Construction 104: CPU Alignment and Mounting [Archive]

BitBender

05-26-2002, 12:36 AM

This section is going to deal with the inspection and handling of the CPU in relation to the "Socket A" fitting on the main board. Before we can do that, however, we must inspect the CPU (or Chip) to ensure that it has not been damaged in shipping or handling. Often, the pins can become bent, and this can cause difficulties, or outright fatal damage to the CPU when one of these pins are broken, or not connected to the motherboard.<img src="http://www.bitbenderforums.com/howto/amdpins.gif" align="left">Check Rows 1 and 2 inside of the center of the chip. Typically they can get bent backwards by improper packaging, and you will not discover it until you attempth to seat the CPU. If you discover bent pins, they will need to be straightened before they will mount easily. Be very careful when straightening the pins. They are made of pure gold, and will break very, very easily, so you must be very gentle in the event that you need to straighten the pins. If you are uncomfortable about it, seek the advice of a professional.If I encounter bent pins, the method I use to straighten them is to use a set of medical hemostats with a super fine point. I grasp the entire shaft of the pin, and gently straighten it a bit at a time. If there are consecutive pins bent, you may find it difficult to get one straightened, without affecting another. It takes time, and patience, so be ready to take your time, if necessary. We were fairly "lucky" on this chip, and as can bee seen from the photo, no bent pins are in evidence. The next step is to pre-position the CPU to the socket on the motherboard, and prepare to mount the CPU. Place the Motherboard on the protective bag, and place on the workarea table. Then, open the CPU clip arm on the side of the socket "A" to an upright "vertical" position. Align the chip with the socket "A", and make sure the beveled edges are on the same side of the socket, as the chip.<img src="http://www.bitbenderforums.com/howto/cpuprepos.gif" align="left">Take a look at the CPU thermistor sensor in the center of the socket. If it is protruding up too far, it may interfere with the proper moutnig of the CPU to the socket. the only way to really determine this isto test fit the CPU to the socket, and determine overall fit. The way that these components are designed is so that the CPU will just "drop in" to the socket. Aside from the thermistor protruding, there should be no force required to seat the CPU.If the CPU will not seat easily, do not force it! remove the CPU,a nd determine the reason that it will not seat easily. It could be the thermistor is protruding too far, in which case, you will need to push the thermistor down slightly (be very careful). If it is a bent pin, you will need to get the pin straightened, before proceeding.  <img src="http://www.bitbenderforums.com/howto/cpuseat.gif" align="right">      Once you are sure the chip is fully seated (you cant see any gold pins exposed around the chip and the socket), you need to detract the clip arm, and lock it into place on the socket. This will lock the CPU into place. 
Previous Article Links <li/><a href="http://www.bitbenderforums.com/vb22/showthread.php?threadid=44105">Should I build, or should I buy?</a><li/><a href="http://www.bitbenderforums.com/vb22/showthread.php?threadid=44106">Setting an Inventory and Ordering it All</a><li/><a href="http://www.bitbenderforums.com/vb22/showthread.php?threadid=44107">Setting up the Work Area</a><li/><a href="http://www.bitbenderforums.com/vb22/showthread.php?threadid=44108">Having the right tools for the job</a><li/><a href="http://www.bitbenderforums.com/vb22/showthread.php?threadid=44109">Forming an "Order of Battle"</a><li/><a href="http://www.bitbenderforums.com/vb22/showthread.php?threadid=44113"> Arranging your parts, and getting started!</a><li/><a href="http://www.bitbenderforums.com/vb22/showthread.php?postid=151372#post151372">Case Preparation and Power Supply considerations</a><li/><a href="http://www.bitbenderforums.com/vb22/showthread.php?&threadid=44115">Main Board Preparation</a></ul>Next Article Link <ul><li/><a href="http://www.bitbenderforums.com/vb22/showthread.php?threadid=44121">Thermal Paste Application</a></ul>