Processor sockets use distinct connectors for the processor, heat sink and fan.
The most important issue while installing a processor is the compatibility of the processor and motherboard. Some of the factors that impact the processor compatibility are brand, socket type, features and electrical requirements. Cooling is also an important consideration, since an improperly cooled processor won't work properly.
Socket Types
The socket type of a processor determines what type of motherboard it's compatible with. There are two major brands of central processing units -- Intel and AMD -- that each have their own distinct socket designs. Most socket designs are named based on the number of pins that connect the CPU and motherboard. Some processors are backward compatible with older types of socket. For example, AMD's AM3 processors can use older AM2 socket motherboards; however, this usually results in lower overall performance. Some of the more common types of Intel socket include LGA 775, ll56 and 1366. Most AMD processors use socket 939, AM2, AM2+ or AM3. Mobile processors and desktop always use different sockets due to their different electrical requirements.
Socket Design
Sockets use a mechanical lever to ensure that processors are properly positioned within the socket. This lever is designed to exert the specific amount of force needed to seat the processor. Processors use a distinct configuration of pins that prevents their insertion into motherboard sockets they're not compatible with. These configurations also define how the processor is aligned in the socket. Using the gaps in the pins -- or connectors -- as a guide, you can align the processor on the socket without damaging it.
Cooling
Processors are cooled using a heat sink and a fan. Heat sinks rest on top of the CPU to pull heat away from it using thermal conduction. All processors use a compound known as thermal paste to increase the rate of heat transfer from the processor to the heat sink. Applying too much or too little thermal paste between the processor and heat sink can cause the processor to overheat. The optimal amount of thermal paste will cover the surface between the processor and heat sink with a layer about half a millimeter thick.
Power
Each processor has two basic power ratings that determine how it uses power. The Thermal Design Power rating provides figures for the average peak power usage of the processor. Most desktop processors use between 80 and 120 watts of power with some models using up to 140 watts. Some motherboards don't support the full range of processor TDPs available for a given socket. Processors also operate within a specific voltage range. Motherboards with support for over clocking allow you to increase the speed of your processor by increasing its voltage settings. Knowing the stock voltage settings of your processor is important if you plan to over clock it.
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