How to Install an AMD
Athlon or Duron Socket A Processor
Last updated: 3/26/01
 Install
the Heatsink-fan. Note the step on the bottom of the heat-sink
fan. It is there so it can step over the raised back (left in above
shot of the socket) of the socket). The heat-sink to the right would
be flipped from right to left to match the socket. Once flipped,
the right side with the smaller clip is attached first to the left side
of the soctet. And, as you see, the Abit K7T-RAID motherboard used
for this example has a bunch of capacitors that are quite close to the
left side of the socket. This makes things a little more difficult
to do (and photograph)--another poor design.  The
object here is to get the three lugs on the socket into the three holes
on the retaining spring without exerting any measurable force on the CPU
and to keep the heat sink as close to parallel along the sides of the socket
where the heatsink does not attach to the socket as can be managed. If
you are not careful, the processor can be broken. Repeat, do not
apply force directly on the CPU. Push and orient the spring through
the heatsink and patiently work into place. If you use a tool such
as screwdriver to assist be careful not to apply too much force and not
to let it slip off the spring and damage the motherboard. Take your
time. It will eventually go where it should without damaging the
CPU or motherboard, if you are patient. Try not to twist or wiggle
the heatsink while doing this. You do not want to disturb the compound
on the die at this point.
 Once
the left side of the spring is attached, carefully lower the heatsink onto
the CPU, making sure it does not ride up on the step to the right of the
socket. Again, do not apply direct force on the CPU. Let the
spring do that. One thing I really like about this type of heatsink-fan
is the other side of the spring has a large enough surface that is can be
hooked to the socket without resorting to tools. Hold the part
of the spring previously attached to the socket, to keep it in place, and
the heatsink-fan with one hand and attach the spring to the three ears (out-down-in)
without putting excessive pressure on the CPU. Try not to wiggle the
heat sink, which, ideally, will come into contact with the die once as the
spring is attached. Patience is again the key in doing this successfully. Note
in the picture that I am applying most of the pressure on the end of the
spring and not on the top of the fan.
Inspect the Heatsink. Look along the sides
and make sure it is positioned properly and not riding up on the step.
 Purchase
the pdf version of this article plus notes
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