For this setup I will be using the following parts (Note: the parts are from an older generation, the basics of assembly are mostly the same):
CPU – INTEL i3 8100 GEN-3 (Socket H4/LGA 1151, the number refers to the number of contact pads on the CPU)Motherboard – ASUS Prime Z370
Step 1: Open PC case
For this stage, we want to open the PC case both side covers, one is showing our “open space” to install the parts, the other side is for the cable management.
To remove each cover, we need to face at the “back” of the case, so we see where all essential connectors are going to be placed (like screen/display connection, AC entrance and other needed part as our keyboard and, more information will be given through this post).
After this we will see two screws holding the cover in place, one placed at the bottom of the case and on at the top of the case (making sure these screws are the once screwed into the cover as well).
We will address each cover at a time, so after removing the screws (2), we will be able to “slide” the cover toward us (should move about 2-4 mm) and easy take it (the cover) apart from the case.
After doing this for both covers we will have 4 screws and 2 covers.
We will place them on the side and label on a piece of paper their purpose ( for later to make things go smooth).
We will place the PC case on it side,on a soft surface (We dont want to scratch our precious) with the “open space” facing us. Hint: The “metal bed”/cable management side should face the soft surface.
*For these screws I use a Phillips screw driver #2/3.5mm.
**Screws can come in different shape.
Different screws (style) achieving the same purpose:
Step 2: Placing the MB in place
For this phase i use the same screw driver Phillips screwdriver #2.
At this stage, we will place the motherboard inside the case and secure it using the correct screws (round head and about 5mm long, do not use screw longer than 7mm!).
Usually needed 6-9 of these screws, depending on MB .
Before placing the motherboard, we must first prepare the case and make sure everything is aligned properly.
Inside the case, we will see small raised metal points usually gold/brass colored, placed on the “metal bed”.
These are called standoffs.
Each motherboard has specific holes for mounting onto the standoffs.
When placing the MB, we want to make sure that we align it perfectly with the “metal bed.” To help us know where to place it, we want the outputs, include USB ports, audio ports, and network ports, to go “through” the PC case open area (the side where we took of the 4 case screws apart).
*MB comes with a metal shield to cover all of its outputs, make sure its placed correctly to MB outputs
**Make sure that the holes on the MB align perfectly with the standoffs (if standoffs found with no matching hole on MB, remove it).
***MB holes usually look like this:
Screw motherboard to case, make sure you tighten the screw but not use any excessive force!
Part 3: Placing the CPU
After we have the MB in place:
We can see the socket for CPU (In the photo, i don’t have the plastic CPU cover, seen on new/first unboxing MB) :
To release the metal holding for the CPU we want step by step move the leaver:
- Only find with your eyes the CPU sockets metal leaver and how its held in placed under a metal holder (the leaver it self is that horizontal metal stick with a half spades shape)
- Push it down a bit on the half spades shape, once it moves down a bit, move it to the side, as shown in the picture above.
Let go of it.- The leaver will “jump” up a bit, in that phase we want lift it all the way up, what will lift the metal cage around CPU socket.
*If you have the plastic protector, leave it until the stage you have your CPU ready to place in there. This is to avoid any dust or damage by mistake to the socket pins.
After lifting the leaver the setup will look something like this:
After unboxing the CPU we will have a small square piece matching our socket.
To place it right we want to look for its specific indicators, in this case we have two notches on the MB with two co responding once on the CPU:
Once placed (very gently):
We can lock the CPU in place:
Lowering the metal cage on to the CPU and locking back the leaver in place:
Now we will apply thermal paste to the CPU, normally comes in a syringe for easy apply.