Installing a CPU...

[tuffgong]

I'm getting my new CPU next week and will install it. I was wondering out of curiousity, do you guys put the mobo in the case first, then add the cpu, or do you put the cpu/fan onto the mobo then into the case?

I myself put the motherboard in first in case the HSF blocks any drive bays.

 

[sniperruff]

i assemble the mofo first (set jumpers, put in CPU, put on HSF, put in ram), then put it into the case.

 

[hypn0tik]

I put everything on the mobo first and then put it in the case.

 

[n7]

I find it easier to install mobo, then add CPU & HSF.

If you are using a larger HSF, you should put your HDDs in before the HSF, since a large HSF can sometimes obstruct putting in the HDDs (happens to be the case for me )

 

[OdiN]

Originally posted by: tuffgong
I'm getting my new CPU next week and will install it. I was wondering out of curiousity, do you guys put the mobo in the case first, then add the cpu, or do you put the cpu/fan onto the mobo then into the case?

I myself put the motherboard in first in case the HSF blocks any drive bays.

Depends on the system.

With all of the traditional socket based ones (e.g. non-Socket T) I put the CPU and RAM in the mobo and then install the mobo into the case before putting the HSF on simply because of the stress put on the board - I prefer to have it securely mounted in the case first.

With the Socket T-775 stuff I just put the mobo in first, then put in the CPU and clamp it down.

 

[stevty2889]

I prefer to put the motherboard in the case first, large heatsinks can put a lot of stress on the motherboard.

 

[deathwalker]

Always..always...always...install the Proc, HSF and memory before installing the mobo into the case/

 

[imported_Kensai]

Mobo + CPU + RAM + Jumpers

Before case.

 

[Leros]

CPU, HSF, RAM, jumpers.

Then put the mobo in the case.

 

[teutonicknight]

I would install your heatsink/cpu (also ram) before putting the motherboard in your case, not only because it's a lot easier to work with, but also because your heatsink may use a non-standard motherboard bracker (i.e. Zalman's)

 

[Leros]

Originally posted by: teutonicknight
I would install your heatsink/cpu (also ram) before putting the motherboard in your case, not only because it's a lot easier to work with, but also because your heatsink may use a non-standard motherboard bracker (i.e. Zalman's)

Also, since some heatsinks take some pressure to latch shut, if your mobo is on risers it could bend somewhat. Why take the risk, do it on a flat surface.

 

[imported_Nacelle]

I've don't it both ways. With the heatsinks getting bigger and bigger, I install them before the mobo goes into the case.

 

[Powermoloch]

Originally posted by: sniperruff
i assemble the mobo first (set jumpers, put in CPU, put on HSF, put in ram), then put it into the case.

 

[Googer]

I install mine with as much physical force as possible. If the cpu does not fit then you just are not pusing on it hard enough.

 

[tuffgong]

and when the pins break and you cant rma the chip then you just buy two more right?

 

[Googer]

Originally posted by: tuffgong
and when the pins break and you cant rma the chip then you just buy two more right?

EXACTLY! I buy 10 more!

 

[DanDaMan315]

All the stuff on the mobo, then put it in the case, then hdd and other drives.

 

[keymaker78]

Originally posted by: deathwalker
Always..always...always...install the Proc, HSF and memory before installing the mobo into the case/

YUp thats the way to do it. I learnt it the hard way. I completed my first rig three days ago and it took me two days to get everything figured out. I have a zalman cnps7700CU. That is by far the largest cpu heatsink i have seen. I installed the mobo in the case first and suffered. I had to take it out and put it in like a million times. First install the cpu, heatsink, make sure you got all the jumper settings right. THen put the board in the case and go ahead with drives and vga.

 

[eplebnista]

Originally posted by: Powermoloch

Originally posted by: sniperruff
i assemble the mobo first (set jumpers, put in CPU, put on HSF, put in ram), then put it into the case.

:thumbsup:

 

[GregMal]

Install the CPU and memory 1st. Then install the MB.........

 

[Matthias99]

If you buy a case with a removable motherboard tray, the whole process is a LOT easier. You can assemble the whole motherboard (CPU/HSF, RAM, PCI/AGP/PCIe cards), test it outside the case, then install the whole thing in the case in one step. Just hook up the drives and power connections, and you're set.

Barring that, I find it's easier to install the CPU, heatsink, and RAM with the motherboard outside the case. In practice, it makes no real difference, except that in a smaller case, it can be difficult to install the CPU or heatsink after the board is in place.