Installing the Motherboard, CPU
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Line up the ports on the motherboard (PS/2, USB, etc.) with the appropriate
holes in the back panel I/O shield of the case (see pic below).
Once the board is temporarily in place, observe which screw holes in the case
line up with the holes in the motherboard. These are where you will need to
place risers if they are not already pre-installed. Remove the motherboard and
insert the risers in the appropriate screw holes.
Step 3: Installing the CPU
Once the board is temporarily in place, observe which screw holes in the case
line up with the holes in the motherboard. These are where you will need to
place risers if they are not already pre-installed. Remove the motherboard and
insert the risers in the appropriate screw holes.
Place your motherboard flat on top of the anti-static bag it came in. Ensure
that the lever on the cpu-socket is upright (open). Holding the CPU gently on
the sides with thumb and fingers, lower it into the socket, ensuring that the
arrow on the CPU matches the arrow indented into the socket (see pic below). The
processor is keyed to fit into the socket a certain way, and only that way.
Very little effort should be required to insert the CPU in the socket. If you
cannot get the CPU to sit evenly DO NOT force it. Remove it completely and try
again. Ensure that the CPU is sitting flush with the socket on all sides. No
pins should be visible. Once you are sure the CPU is correctly seated in the
socket, lower the lever until it locks. This will require a small amount of
force.
Note: These instructions will work for any recent CPU/motherboard combination.
The orientation of the CPU may be different, but the method of inserting it is
the same for older socket chips; whether they be Intel, AMD or VIA processors.
This guide does not cover slot-based processors as they are no longer used.
