AMD Athlon User manual

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23986—December 2000 Socket A AMD Processor Installation Guide
Socket A
AMD Processor
Installation Guide
Thank you for purchasing a Socket A AMD processor.
Before installing the new AMD processor in a system,
please review this installation guide in its entirety.
Note: The product(s) received may vary in appearance from the products illustrated.
.
FailuretoinstalltheAMDAthlon™ortheAMDDuron™processorproperly
mayadverselyaffectoperationandmayvoidyourwarrantycoverage.
DONOTinstalltheprocessorifithasbeendamaged!

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Socket A AMD Processor Installation Guide 23986—December 2000
Recommended Configuration
The AMD Athlon™ and AMD Duron™ processors are leading-edge processors that
require high-performance components to operate at maximum overall efficiency.
Do not attempt to install these AMD processors with an inadequate power supply,
memory, or other supporting components.
For the latest information on the components that have been tested by AMD and are
recommended for best performance, always check the AMD web site. For successful
operation of the AMD Socket A processors, AMD strongly recommends selecting a
recommended motherboard and heatsink from our website at the following URLs:
http://www1.amd.com/athlon/config
http://www1.amd.com/duron/config
Beware of Static Electricity
The AMD Athlon and AMD Duron processors and all computer motherboards have
sensitive electronic components that can be easily damaged by static electricity. We
recommend that you leave the processor and motherboard in their original packaging
until you are ready to install them. The installer should only touch the edges of the
processor, and never touch the processor pins.
IMPORTANT
Never touch a processor without wearing a functioning grounded antistatic strap. We
recommend that all unpacking and installation be done on a grounded antistatic mat.
Both the antistatic wristband and the antistatic mat must be grounded at the same
point. After removing the processor from its package, place it directly on the
antistatic mat.

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23986—December 2000 Socket A AMD Processor Installation Guide
Installation Procedure
You must adhere to the step-by-step procedures listed on the following pages to
successfully install the AMD Athlon and AMD Duron processors in a personal
computer system motherboard. Any deviation from this procedure may result in a
processor failure.
You can installl the processor in the motherboard either before or after installing the
motherboard in the system chassis. It is usually easier to install the processor onto the
motherboard before installing the completed assembly into the case.
Normally it is better to install the processor and heatsink before installing any
memory modules.
It is recommended that you trial-fit the heatsink on the processor socket to verify that
the fan power cable can easily reach a designated connector. If there are any
problems, go to step 20 and follow the instructions.
Caution: Never start the processor unless the heatsink is properly and firmly
attached. THERMAL FAILURE WILL RESULT—THE PROCESSOR WILL BE
PERMANENTLYDAMAGED.
Note: In this guide, the AMD Athlon or AMD Duron processor is installed in Socket A
of the motherboard before installing the motherboard and processor assembly into the
system chassis. This is usually the easiest way to install the processor and heatsink.

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Socket A AMD Processor Installation Guide 23986—December 2000
1. Figure 1 shows the processor socket on a motherboard. Note that the release lever
on the side of the socket is down. This position is used to lock the processor in
place. Before installing the processor, this lever must be raised by first pushing
the lever sideways to unlatch it and then raising it all the way up (approximately
90°).
Figure 1. Processor Socket with Lever Down.
2. Figure 2 shows the release lever raised completely. The lever must be in a fully
raised position before the processor can be installed.
Note: In this guide, the phrase “top of the socket” refers to the end of the socket that
reads “Socket 462”.
Figure 2. Processor Socket with Lever Raised
Release Lever
Top of Socket
Lever Raised

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23986—December 2000 Socket A AMD Processor Installation Guide
3. Figure 3 shows the underside (pin side) of the processor. Notice how the pin array
at the two upper corners in the picture are angled and there are no pins in either
top corner. Notice also that there are no pin positions in the top corners of the
socket (near where it is labeled “Socket 462”). The processor must be positioned
so the processor and socket pin patterns match. When positioned properly, the 45°
cut corner of the processor will be next to the release pivot.
Figure 3. Underside of the Processor Showing Pin Corner Keys
4. Figure 4 shows the processor dropping into the socket. Notice how the corner
located near the release lever pivot is the 45° cut corner. This is verification that
the processor has been installed properly.
It should take no significant force to install the processor. This is a zero insertion
force socket (often referred to as a ZIF socket). If the processor does not fall into
the socket, check the pin alignment and make sure that the release lever is raised
up completely. If the installation of the processor requires any significant amount
of force, then something is wrong. (Check the pins, and lever position.)
Figure 4. Placing the Processor in the Socket
Corners with
Missing Pins Missing Pin
Positions
45 ° Cut
Corner

