You must also attach a heatsink fan on top of the processor to keep it cool.

In addition, refer to the documentation for the motherboard, processor, and cooling unit.

Locate the keyed portion of the processor that is signified by a diagonal corner of the pin layout.

A gold color heatsink on computer main-board

Jfanchin / Getty Images

Align the processor so that this corner matches up between the processor and the socket.

Apply athermal pador several rice-sized drops of thermal paste to the exposed portion of the processor.

It is best to spread the paste evenly by covering your finger with a clean plastic bag.

A hand opening the CPU socket on a motherboard

This prevents the paste from being contaminated.

Clamp the heatsink in place using the proper mounting technique required by the solution.

Refer to the documentation for the heatsink to ensure proper installation.

A hand aligning the CPU to the socket on a motherboard

Be careful at this stage as a lot of pressure will be placed on the board.

A slip of a screwdriver can cause a lot of damage to the motherboard.

Locate the power lead for the cooling solution’s fan and the CPU fan header on the motherboard.

Insert the CPU

Plug the power connector for the cooling unit into the fan header on the board.

It should be keyed, but verify it is secure.

A hand locking a processor in place on a motherboard

Thermal compound being applied to a motherboard

A hand aligns the heatsink over a CPU

A hand attaching a heatsink to a motherboard with a screw driver

A hand attaching a heatsink fan header to a motherboard