#howtoinstallcpu

How To Install AMD AM4 Ryzen CPU For Beginners

Building your first computer can be scary, but with some research and some guidance you can do it easily!

In this guide I will be walking you through how install a AMD AM4 based processor, The Ryzen 5 1400 into the ASRock B450m-HDV r4.0 motherboard which supports the AM4 Ryzen and Athlon processors.

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First will will be checking the processor and looking for any bent or mis-aligned pins, then preparing the motherboard for the stock AMD cooler the Wraith Stealth model.

We need to release the CPU clamping arm from the clip and raise the arm fully to allow the ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) socket to open.

Next we will align the arrow or triangle on the corner of the processor and motherboard. Gentle lower the cpu onto the socket and it should fall into the socket and sit flush or level with the socket.

If it doesn't gently remove it and carefully check for bent or damaged pins on the CPU.

Sometimes a very slight wiggle can help the CPU fall into the socket, but really shouldn't be necessary on a BNIB CPU. Second hand or used CPU's may have slightly mis-aligned pins.

Now that the CPU is installed we can now lower the socket tension arm and push it past the retaining clip. You may feel or hear a click as it locks into place.

Next we can apply our cooling solution. This will consist of the stock AMD cooler or cooler of your choice and possibly some thermal interface material or compound (T.I.M.)

The choice of cooler and compound is a very polarising subject, but essentially as long as you apply the chosen compound correctly and fix the cooler as the manufacturer recommends you can't go far wrong.

So now we will apply a small amount of TIM, In our build we will be using Arctic MX4 as it is both great value and gives great results thermally and is not electrically conductive so is safer to use than some other more conductive materials or compounds.

The amount used should be enough to cover the majority of the CPU so as to make the largest surface area contact with the CPU cooler. Any gaps or uneven areas will reduce the coolers ability to do it's job!

With the paste applied, we can now install the cooler. Our cooler is the AMD Wraith Stealth model but you can use any cooler you wish as long as it has at least the same TDP or higher than the CPU you are installing. The Higher the TDP of the Cooler the better is can be at cooling (subject to case design , airflow etc)

To install the Wraith cooler, first align the four mounti screws with the motherboards CPU back plate and use a little pressure to get the screw started and screw a few turns on each screw in a criss cross method to allow even distribution of mounting force or pressure.

Continue with this until the screw will not turn any more. This is a design feature to prevent over tightening.

Next plug in the fan 4 pin connector to the CPU fan header on the motherboard, and that is your CPU and CPU cooler installed.