| 1. Before you begin... | | | | heat sink and the fan that will cool the processor. If |
| First thing is first, make sure that you have everything | | | | you bought an OEM CPU and a separate heat sink, |
| you need to get started. What good is it to get started | | | | you may need to spread a thin layer of the thermal |
| only to find you don't have everything necessary? This | | | | compound that came with the heat sink over the chip |
| can take quite a bit of time, but is well worth the effort. | | | | to ensure proper transfer of heat (some come with |
| Once you have inventoried everything it is time to get | | | | thermal compound already applied). Attaching the clip |
| started! In addition to all of your parts, you will need | | | | that holds the heat sink in place may require a fair |
| plenty of working space and two to three hours to | | | | amount of force. Plug the fan's power connector into |
| focus on the task at hand. Be sure to remember that | | | | the proper connector on the motherboard. |
| carpet, and/or static is your worst enemy. The static | | | | TIP: Choose the processor first: With the release of |
| electricity can fry your components and sometimes | | | | Intel's new Conroe processors Intel has surpassed |
| void any warranties you may have (be sure to check | | | | AMD as the leader in graphics processing. Not only |
| those warranties as well...sometimes you just get bad | | | | that, they have also managed to be more energy |
| components). A good accessory to have with you is | | | | efficient at it. Check the latest reviews...you will find this |
| an antistatic wrist strap - they are very inexpensive | | | | is not hype. Make sure you take extra time to choose |
| and can often be found at your local computer parts | | | | the right processor - it is definitely the most important |
| store for six dollar or less. A floor free of carpet is | | | | decision you will make. |
| your best place to build. Get your screw drivers, | | | | TIP: Choose the motherboard after selecting the |
| anti-static strap (strap it on) and download the latest | | | | processor: Make sure, when selecting your CPU, that |
| component drivers from the vendors' websites and | | | | your processor is compatible with your motherboard. |
| burn them to CD - often times the drivers that come | | | | This is indicated by the "socket" of your process - |
| with your product will be several versions out of date - | | | | check the detailed specs and you will find what |
| this can help by reducing stress later on. | | | | processors your motherboard supports. Some only |
| 2. Installing the Mobo (motherboard) | | | | support AMD; while others only support Intel and |
| Now we can begin with the good stuff: installing your | | | | certain types within each so be CERTAIN. Often times |
| mobo. Take the motherboard out of the anti-static | | | | you can get both your process and your motherboard |
| packaging and place it on top of the same bag. Be | | | | bundled - which means that your retailer has taken the |
| careful to avoid creating any potentially "fatal" static | | | | time to ensure that both the mobo and processor are |
| electricity. Now, install the CPU, heat sink and memory | | | | compatible - it is also a way to save a few bucks - |
| modules. Do this before you screw in the motherboard. | | | | not to mention saving time on the install. Socket A, |
| Since each motherboard is different, be sure to check | | | | Socket 939, and Socket 940 are designed to work |
| your user manual as it will help guide you during the | | | | with Athlon processors, while Socket 478 and the new |
| installation process. First, lift the lever on the processor | | | | LGA socket 775 are for Intel CPUs. The system chip |
| socket so you can install the CPU. Carefully line up the | | | | set (the chips that pass data between the peripherals |
| pins and place the chip in its socket; do not force it, it | | | | and the CPU) is the other component that differs |
| will not fit unless it is orientated properly. An arrow or a | | | | among motherboards; it determines which integrated |
| missing pin on one corner of the chip will show you | | | | components (graphics, sound, Ethernet, etc.) will be |
| how to line things up. Lower the lever and lock the | | | | included. I wouldn't count on using your integrated |
| CPU into place. | | | | chipset to run your games, but they are okay with the |
| Next, follow the manufacturer's directions to install the | | | | small things. |