When assembling your own computer, attaching the motherboard to the processor (also known as the "CPU," for Central Processing Unit), is arguably the most delicate part of the process. If you do not have experience with this assembly step and have not read up on it, it is not very intuitive, unfortunately. Thankfully, the steps are not complicated. They just have to be followed closely.
Instructions
1. Insert the CPU in its slot on the motherboard. Ideally, you want your motherboard outside of the computer case for the installation process, to reduce obstructions. The motherboard should be on a table with a towel underneath it. The towel is there because we will be applying some pressure to the motherboard and we do not want to bend any pins or crack any chips on the underside of the board.
When installing the CPU, the unit must be properly oriented, or else it won't go in. There will be a notch or small arrow on one corner that corresponds to a notch or arrow on the slot. Once you have identified and lined up these markers, pull up the lever that's next to the motherboard's CPU slot and drop the CPU in. Then push the lever back down. If the lever resists, you may not have oriented the CPU correctly.
2. Clean the CPU surface to prepare it for the thermal conductor. It can't have any dust or oil on it, as this will reduce conduction. Dip your Q-tip in the rubbing alcohol, swab the top of the CPU, then wipe off the alcohol with the other end of the Q-tip. Do not use paper or a cotton swab, because these will leave behind strands of fiber.
3. Apply thermal conductor to the CPU. This will come in the form of grease or paste. Use your plastic bag as a glove and dab some of the paste or grease onto your gloved hand. You want an amount of material that's about the size of a grain of rice. Rub this material onto the CPU until you have a thin layer of it.
4. Clean the underside of the heatsink. Use the same method as you did for the CPU. At this time, if not before, it is important to verify that the heatsink is completely flat. Any irregularities can create air pockets, in which case the heatsink needs to be "lapped." Lapping means sanding down the heatsink until its surface irregularities are removed. See the link below in the Resources section for advice on lapping.
5. Attach the heatsink to the CPU. This step is actually easy. The difficult part is attaching the heatsink to the motherboard underneath the CPU. With such a wide variety of CPUs possible, you will have to consult your documentation for specific steps. But in general, the heatsink will be attached with screws.
Tags: thermal conductor