Tips for installing new CPU :S

Sarman · 24 Feb 2007 at 19:48

So I ordered all the components and they are set to arrive on tuesday, but as a first time builder, I am getting real nervous about installing the CPU because I just see it as being so delicate, and it doesn't help that I paid a large sum of money for this thing... so I would greatly appreciate it if those with some experience give me some expert advice so I can be more confident

Thank you!

Will_3rd · 24 Feb 2007 at 19:50

don't touch the pins for starters, is it a C2D? The LGA775 slot makes it relatively simple.

Just read the instructions and you should be fine.

Sarman · 24 Feb 2007 at 20:17

OK I wont touch the pins

And yea its socket 775...

Also one other question, I was reading the Zalman CNPS9700 manual and it was warning how the maximum weight of coolers is meant to be something around 400grams while the Zalman is somewhere around 700grams, and that they aren't responsible if you brake your mobo...

I am kinda worried about that warning also :confused:

ash_91 · 24 Feb 2007 at 20:31

I was pretty nervous aswell before i did it for the first time, but quite honestly all you need to do is take your time and it really is very simple, just make sure you follow the instructions.

labrat · 24 Feb 2007 at 21:20

"think twice, act once"

You'll be fine.

cheers

Will_3rd · 24 Feb 2007 at 21:26

Sarman said:
Also one other question, I was reading the Zalman CNPS9700 manual and it was warning how the maximum weight of coolers is meant to be something around 400grams while the Zalman is somewhere around 700grams, and that they aren't responsible if you brake your mobo...

I am kinda worried about that warning also

I wouldn't worry it's just lawyer mumbo jumbo.

Sarman · 24 Feb 2007 at 22:33

Will_3rd said:
I wouldn't worry it's just lawyer mumbo jumbo.

Yea I was thinking that, had to be sure though.

Thanks for the support guys I have confidence now :cool:

J1234 · 24 Feb 2007 at 22:55

Don't forget to add thermal grease between the cpu and heatsink.

Hxc · 24 Feb 2007 at 23:33

And when pulling down the restraining lever, don't be scared, it needs a fair amount of force to get into place.

DasFruitMachine · 25 Feb 2007 at 00:30

Just make sure that you don't drop anything (screwdrivers especially), and also ensure that you're not carrying static. The only really tricky bit is getting the CPU cooler on, but as long as you do this part in a well lit area on a flat desk or similar, it really isn't that bad. Make sure the screwdriver you're using is a good fit for the clip as you really don't want it to slip. Some of the clips are really tough to push down and it always makes me nervous, especially when they require a fair old bit of force. After you've installed the CPU & Cooler and put the motherboard in the case, there's nothing you can really do to break it short of a disaster occurring (like dropping a screwdriver onto your motherboard). Any mistakes made past that point tend to be minor or inexpensive (e.g. failing to plug in a fan or setting the jumpers on something incorrectly) and will just result in you having to spend a bit more time getting it right. If you're a first-time builder, it may put your mind at ease if you label all of your cables and make a check list. It's easy enough to follow motherboard manuals, but the documentation is so spread out that it's easy to forget to plug in the 4 pin 12v or a graphics card connector. Also pay particular attention to the case button wiring as it's always a total bugger to get right first time. I remember building my second PC about ~7 years ago and spending a couple of hours sweating over a dead CPU only to find I'd wired the power button incorrectly. :confused:

Isn't it about time that manufacturers made a single plug/socket for the common case connections? I mean it's really, really fun picking out + and - pins in a tiny little space and then aligning the motherboard manual with the motherboard to try and figure out which is which.... I can assemble a PC with my eyes closed most of the time, but that always makes me stop and think entirely too much. They could just consolidate all of those fiddly little connections into one connector and it'd save everyone a lot of time. >_<

Anyway as others have said, measure twice and then cut yourself when it all goes wrong. It'll be fine

Hxc · 25 Feb 2007 at 00:36

Most mobos are pretty resistant of screwdriver dropping anyway, I was twisting a screw on my DS3 and slipped and scraped accross it, no damage done though.

Little pins haven't been much of a problem, things have always been labled on the mobo in my experience.