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Socket A AMD Processor Installation Guide 23986—December 2000
5. Figure 5 shows the processor installed and the release lever lowered to lock the
processor in place. With the processor now properly installed, the heatsink and
fan assembly can be attached.
WARNING: Do not power up the processor without the heatsink properly and firmly
attached. THE PROCESSOR WILL SUFFER THERMAL FAILURE and PERMANENT
DAMAGE WILL RESULT!
Notice the rubber pads on each corner of the processor. These pads are required
to ensure the proper installation of the heatsink. They should never be removed.
There must be four pads. If a pad is missing, please return the processor to your
supplier. Do not use it—die damage may result.
Also notice the lugs on the socket. In later steps, the center lugs will be used for
the heatsink isntallation.
Figure 5. Processor Installed and the Lever Lowered
Rubber Pads
Rubber Pads
Top Center Lug
Bottom Center Lug

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23986—December 2000 Socket A AMD Processor Installation Guide
6. Figure 6 shows a sampling of the typical heatsink assemblies that are commonly
used on the AMD socketed processors. Notice that the assemblies vary in size, fin
density, and clip design. The appropriate heatsink to use will be determined by:
• The list of approved thermal solutions on the AMD website.
• Availability of the approved thermal solution in your area.
Log onto the www. amd .com website for a listing of tested heatsink/fans that AMD
recommends. Only use a heatsink/fan assembly that has been AMD tested and recom-
mended for your AMD processor speed and model . The proper heatsink is essential.
Notice the two different types of heatsink retaining clips shown in Figure 6. The
style with the slight hook is designed to be installed with the open end of a nut-
driver (looks like a screwdriver with a socket attached). The style of clip with the
slotted end is designed to be pushed down with a screwdriver inserted into the
slot.
Caution: When engaging the heatsink clip with either installation tool, use extreme
care when pressing down on the clip. If the tool slips off the clip, the system
motherboardcanbedamaged.
Figure 6. Typical Heatsinks Suitable for Use with Socket A AMD Processors
Hook
Slot
Slot

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Socket A AMD Processor Installation Guide 23986—December 2000
7. Figure 7 shows the bottom of a heatsink with a step. The stepped portion fits over
the top of the socket, where the legend “Socket 462” is molded into the plastic.
When the heatsink is correctly installed, the heatsink base will not touch any
portion of the socket.
Caution:Theprocessorwilloverheatandfailiftheheatsinkisnotinstalledsothatit
sits parallel to the top of the processor, or if the heatsink touches any part of the
socketitself. Thismayresultinpermanent damagetotheprocessor.
Figure 7. Underside of Heatsink with Stepped Bottom Surface
8. Figure 8 shows the bottom of the smallest heatsink from the previous page. This
heatsink has a flat bottom and its placement on the processor is determined by
the asymmetrical retaining clip used to hold the heat sink to the processor
(Figure 13 shows an example of an asymetrical clip).
Figure 8. Underside of Small-sized Heatsink with Flat Bottom Surface
Stepped Portion
of Heatsink Base

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23986—December 2000 Socket A AMD Processor Installation Guide
9. Figure 9 shows the proper way to remove the plastic film from the phase-change
thermally conductive compound.
Note: The phase-change thermal compound is very important to the efficiency and
success of the heatsink. The compound must be applied evenly to the surface of the
heatsink so it can (basically) melt and fill any microscopic voids in the surfaces of the
processor and heatsink with a thermally conductive material.
Caution: If you have never installed a heat sink with this type of phase-change
thermal material, we suggest that you not remove this film until after you have
practicedinstalling the heatsink andmountingtheclipsonthesocket.It may take a
few trials until you are familiar with the procedure. If you want to become familiar
with the process, skip the tape removal step for now and proceed to repeat Step 10
throughStep19.
Notice in Figure 9 that the film is removed by pulling rapidly at a right angle to
the base. A quick lifting motion is the best way to remove this film. Be aware that:
• Once the film is removed, immediately install the heatsink.
• The thermal compound must not come in contact with any foreign material.
Caution: Do not remove the heatsink from the processor, once it has been
permanently installed. The phase-change thermal adhesive material cannot be
reused.Removetheplasticfilmcompletelyfromtheheatsinkduringtheinstallation
to avoid causing the processor to overheat and be damaged when power is applied.
Pay strict attention to the procedures outlined in this document to avoid missing a
crucial step.
Figure 9. Pull Tape from Thermal Material with a Quick Motion

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Socket A AMD Processor Installation Guide 23986—December 2000
10.Figure 10 shows the WRONG way to install the heatsink. Do not tilt and push the
heatsink onto the processor because doing so increases the chances of cracking
the processor die. Instead, install the heatsink carefully with the bottom of the
heatsink nearly parallel to the top surface of the processor. When properly
installed, the heatsink will rest on the four rubber pads. The heatsink will come in
contact with the processor die only when the retaining clip is fully installed.
Caution:Neverpushdownontheheatsink.Thiscancauseirreparabledamagetothe
processordie. Allforceshouldbeappliedonly totheclip.
Figure 10. The WRONG WAY to Install a Socket A AMD Processor Heatsink
THIS IS WRONG!