Identify your motherboard socket: Check the motherboard manual, manufacturer website, or look for printed text near the CPU socket. Common current sockets include LGA1700 (Intel 12th-14th gen), LGA1200 (Intel 10th-11th gen), AM5 (AMD Ryzen 7000+), and AM4 (AMD Ryzen 1000-5000 series).

Check BIOS compatibility: Even with matching sockets, older motherboards may need BIOS updates to support newer CPUs. Visit your motherboard manufacturer's website and search for CPU support lists before purchasing.

Verify power requirements: High-end CPUs require robust power delivery. Ensure your motherboard has adequate VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) phases and your power supply meets the CPU's TDP (Thermal Design Power) requirements.

Check cooler compatibility: CPU upgrades may require new coolers due to different mounting systems, TDP requirements, or physical clearance issues with RAM or other components.

Complete system shutdown: For upgrades, fully shut down the computer and unplug all power cables. Flip the PSU power switch to OFF position. For new builds, ensure the motherboard is on a clean, static-free surface.

Remove case panels: Remove both side panels for better access. You'll need to reach both sides of the motherboard for cooler installation. Keep screws organized in a small container.

Ground yourself: Touch an unpainted metal part of the case or PSU housing to discharge static electricity. Maintain periodic grounding contact throughout the installation process.

Prepare workspace: Lay out all components within easy reach. Open the CPU packaging but leave the CPU in its protective clamshell until ready to install. Never remove the CPU from packaging until the socket is prepared.

Document current setup (upgrades): Take photos of cable routing, cooler mounting, and current BIOS settings. This helps with reassembly and troubleshooting if issues arise.

Disconnect cooler power: Unplug the CPU fan header cable, usually labeled 'CPU_FAN' on the motherboard. Note the orientation of the connector for reinstallation.

Remove mounting mechanism: Air coolers typically use either push-pins (Intel) or screw-based mounting (AMD/aftermarket). Push-pin coolers require rotating each pin 90 degrees counterclockwise, then pulling straight up with firm pressure. Screw-mounted coolers require loosening screws in a cross pattern.

Handle thermal paste adhesion: Old thermal paste can create strong adhesion between CPU and cooler. If the cooler doesn't lift easily, gently twist it left and right while pulling up. Never force or yank the cooler - this can pull the CPU out of its socket and potentially bend pins.

Clean old thermal paste: Use isopropyl alcohol and lint-free cloths to remove all old paste from both the CPU heat spreader and cooler contact surface. Paste should come off easily with gentle rubbing - if it's very hard, it may have dried out and require more alcohol.

Locate the CPU socket: Find the large square socket on the motherboard, usually positioned near the top-left area. It's typically the largest single component mounting point and may be covered by a plastic protective cap.

Identify socket mechanism: Intel LGA sockets have a metal retention frame with a lever arm on one side. AMD AM4 sockets have a plastic retention bracket with a metal lever. AM5 sockets look similar to Intel LGA with a metal frame and lever.

Open the socket (Intel LGA): Locate the metal lever arm on the side of the socket. Press down on the lever and push it away from the socket until it moves to the open position (usually about 45 degrees from closed). The metal retention frame should lift slightly.

Open the socket (AMD AM4): Lift the plastic retention arm to the vertical position. The metal retention bracket should swing away from the socket center, exposing the pin holes.

Open the socket (AMD AM5): Similar to Intel, press down and move the lever arm to open position. The retention mechanism lifts to allow CPU placement.

Remove socket cover: Carefully remove the plastic protective cover from the socket. This cover protects the delicate pins (Intel) or contact holes (AMD) during shipping. Keep this cover in case you need to remove the CPU later - some motherboard warranties require its return.

Remove CPU from packaging: Open the plastic clamshell container carefully. The CPU may be held by plastic tabs or foam padding. Handle the CPU only by its edges - never touch the gold contacts (Intel) or pins (AMD AM4).

Identify CPU orientation (Intel): Look for the small triangle or dot in one corner of the CPU. This alignment marker must match a corresponding triangle on the socket. Intel CPUs also have notches on two edges that align with socket features.

Identify CPU orientation (AMD): AMD CPUs have a gold triangle in one corner that must align with the triangle marking on the socket. AM4 CPUs also have alignment notches on opposite edges.

Position the CPU (Intel): Hold the CPU by its edges with the alignment triangle in the correct corner. Lower it straight down into the socket - it should drop in easily without any pressure. The CPU should sit completely flat and level in the socket.

