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Now that the motherboard has been secured inside the case, we can install the processor. When you remove the processor from its packaging, it will look similar to Figure 3-14.

Figure 3-14: An Intel Pentium 4 Main Chip

If you flip the processor over, you will either see the pins or a protective cover. Figure 3-15 shows the chip with its protective cover.

Figure 3-15: The Pentium Chip with its Pin Cover Protector

You must remove this protective cover before you can install your processor. To remove the cover, apply a small amount of pressure to the two outside tabs. Once the cover is removed you will see the pins of the processor. Figure 3-16 shows these pins.

Figure 3-16: The Pentium Chip with its Pin Cover Protector Removed

Now that the processor is ready you must prepare the spot that you will install the processor into. Some motherboards have a protective cover over the processor socket. Figure 3-17 shows this protective cover.

Figure 3-17: The Socket for the Pentium Chip

To remove the protective cover you must slide the “arm” back. See the arm? It is the hook shaped lever at the left of the chip. Pull the arm to the left and back. Figure 3-18 shows the socket with the arm pulled back.

Figure 3-18: The Socket with the Lever Released

Now you can remove the protective cover. Figure 3-19 shows the processor socket open, with the protective cover removed.

Figure 3-19: The Socket Open, with Cover Removed

Next you must place the processor inside of the socket. Figure 3-20 shows the processor inside of its socket.

Figure 3-20: The Pentium in the Socket

It is very important that you place the processor correctly in the socket. Notice the small arrow on the lower left of the processor? This key lines up to another small arrow on the socket. Other chips will have different keys. Additionally, most processors have pins in such a way so that you cannot insert the chip in the wrong orientation.

Once the processor is installed you should close the socket cover. You will have to apply a small amount of pressure on the lever to close the socket back up. Figure 3-21 shows closing the socket.

Figure 3-21: Close the Socket

Once the socket is closed, you will see only the top plate of the processor. The processor has now been successful inserted. Figure 3-22 shows the inserted processor.

Figure 3-22: The Socket is now Closed

The processor is now installed. The next step is to install the CPU fan.