Hardware Setup

2.5 Installing Hardware
DO NOT scratch the motherboard when installing hardware. An accidentally
scratch of a tiny surface-mount component may seriously damage the
motherboard.

2.5.1 CPU Socket AM2

DO NOT touch or bend the delicate pins on the CPU whenever you are holding it.
The installation procedures vary with different types of CPU fan-and-heatsink assembly. The
one shown here is served for DEMO only. For detailed information on how to install the one
you bought, refer to its installation guidelines.
1. Pull out the socket lever away from the
socket and fully lift it up over 90-degree
angle.
Locate and align the triangle mark with
both the CPU and the socket body.
Vertically place the CPU with its pin-side
down into the socket.
Be careful to insert the CPU into the
socket. The CPU only fits in one
orientation with the socket. DO NOT
force the CPU into the socket.
2. After placing the CPU into position, push
the socket lever down into its locked
position to secure the CPU. The lever
clicks when it’s locked into position.
3. The heatsink for CPU may have thermal
interface material attached to its
bottom. If not, applying a few squeeze
of thermal paste to the CPU die will help
to increase the contact.
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