Value HTPC
Now, let’s move back to the motherboard. I would recommend installing the CPU and cooling fan to the motherboard before mounting it to the computer.
- Place the motherboard preferable onto a wooden work surface.
- Lift up the CPU socket locking lever completely. Otherwise the CPU will not attach properly to the motherboard.
- Align the small triangle markings on the CPU and the socket and then gently insert the CPU into the socket.
- Lower the locking lever and latch it into the fully locked position.
- Remove the plastic cover on top of the CPU.
- Apply the Thermal Interface Material to the CPU before you install the CPU cooler.
Performance HTPC
Now, let’s move back to the motherboard. I would recommend installing the CPU and cooling fan to the motherboard before mounting it to the computer.
- Place the motherboard preferable onto a wooden work surface.
- Lift up the CPU socket locking lever completely. Otherwise the CPU will not attach properly to the motherboard.
- Align the small triangle markings on the CPU and the socket and then gently insert the CPU into the socket.
- Lower the locking lever and latch it into the fully locked position.
- Remove the plastic cover on top of the CPU.
- Apply the Thermal Interface Material to the CPU before you install the CPU cooler.
I would recommend applying a good thermal paste such as Arctic Silver 5 and Noctua NT-H1 to the processor.
Good quality thermal paste will help to drop the CPU’s temperature a couple of degrees.
You should use no more than a pea-sized amount and spread it in a thin layer over the entire processor surface.
If you are experiencing unusually high CPU temperatures (for example over 60 degrees) on your new build, you should check if you have applied a correct amount of thermal paste and attached the CPU cooler properly.