STEP 4: THE CPU (THE PROCESSOR)
Read the instructions carefully, look at the parts, study the diagrams that came with your CPU and make sure you thoroughly understand what you are going to do before you try to do it. If you can not get something to fit do not force it and take a second to check all parts and your diagrams to make sure you are still doing everything right.
The details of the installation process differ in slight but important ways for each manufacturer’s processors, and even within a manufacturers product line. Therefore, for these details, you should rely on the instructions that are provided with the CPU.
The two things that will most likely go wrong with Custom Computer Builds are CPU and heatsink related. DO NOT do the following unless you want to waste the money you just paid for your CPU and motherboard.
1. Switching the computer on “just to see if it works” before adding any CPU cooling unit. Without cooling, CPUs heat up at extreme rates (a CPU heats up anywhere between ten times and a thousand times as fast as a cooking area on your stove!) By the time you see the first display on the screen, your CPU will already be severely overheating and might be damaged beyond repair.
2. Mounting the CPU cooler improperly. Read the instructions that came with your CPU and cooler very carefully and ensure you are using all components in the correct order and correct place.
Align the corner of the CPU (look at the above picture) that doesn’t have all the connectors to the motherboard’s matching CPU Slot (look on Part 1 for motherboard image). Once you have the CPU in the slot move the bracket surrounding the CPU Slot to lock the CPU in to place.
Use thermal paste to cool your CPU. Apply it only to the CPU die (the square piece of silicon in the middle of the TOP half of the CPU) and do so sparingly — most modern CPUs take no more than a grain of rice sized dab of thermal paste.
If using a thermal pad supplied with your cooler, make sure you remove any protective tape from the die just before installing and do not get it dirty - and do not combine thermal pads with thermal paste, it’s either one or the other. Then, check that you install the cooler in the right orientation and that you set it flat on the CPU die without exerting undue pressure on any edges or corners - the latter can make small pieces of the die break off, killing the CPU.
Tighten the cooler using only the specified holding devices - if you did everything right, they will fit. If they don’t fit, check your setup - most likely something is wrong. After mounting the cooler, connect any power cables for the fan that is attached onto the cooler.
Try to fit the CPU and cooler with the motherboard on a flat surface to avoid bending or breaking the motherboard.
STEP 5: MEMORY (RAM)
Find the memory slots located on the motherboard. Look on the image on Part 1 if you need help. Once you find their location on the motherbaord push on the levers (white plastic in the picture) on either side of the DIMM socket, so that they move to the sides. Do not force them, they should move fairly easily.
Put the memory module in the socket. Line up the notch in the center of the module with the small bump in the center of the memory socket, making sure to insert it the right way. Push down on the module until both levers move up into the notches on the sides of the module. There should be a small “snap” when the module is fully seated. Although this does require a fair bit of force, don’t over do it or you may break the module.
As you handle the RAM, try not to touch the copper stripes you can see along the bottom edge, as doing so is the best way to damage the part. Start adding RAM at the slot labeled “Bank 0″ or “DIMM 1″. If you don’t have a stick in “Bank 0″ or “DIMM 1″ the system will think there is no RAM and won’t boot. On newer motherboards with 4 slots, you’ll see alternating colors. For example, slot 1 is blue, slot 2 is black, slot 3 is blue, slot 4 is black. If you were to put 1 gigabyte of RAM in your PC, it’s best to use dual channel 512MBx2 sticks. Put the first 512MB stick in slot 1, and put the 2nd stick in slot 3 (the two slots that are blue) - leaving slot 2 empty. This will give you better performance, vs. putting 1GB in slot 1, or two 512MB sticks in slot 1 and 2.
Keep in mind Windows XP will only recognize a little over 3.5GB or memory, so its a waste of money to buy more unless you upgrade to Windows Vista.
Eric Oliver
http://www.zero3computers.com
Learn how to build a computer, buy a computer, or fix a computer. Zero 3 Computers sell custom PCs, but also offer knowledge to keep you from having to buy another one. Don’t let the overpriced rule your pocket…we give you the tools, its up to you to make or save money.
Eric Oliver,
http://www.zero3computers.com Technician and system builder.