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Fitting the CPU and RAM
Fitting the CPU
By now you will have successfully fitted your motherboard
and installed your Adapter Cards. The Processor and Memory
can now be installed as follows.
Unpack the CPU (Central Processing Unit). Make sure at this
stage that you have your anti-static measures in place and
even briefly make contact with both hands on the metal of
the case to make sure. Try not to touch any exposed metal
pins or components.
'Socket' type CPU and connector
Note the darker, 'core' area on the CPU, where the heat is
generated.
If you take a look at both the CPU pins and the holes in the
socket you will see that in one or more corner there are
some missing pins (examine the upper and lower right corners
of the white socket in the picture below left.) This is the
'keying' method for this type of CPU.
Gently lift the free end of the 'arm' on the edge on the
socket until it stands upright. Align the 'missing CPU pins'
with the 'missing socket holes' and carefully drop the CPU
into the socket.
Be very
careful not to bend any of the CPU pins. They are extremely
delicate, and should one be moved out of alignment, it will
not be possible to fit the CPU.
Check that the CPU sits perfectly flat onto the socket and
is not raised at any corner. Lower the arm again to return
it to its original position. The socket will grip the CPU
pins and lock it in place.
Warning
Never
power up the PC without the CPU cooler attached!
Coolers for modern processors will require some form of heat
transfer material on the underside. This may be in the form
of a small 'pad' about 1 or 2mm thick. This will help the
heat to dissipate from the CPU core to the cooler.
Be sure to check the instructions that come with your
cooler, as in some cases, a thin protective film will need
to be removed prior to fitting the cooler to the CPU.
Failure to do so will cause the CPU to overheat very quickly
and destroy itself.
If this pad is not present, it may be necessary to use a
thermal paste.
Carefully, attach the CPU cooler (it will clip onto the lugs
on either side of the socket) and connect the power wiring
as necessary (see Internal Cabling section for help.)
Fitting the CPU and RAM
Fitting the RAM
Unpack the RAM (Random Access Memory). Make sure at this
stage that you have your anti-static measures in place and
even briefly make contact with both hands on the metal of
the case to make sure. We are going to make the assumption
that since your Motherboard is likely to be fairly new, you
will using DIMM memory. Do not worry if you are using SIMMs.
The procedure is exactly the same. Note, however, that SIMMs
must be installed in pairs.
A DIMM module and slots
As with the CPU's and Adapter cards, DIMMs have a 'keying'
system. Check with the Motherboard manual to find the first
slot (usually slot 0) and fill the slots in numerical order
as appropriate.
DIMM insertion is a simple case of pushing the small white
retaining clips slightly outwards, then inserting the DIMM
(with aligned key positions) into the slot. You will know
when it is fully inserted as the retaining clips will
automatically move into position and secure the DIMM.
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