How to install an Intel or AMD CPU on a motherboard (2024)

The central processing unit (CPU) is the brain of your computer and a key component of the PC building process. It is responsible for processing instructions from programs and the OS, performing tasks, and telling hardware components what to do. Now you’re ready to assemble your PC, and you’ve probably purchased your CPU, motherboard, GPU, and other components that will go inside your case. However, before installing the components in the case, you must first install the CPU on the motherboard. This process is usually done externally. That said, the CPU installation process is very simple. However, you must be careful not to damage the processor. Luckily, we’ve put together a simple guide on how to install a CPU on your motherboard.

We have provided detailed step-by-step instructions to install a CPU on your PC’s motherboard. This guide also explains how to correctly place the CPU into the motherboard socket. This step can be confusing, especially for beginners who don’t know what to look out for. That said, let’s start with the prerequisites and move on to the installation steps.

Things to remember before installing the processor

Be careful when handling the CPU

When building your PC, you need to handle your CPU carefully. When this guide instructs you to lift the processor, simply lift it firmly with your fingers around the corners of the processor. While you understand the various nuances of installation, you will need to keep the CPU inside a transparent plastic box. Never touch the back side (pins) of the CPU . Also note the pins on the motherboard and CPU (for AMD, the pins are on the back of the CPU).

Get all the tools you need

This may seem like an obvious prerequisite, but don’t forget to organize your workspace with all the different tools you’ll need for CPU installation. This includes the motherboard manual (to properly position the CPU), thermal paste (needed after installing the CPU), and a CPU cooler to proceed with building your PC. Also, ensure that your workplace is static free by grounding. We recommend using an anti-static wrist bracelet to avoid static damage. This guide does not require a driver.

Need the right thermal paste for your PC build? Read our buyer’s guide to the best thermal paste options available in 2024 here.

Check CPU and motherboard compatibility

Choosing the right motherboard is also an important step. The motherboard model you are using must list your CPU as a compatible model on the website. For example, in the screenshot below, the manufacturer’s website lists the processor generations and socket types that the motherboard supports.

Another important factor is the VRM quality of the motherboard. While a low-end H610/A520 motherboard can physically support a high-end Ryzen 9 or Intel Core i9 processor, that doesn’t necessarily mean its voltage regulator module can handle that kind of load. Also, of course, you should avoid using high-end CPUs and low-end motherboards.

How to install CPU on motherboard

1. As mentioned above, be careful when picking up the CPU throughout this installation guide. First, place the motherboard on top of the box . This provides a solid base for attaching components to the motherboard.

2. Then lift the CPU and keep the plastic box handy (in case you need to put it back in a safe place). Place the chip in the air above the CPU socket on the motherboard. You should note the arrow symbol (Δ) both in the lower left corner of the CPU and next to the socket on the motherboard.

Once you have aligned the arrow symbols (as shown below), keep in mind that in the next step this will be the final orientation for installing the CPU on the motherboard. Once you’ve confirmed the orientation, place the CPU back into the plastic box and move on to the next step, which involves opening the CPU socket area on the motherboard.

Note: Take the time to understand how to store your CPU and store it safely in a box if necessary. You can also refer to your motherboard manual for information on what the CPU will look like when installed.

3. Next, locate the CPU socket area on the motherboard. Next to it is a holding arm . Press firmly and drag it out of the socket. The CPU cover and retention arm should then open and rise all the way up. If you feel uncomfortable, please refer to your motherboard manual for specific instructions on how to lift the CPU socket retaining arm.

4. Next, lift the CPU and gently lower it onto the motherboard socket, keeping in mind the final orientation for the second step. The socket must be open and the retaining arm raised before performing this step. If oriented correctly, the CPU should sit in the socket with the pins in place and the arrows aligned with each other.

Note: For AMD’s AM4 CPUs, the pins are on the CPU side. Gradually lower the CPU into the socket and the pins should slide into the socket. The CPU should fit into the socket, and both the motherboard socket and the CPU should line up as shown by the arrows.

5. Then lower the CPU cover back into place . Then press down on the retaining arm and push it into the small groove that was in its original position. You may hear a noise when lowering the retaining arm, but as long as the direction is correct, nothing will break.

After installing the processor, the CPU socket cover will separate from the motherboard . If your motherboard needs to be repaired under an RMA, please keep it safe because you will need to put it back together.

6. Your Intel or AMD CPU is now successfully installed on your motherboard. You can move on to the next step to finish building your PC . Next, apply thermal paste to the CPU and install the CPU air or water cooler to complete the installation process.

That’s all you need to know about installing a CPU on a motherboard. If you’re doing this for the first time, you’ll certainly be nervous about dealing with one of the most expensive components in a PC build, but there’s no need to stress. With some caution, this step-by-step guide will make installing a processor on your motherboard a breeze. If you have any doubts about the installation process, let us know in the comments section below. We will help you right away.