Installing the motherboard

For the purpose of this guide we’ll assume you’ll be using a standard CPU cooler (the one that comes with the CPU). If not you might want to read the cooler’s manual, as some of the larger units require you to install a back plate to the motherboard to support the additional weight of the cooler. We advise that you install the motherboard into the case before you try installing the CPU and cooler, as you’ll have an easier time putting the board into place (because we wanted to take good shots of the CPU installation process we did not follow this guideline, so we installed both the CPU and cooler to the board before putting it into the case).

A final step remains before you can finally install the motherboard, and that is to prepare the IO shield. Press it lightly against its rightful place on the motherboard, so you make sure everything fits. If it does (and it should) it’s time to insert the motherboard into the case. Be careful not to scratch anything while inserting the board. This is also the time to put the shield into its place, so that the motherboard (once installed) will hold it firmly against the case.

Before you pull out your screwdriver make one final check that all the mounting screws are where they should be and that the IO shield is in its place. If you are sure everything is as it should be go ahead and start using that screwdriver like there is no tomorrow. You should have no problem screwing everything in, but make sure you do not exert too much force, as you could slip and damage something in the process (or strip a screw).

Installing the CPU and cooler

Next in line is (as the title suggests) taking care of the brain of your rig. Throughout this entire you should be careful not to touch the pins on the CPU and the CPU socket. You should also decide whether to use a custom thermal paste (such as artic silver) or the paste that is already applied to the cooler. If you plan to do any serious overclocking you should go with the first choice.

In the pictures above we are installing a Core 2 Duo CPU into its socket. The process is largely the same for other socket types as well, though both the CPU and the socket will look slightly different. The CPU will only fit its slot if it is positioned correctly, so there is little chance of damaging anything here (just don’t try to force the CPU into place – if turned correctly the CPU will slide right in).

This step is not necessary if you decided to go with the thermal paste that is already applied to the cooler. Before applying the new paste to the CPU you should make sure both the CPU and the cooler are clean and that there is no residue of the old paste. Once ready you should apply a small amount of paste to the CPU (see picture) and then use an old credit card (or something similar) to spread the paste evenly across the chip. After you are done the applied paste should be paper thin for maximum heat dissipation. Applying too much paste will have a negative impact on the temperatures, so you might want to start over if you applied to much paste. Because some of the thermal pastes such as the Arctic Silver have small pieces of metal (silver) in them you have to be careful that the paste doesn’t get into contact with anything else but the CPU surface.

Once the CPU is installed and the retention tab is sealed you should install the cooler. Before you put it into its place you should check where the CPU fan connector is located on your motherboard, so you can rotate the cooler appropriately. Installing the fan is a breeze after that – once the fan is placed on top of the CPU you just have to push down the fasteners. It is recommended that you push them down in pairs of two, using both hands on opposing fasteners to ensure that both snap into place at the same time.