do I install the cpu into the motherboard before putting the motherboard in?

[eshtog]

?

please give me the order thinngs go in been a year sice I built my pc

 

[Alptraum]

It doesn't really matter. The one catch is some cases are a pain in the ass when it comes to reaching the CPU and or RAM once the board is in. So for simplicity its sometimes easier to do those first. Other then that though its up to you. Usually the way I do mine are ->put CPU and Ram in board. Install board. Sometimes if the case has a slide out MBoard tray Ill put all the cards in at this point too. Then just put all the drives in and hook up the various power/data/case cables.

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: Alptraum
It doesn't really matter. The one catch is some cases are a pain in the ass when it comes to reaching the CPU and or RAM once the board is in. So for simplicity its sometimes easier to do those first. Other then that though its up to you. Usually the way I do mine are ->put CPU and Ram in board. Install board. Sometimes if the case has a slide out MBoard tray Ill put all the cards in at this point too. Then just put all the drives in and hook up the various power/data/case cables.

He's pretty much correct. Only reason I say "pretty much" is b/c it also depends on what kind of CPU HS you have. If you have one of the rare ones that actually bolt to the motherboard (Alpha 8045, etal) then you HAVE TO install the CPU and HSF first, before installing the mobo into the case.

But in all fairness, I am pretty sure you just have a regular clip-on CPU HS. It makes it a lot easier to install the CPU and it's HS before installing the mobo b/c once it's bolted in there, you have little room to work with inside the case, especially if the case isn't a full tower.

Install the CPU and it's HS first. Don't install the memory until the board is installed in the case. While moving the board around to get it screwed down properly, the board flexes a bit; w/the memory in there it's just one more thing to break or pop out of place.

Good luck.

 

[obenton]

Many computer builders routinely make sure MB, cpu, memory, and video adapter work OK before putting MB in case. Makes troubleshooting easier in the event you run into a problem.

 

[Duvie]

I always install the cpu...as3...heatsink and ram sticks while it is sitting on the table.....

It gives me plenty of room to work without have to reach around things...

Then I install into case and screw done....

 

[bunker]

It also depends on your case. I once had a real cheapo that was a pain to work with. I couldn't get the mobo in the case with the heatsink attached so had to do it after installing the mobo.

 

[osage]

I generally install the cpu/hsf/ram and vid card on the board first...and give it a quick test before I put the board in the case. Just boot it and check the temps in bios, and make the initial setting for ram timing etc: