Computer processor
The processor handles the majority of a computer's calculations and prioritizes the order in which your components handle information. Without a processor, your computer wouldn't be able to do anything. Originally, processors contained the pins that would send data to the motherboard, but the new Intel processors are built for motherboards that have the pins located on the board. Installing a processor is not a difficult operation, but you have to be very careful, as even minor damage can render your computer inoperable.
Instructions
1. Find your processor slot on your motherboard. You will see a plastic square that is slightly off of center, with no large components directly next to it. You will also see a metal lever on one side of it.
2. Press down and out on the metal lever and then pull it back so that it rotates away from the processor slot.
3. Push down on the small metal tab on one of the edges of the metal and plastic load plate, the edge furthest from where the metal lever is currently located. When you push down, the load plate will release. Pivot it up and rotate it away from the processor slot. Push down on the metal tab on the load plate and remove the plastic cover.
4. Pick up your processor by placing your fingers on three of its corners. Pry off the plastic cover that is over the bottom of the processor.
5. Align the processor so that the numerous metal contacts are facing down and the two notches in opposite sides of the processor are aligned with the two tabs in the processor slot on the motherboard.
6. Hold the processor with two fingers and slowly and evenly lower it onto the pins of the processor slot.
7. Lower the metal load plate over the processor. Gently press down on the plate while you rotate the lever back into place, which locks it into place.
8. Hold your CPU heat sink by its sides and lower it over the processor. Align the heat sink so that the four legs fit into the four holes around the processor.
9. Hold the heat sink down with just a little pressure while you push down on each leg of the heat sink. You will hear a click when each leg locks into position.
10. Plug the fan's four-pin power connector into the slot on the edge of the motherboard. The slot is normally located near the RAM slots and is often labeled as "CPU_FAN" or something similar. Position the cable so that it will not get clipped by the moving fan.
Tags: processor slot, heat sink, load plate, metal lever, away from, away from processor, down metal