Intel LGA1155 SOCKET - THERMAL MECHANICAL S AND DESIGN GUIDELINES... User manual

How to Install an LGA115x Processor Into
the Socket
These instructions are applicable to boxed LGA1150/LGA1155/LGA1156-based processors and
fan heat sinks because of the similarity of the installation process. Note that these processors are
not compatible between the different sockets because of electrical, mechanical, and keying
differences.
Visit Intel® Processor Installation Center for more information on integrating desktop
processors.
These instructions assume that the boxed processor and fan heat sink are new and the factory
applied thermal interface material is applied to the bottom of the fan heat sink.
At the bottom of this page there are links to installation documents for each socket. These
documents include information on how to reset the fan heat sink push-pins, how to reapply
thermal interface material, and a link to the installation video.
1. Push the lever down to unclip it (1) and lift it (2).

2. Open the load plate.

3. Remove the protective cover from the load plate. Do not discard the protective cover.
Always replace the socket cover if the processor is removed from the socket.

4. Do not touch the socket contacts or the bottom of the processor.
5. Hold the processor with your thumb and index fingers. Make sure that the socket notches
align with the processor notches. Lower the processor straight down, without tilting or
sliding the processor in the socket. Gently release the processor, making sure that it is

seated correctly in the socket.

6. Very little force is required to close the load plate. Press down on the load plate, close,
and engage the socket lever.
7. With the motherboard installed in the chassis, put the fan heat sink on the motherboard,
aligning the fasteners through the holes. Align the fasteners through the holes properly, or
you risk damaging the bottom of the fasteners. Also be careful not to damage the thermal

interface material attached to the bottom of the fan heat sink.
8. Push down on the top of each of the fasteners in an alternate pattern, as shown below,
while holding the fan heat sink in place. You should hear a “click” when pushing down
each fastener. Gently pull up on each fastener to make sure all four fasteners are securely
attached. An unattached fastener prevents a good seal between the fan-heat sink and
processor, and can result in unreliable operation of the processor.

9. Connect the processor 4-wire fan cable connector to the motherboard 4-pin CPU fan
header. (The processor 4-wire fan cable connector can be connected to a motherboard 3-
pin CPU fan header if a 4-pin CPU fan header is unavailable.)