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How to install an AMD CPU: A step-by-step guide
A great CPU is at the heart of any PC, giving life to the various components that make everything work. It's one of the most important components of a PC, and you can't have a working computer without it. Picking the right CPU for your build is only half the battle, and you also need to get its installation right to ensure everything works smoothly without any issues. Installing a CPU may seem a bit daunting at first, but it is a fairly simple task that only takes a few minutes.
The overall process of installing the CPU is pretty much identical for both Intel and AMD chips, but there are a few differences that you must pay attention to. If you've picked an AMD CPU for your PC and are wondering how to install it to get started with your build, then follow the step-by-step guide below to get your PC up and running. Just make sure you have all the prerequisites in place before installing the CPU on your motherboard.
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Grab all your prerequisites
There's a good chance you have already picked all the essential parts for your PC build, but here's everything you'll need to install an AMD CPU just in case:
A compatible motherboard
AMD's Ryzen 7000 series chips are only compatible with AM5 motherboards with 600 and 700-series chipsets, while the older Ryzen 1000 to 5000 series drop into an AM4 motherboard using the 300, 400, or 500-series chipsets. Remember also that AMD motherboards are different from the ones you'd use for Intel CPUs, so make sure everything is compatible before installation.
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CPU cooler
Installing a CPU cooler is equally important, so be sure to grab one for your build if you haven't already. Some CPUs come bundled with a cooler, but not all of them do, so make sure you get one if your AMD CPU doesn't come with one out of the box.
Thermal paste
Applying thermal paste to a CPU is a crucial step before you mount the cooler. Some aftermarket coolers come with pre-applied thermal paste, but it's good to have an extra tube handy if you need to wipe the paste and reseat the cooler.
Installing an AMD CPU on a motherboard
A step-by-step guide
- Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.
- Lift the metal arm next to it to release the latch and reveal the socket.
- Those using an AM5 motherboard just need to lift this arm enough to free the metal frame covering the CPU socket.
- For AM4 motherboards, make sure this arm is pointing directly upwards.
An image showing a Highlighted CPU socket on a motherboard that's placed on top of its retail box.© Provided by XDA Developers
- Pick up the CPU by only touching its sides, and prepare to insert it into the socket. Avoid touching any pins on the motherboard or CPU.
- Locate the small triangle indicator on both the CPU and the socket and align them properly.
An image showing the highlighted triangle indicator on the motherboard socket and the CPU.© Provided by XDA Developers
- Simply place the CPU, ensuring it slots in easily and lays flat without applying any force or pressure whatsoever.
- Those dealing with an LGA socket (for AM5 motherboards) need to lower the metal frame onto the CPU and use the metal arm to secure the frame back to its original position. If your motherboard has a PGA socket (such as AM4), lower the arm down completely to hold the CPU in place. This will take a little force in either case, so don't be afraid to push down firmly.
An image showing an AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU installed on a motherboard with a person in the foreground holding the socket cap in their hand.© Provided by XDA Developers
Installing a CPU on the motherboard is fairly simple
And that's how easy it is to install and secure an AMD CPU on a motherboard. I've shown the steps using a Ryzen 7 7800X3D processor in this tutorial, but they're similar for almost all mainstream chips. I recommend installing other components, like RAM and SSD, before securing the motherboard inside the case or installing the CPU cooler.
Make sure you're installing the CPU cooler next to prep your CPU before the final boot. You can pick between an air cooler and a liquid cooler based on your preferences and the CPU you're using. It's just yet another part of the PC building process.