Position the CPU (AMD AM4): Align the gold triangle with the socket triangle and gently lower the CPU. The pins should start to enter their holes smoothly. If you feel any resistance, lift the CPU and recheck alignment. Never force AMD pins into the socket.

Position the CPU (AMD AM5): Similar to Intel, align the triangle markers and lower the CPU flat into the socket. It should seat without pressure.

Verify proper seating: The CPU should sit completely flat and level in the socket with no tilting or raised edges. All alignment features should match perfectly. If anything looks wrong, remove the CPU and recheck orientation.

Close the socket mechanism: For all socket types, carefully close the retention mechanism. This requires firm pressure - you may hear slight clicking or creaking sounds as the mechanism engages. The lever should close completely and may require significant force on the final portion.

Check for pre-applied paste: Examine your CPU cooler's contact surface. If you see a gray or silver square/circle of material, thermal paste is pre-applied. Remove any protective plastic film just before installing the cooler.

Clean the CPU surface: If applying paste manually, ensure the CPU heat spreader (top metal surface) is completely clean. Use isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth to remove any residue.

Apply thermal paste: Place a small amount (approximately rice grain size) in the center of the CPU heat spreader. For larger CPUs, use slightly more but never exceed pea-sized amounts. The paste will spread when the cooler is mounted.

Avoid over-application: Too much thermal paste can spill over the edges and potentially cause electrical issues if it contacts other components. Less is more - you can always add more if temperatures are high, but removing excess is difficult.

Install backplate (if required): Many aftermarket coolers require a backplate behind the motherboard. Remove the motherboard from the case if necessary, remove the default backplate, and install the cooler-specific backplate according to manufacturer instructions.

Mount standoffs or brackets: Install any mounting standoffs, brackets, or clips according to your cooler's socket-specific instructions. Intel and AMD typically require different mounting hardware even on universal coolers.

Position the cooler: Lower the cooler straight down onto the CPU, ensuring the contact surface aligns with the CPU heat spreader. Avoid sliding or twisting the cooler once it contacts the thermal paste.

Secure the cooler: Follow your cooler's mounting procedure exactly. Common systems include: push-pins that rotate and lock (Intel stock), screw-down mounting with springs (aftermarket), or cam-lever mechanisms (high-end air coolers). Always follow the recommended tightening sequence.

Check clearance: Verify the cooler doesn't interfere with RAM slots, graphics card, or other components. Some large air coolers may block the first RAM slot or require low-profile memory modules.

Connect cooler power: Plug the cooler's power cable into the appropriate motherboard header. CPU fans use 4-pin PWM 'CPU_FAN' headers, while pump-based liquid coolers may use 'CPU_FAN' for the pump and 'CHA_FAN' for radiator fans.

Final component check: Verify all components are properly seated, all power connections are secure, and no tools or parts are left inside the case. Pay special attention to the 24-pin motherboard power connector and 8-pin CPU power connector.

Install memory and graphics card: If not already installed, add RAM and graphics card according to their respective installation guides. Ensure all components are fully seated with retention clips engaged.

Connect display cable: Connect your monitor to the graphics card (not motherboard) if using a discrete GPU. For systems using integrated graphics, connect to motherboard video outputs.

First power-on: Press the power button and observe the boot process. The first boot with a new CPU may take 30-90 seconds as the system initializes and trains memory. Some systems may restart once or twice during this process.

Monitor temperatures: Use BIOS hardware monitoring or software like HWMonitor to check CPU temperatures. Idle temperatures should typically be 30-50°C, with load temperatures under 80°C for most air coolers.

Enter BIOS/UEFI: Restart and press the BIOS key (usually Delete, F2, or F12) repeatedly during startup. Check your motherboard manual for the specific key.

Update BIOS (if needed): Check the current BIOS version against the latest available on the motherboard manufacturer's website. Newer CPUs often require updated BIOS versions for full compatibility.

Enable XMP/DOCP for memory: Navigate to memory settings and enable XMP (Intel) or DOCP/AMP (AMD) profiles to run RAM at rated speeds rather than JEDEC defaults.

Configure fan curves: Set up CPU fan curves in the hardware monitoring section. Most systems can run fans at lower speeds for quieter operation while maintaining safe temperatures.

Check power delivery settings: High-end CPUs may benefit from enabling features like Multi-Core Enhancement (Intel) or Precision Boost Overdrive (AMD), but these increase power consumption and heat output.