C
OMPONENTS
43
T
O
REPLACE
A
CPU
You must follow standard electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions when you handle
electronic components. For more information, see
“Standard electrostatic discharge
1. Do one of the following:
• If you are installing a new CPU cooling assembly on an existing CPU, clean the contact
surface of the CPU to remove any old thermal compound residue. A thermal pad is
preinstalled on the underside of the new CPU cooling assembly.
Be sure to remove all thermal compound residue from the surface of the CPU. It may help
to scrape all the residue off the surface using the flat edge of a non-conductive tool. Then
use a lint-free cloth moistened with alcohol to clean the surface.
• If you are installing the existing CPU and CPU cooling assembly on a new motherboard,
clean the contact surfaces of the CPU and cooling assembly as described above. Then
apply fresh thermal compound to the contact surface of the CPU using the applicator
provided with the new motherboard.
2. Prepare the CPU socket by ensuring that:
• The socket lever is in the open position.
• The load plate is open.
3. Place the CPU in the socket (see
The CPU and the socket are keyed to ensure correct installation. The notches on the edges of
the CPU correspond with the two small posts inside the socket. Align the yellow triangle on
the CPU with the flat corner of the socket. A yellow arrow stenciled on the motherboard next
to the socket points to the flat corner. Do not force the CPU.
F
IGURE
20:
Locating the flat corner of the CPU socket
4. Close the load plate.
Flat corner of socket
