Installing the CPU is the most delicate operation you’ll perform
when building your system. If you’re a ham-fi sted tyro or you’ve
got the coffee shakes really bad, get someone who’s more deft to
install your proc rather than risk destroying your motherboard. First,
remove the protective plastic shield covering the socket on your
motherboard (image A). Set this cover aside in case you need to
return the board (or store it). Many manufacturers will not take back
a board without this plastic shield in place. Now unclip the metal arm
alongside the socket and fl ip out the load plate (image B). To install
the proc, match the two notches in the CPU with the tabs in the
socket. Grasp the CPU with two fi ngers and carefully lower it straight
into the socket while keeping it parallel to the plane of the socket
(image C). Do not drop one side fi rst and do not slide the CPU
around in the socket, as you could bend the pins and kill your mobo.3
INSTALL THE CPU
We chose a retail CPU package, which pro-
vides a stock Intel cooler. Although Intel ships
different coolers with its CPUs, even the lowly
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 comes with a fairly
decent model. It’s quiet, effi cient, and easy
to install. A brand-spanking-new heatsink
should have thermal past pre-applied to it
(image A). To install the heatsink, match the
four legs with the holes in the motherboardand gently push them in. Each leg’s locking
mechanism should be in its install position
out of the box, with the arrows facing out.
Lock each leg into place by pushing on the
locking mechanism until it catches, using a
cross-star pattern (image B). To verify that
you’ve done it correctly, fl ip the motherboard
upside down. You should see the four legs
protruding slightly through the bottom. Ifone is not locked in place, turn the lock-
ing mechanism counterclockwise—so the
arrow faces in (you may need to use a slotted
screwdriver to do this). Pull the leg straight
up, turn it clockwise, and try again. Now plug
the four-pin power cable into the four-pin
mobo header labeled “CPU fan.”4
ADD CPU COOLING
22 MAXIMUMPC | APR 08 | http://www.maximumpc.com
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$1,500 PC