as features).

12. Press the indicated key to save the changes to your BIOS settings and allow the computer to reboot automatically. Your operating system will load as normal once the reboot has occurred.

Tips & Warnings

• A locking tab or lever might be present to keep the left side panel from moving. If so, slide or move the locking mechanism to remove the left panel once you have removed the screws holding it in place.

References

• Intel: Desktop Processor LGA1366 - Boxed Intel Processor Installation Instructions (.pdf)
• PC Stats: DIY Guides - How to Install/Remove Intel Socket 775 CPU and Heatsink
• PC Mech: Build Your Own PC, Step 5 - Install the CPU