The Complete Guide to CPU Installation
Installing a CPU, whether it’s your first or fiftieth time, can be intimidating. Thankfully, it’s not nearly as hard as you might expect and most can be installed in just seconds. To help out, we’ve got both written and video instructions for installing an Intel LGA 1700 CPU, as well as both the AMD AM4 and AM5 processors, so lets get right into it.
Photo: Jacob Bobo
How to Install An Intel LGA 1700 CPU
- Locate the small latch on the side of the socket. This latch holds the cover closed and will be re-latched after install. Simply press down on the latch, slide it slightly right, and lift it.
- Note the small triangle on the lower left side of the cover. This indicates how the CPU will need to be positioned; ensure the triangle in the corner of the CPU is in the lower left corner.
- Lift the CPU cover, noticing the notches on the top and bottom of the socket.
- Line the CPU up with the notches and insert it into the motherboard. Ensure that it is fully inserted before the next step; it should have a little bit of wiggle but not slide out of position.
- Close the cover gently onto the CPU, then lower the latch back down. There will be a lot of pressure when pushing the latch back down, but this is normal.
- Slot the latch back under the hook, securing the cover and latch in place.
How to install an AMD AM4 CPU
- Locate the small triangle in the corner of the CPU, then locate the small triangle in the corner of the motherboard socket. Both will usually be in the bottom left corner and indicate the proper orientation for the CPU install.
- Raise the locking latch, which will shift the socket slightly. This is normal and intended, as it is how the CPU is held in place.
- Ensure the triangles from step 1 are lined up and the pins on the bottom of the CPU are aligned with holes on the motherboard socket, then gently place the motherboard into the socket.
- Lower the latch, securing the CPU.
How to install an AMD AM5 CPU
- Locate the latch on the side of the motherboard socket. Press on it, slide it to release it from the small hook, and lift.
- Locate the small triangle in the corner of the CPU, then locate the small triangle in the corner of the motherboard socket. Both will usually be in the top left corner and indicate the proper orientation for the CPU install.
- Lift the retention bracket to expose the socket.
- Ensure the triangle lines up once more and then gently place the CPU in the socket.
- Lower the retention bracket and push the latch back down, sliding it back into the small hook. There will be a lot of resistance when pushing the latch down; this is normal and to be expected.
And that’s really all there is to it! CPU install is a fairly quick and easy process, but can still be daunting. If you need help, Micro Center offers plenty of build options; our techs can assemble it for you through our Custom PC Build Services, or you can work directly with a tech to help put your new computer together as part of our Build and Learn program.
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Sean Mekinda is the editor for Micro Center News, with three years of experience on The Micro Center Community and writing credits across the internet, including Polygon, 25YL, and 614 Magazine. He's been writing about and reviewing tech for over five years.
