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- 1 - Ensure the CPU is oriented properly, if it attaches to the heatsink before being installed ensure the proper orientation as not all heatsinks are designed to work with the compliance features of the CPU, mainly only one corner should be cut to allow the plastic bracket containing the CPU to be attached one way. If not, look at the direction it should be installed on the motherboard and work backwards.
- 2 - Once orientation is determined, please, DO NOT trust the plastic bracket to 100% hold the CPU, please handle carefully to avoid it falling out. Install the Heatsink/CPU combo into the socket or place the CPU in the socket first followed by the heatsink.
- 3 - Here is the critical part, follow the pattern indicated on most heatsinks. This would be starting with the screws on the corners and securing them all the way down. When moving onto the screws in the middle on both sides, please, screw one down roughly 50% before screwing the remaining screw down 50%. Then please finish #3 taking it all the way home and lastly taking #4 all the way home.
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The reasoning for the stepping of the screws down and not just tightening them all the way is to ensure all the pins are making proper contact and that the CPU is sitting as flush s possible. If #3 is screwed all the way down before tightening #4 alignment issues could occur as well as #4 might not fasten 100% because of the tension and constraint of having 3 of four screws tightened already.
Additionally, the amount of torque used should be pretty substantial. This does not mean to set the highest torque on your electris electric drill if using one or wrenching it down with all your might but sufficient solid force should be used to ensure proper contact. For example I was using the torque setting of my drill at level 1 before identifying more torque is needed. I have now adjusted to torque level 5 out of 22. The design of the socket will not allow for over tightening but damage can occur if excessive force is used.
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