Can I install a new cpu myself?

[compboyo]

I am a newbie. I can install Ram, HDD, gfx card etc..they are simple

BUt when my freind made my PC before he used like arctic seal? And some other stuff?

So, is it difficult and do I need to play about with the BIOS? or is that simple?

Installing gfx card was as easy as plug and play.

 

[olliez]

Installing a cpu is fairly easy, just remove the cpu cooler then there will be a lever to the side of the cpu this needs to be in the vertical position so it is unlocked from the motherboard. then you can just lift the cpu out by the edges of the cpu never touch the pins on the bottom. they are pretty much plug and play you dont need to change anything in the bios however you have to make shure the cpu you are installing has the right socket. when installing a cpu never push down on it as this will bend the pins if it doesnt go in properly then try to move it slightly also make shure you line up the triangles at the corner of the cpu and socket.

any questions please feel free to ask!

 

[RJC]

You will need to check your BIOS revision, as you may need a updated version to run a newer cpu.

 

[Evoss]

Installation of a CPU is just as easy as installing RAM, but you dont push as hard. You have to be a bit more gentel with a CPU though.

Open the motherboard socket, open the CPU packet, place the CPU in the socket (make sure pins line up (there is a correct way), close the socket, apply thermal paste about the size of a pea, place CPU cooler on top, screw/fix in place, Your done!

Watch a YouTube video for a bit of confidence prior to installation.

Evoss

 

[kristmace]

As RJC said, your first job is to check compatability. Use CPUz to find out your motherboard manufacturer and number and check what bios you have. Go to the manufacturers website and see what CPUs are compatible with that motherboard and bios version. Upgrade BIOS if necessary.

 

[Hagar]

As a broad generality and it may get disputed, AMD processors are easier to get right than Intel because of the way they are installed.

AMD you need to ensure it is the right way around by lining the corner marks and you need to make sure all CPU pins are straight and it just drops into the socket before you lower the lever which will grip the pins.

Intel pins are in the motherboard socket and the underside of the processor is flat. You line up the processor with the notches and lower the lever to clamp the processor. My experience shows a lot more force is often required with these sockets which can be disconcerting to a new system builder.

Both types, you should use a finger just to hold the processor down as you clamp it in position.

You then carefully apply the chosen paste and spread it out thinly or allow the heatsink base to do this. I use a strip of plastic to spread a large rice grain size paste across and nearly to the edge of the processor.

Place the heatsink on top of the processor and applying a moderate downforce to keep it in position, start fixing it down, equally in each corner if bolted through the motherboard.

CONNECT THE CPU FAN NOW.

Do all this with the board outside the case if possible as it is much easier. use a firm antistatic non conductive surface such as a desk top and do not rush it.

 

[nightrider1470]

Only if you ask your Mum

 

[Joey1988]

Installing a HS/Fan for the first time can be a little fiddly but it's actually very easy. Go for it !

 

[HangTime]

Installation of a CPU is just as easy as installing RAM, but you dont push as hard. You have to be a bit more gentel with a CPU though.

Not looking to dent the OPs confidence but I'd say that is a bit of an exaggeration when you add the hs/fan into the equation. I've been building systems since the 90s and I would say that cpu installations are much more difficult than memory, due to the following:

-Need to apply thermal paste
-Some heatsink mounting mechanisms can be awkward, I actually broke one the last time I installed a cpu, it literally sheared off as I was screwing it on (incredibly bad design, I am no expert by any stretch of the imagination but I am experienced in system building and I couldn't believe how shoddy it was)
-If you make a mistake it is more problematic to fix due to the above; with RAM you can just rip it out and start again, no need to worry about cleaning up paste etc
-RAM installation is very much a binary equation; either you've done it right or you haven't. Whereas with a heatsink installation as a novice it may be very hard to tell if you've done a fantastic job, a decent job, or a mediocre one.