<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIntel CPUs do not have pins on the processor<\/strong>\u2014instead, the pins are inside the socket. This design is called LGA (Land Grid Array)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nLGA 1151 \/ 1150<\/mark>:<\/strong> Older sockets for 6th\u20139th<\/mark><\/strong> Gen CPUs (not compatible with newer CPUs).<\/li>\n\n\n\nLGA 1200<\/mark>:<\/strong> For 10th and 11th<\/mark><\/strong> Gen Intel CPUs.<\/li>\n\n\n\nLGA 1700<\/mark>:<\/strong> For 12th, 13th<\/mark><\/strong>, and 14th<\/mark> <\/strong>Gen Intel Core processors (Alder Lake, Raptor Lake).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nImportant Notes for Intel:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\nCPU must be placed gently to avoid bending the motherboard socket pins.<\/li>\n\n\n\n The socket cover will automatically eject as you close the retention arm.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>AMD Socket Types and Characteristics<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAMD uses PGA (Pin Grid Array)<\/strong> for most Ryzen CPUs, meaning the pins are on the CPU itself<\/strong> and the socket has holes. However, newer high-end platforms (like Threadripper) use LGA<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nAM4:<\/strong> For Ryzen 1000\u20135000 series (mainstream).<\/li>\n\n\n\nAM5:<\/strong> For Ryzen 7000 series (DDR5 required, LGA design).<\/li>\n\n\n\nTR4 \/ sTRX4 \/ sWRX8:<\/strong> For Threadripper CPUs, use large LGA sockets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nImportant Notes for AMD:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\nPins on the CPU are delicate and easily bent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n AM4 and AM5 CPU installation processes are different due to PGA vs LGA socket difference.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/span>2. Preparing the Workspace<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nBefore you start:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nUse an anti-static mat or wrist strap<\/strong> to prevent static discharge.<\/li>\n\n\n\nMake sure the motherboard is on a flat, non-metallic surface<\/strong> (ideally inside its box).<\/li>\n\n\n\nWash your hands and handle the CPU only by the edges.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/span>3. Step-by-Step: Installing the CPU<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Intel CPU Installation (LGA Sockets)<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nLocate the CPU socket<\/strong> on the motherboard (e.g., LGA 1700).<\/li>\n\n\n\nRelease the socket lever<\/strong>: Press down and push the metal arm to the side to lift the retention bracket.<\/li>\n\n\n\nRemove the plastic socket cover.<\/strong> (Don\u2019t throw it away\u2014you might need it for RMA or resale.)<\/li>\n\n\n\nAlign the CPU correctly<\/strong>:\n\nFind the gold triangle<\/strong> on the corner of the CPU.<\/li>\n\n\n\nMatch it with the triangle mark<\/strong> on the socket frame.<\/li>\n\n\n\nThe notches on the CPU will line up with the socket guides.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n Gently lower the CPU<\/strong> into the socket\u2014no force required.<\/li>\n\n\n\nClose the socket bracket and lever<\/strong>. The protective plastic cover will pop off automatically.<\/li>\n\n\n\nEnsure the CPU is locked in place<\/strong> and flush with the socket.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<\/button><\/button><\/button><\/button><\/button><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/span>AMD AM4 CPU Installation (PGA Socket)<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nLocate the AM4 socket<\/strong> with a small lever on the side.<\/li>\n\n\n\nLift the retention arm<\/strong> all the way up.<\/li>\n\n\n\nAlign the triangle<\/strong> on the CPU with the triangle on the socket.<\/li>\n\n\n\nGently lower the CPU into the socket<\/strong>\u2014do not push or wiggle.<\/li>\n\n\n\nIf properly aligned, the CPU should drop into place.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Lower the retention arm<\/strong> to secure the CPU in the socket.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<\/span>AMD AM5 and Threadripper Installation (LGA Sockets)<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nAM5 uses LGA (like Intel), so follow the same alignment and no-push logic as Intel LGA sockets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Threadripper CPUs are very large and require a Torque Wrench Tool<\/strong> (usually included) and a two- or three-point locking mechanism<\/strong>\u2014follow motherboard manual carefully.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/span>4. CPU + Motherboard Compatibility Checklist<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nBefore you install, double-check these:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>\u2705 Socket Compatibility<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nIntel Core i7-14700K \u2192 LGA 1700 socket, supported by Z690, Z790, B660, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n AMD Ryzen 7 5800X \u2192 AM4 socket, compatible with B550, X570 boards.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/span>\u2705 BIOS Version<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\nNewer CPUs may require a BIOS update for older motherboards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n If your motherboard doesn\u2019t support BIOS Flashback<\/strong>, you\u2019ll need a compatible older CPU to update.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n