The Motherboard, Processor, and Memory - Choosing and Installing a CPU
(Page 8 of 18 )
If you’ve already chosen your motherboard, your choice of a CPU is a natch: get the fastest one you can afford that’s compatible with your motherboard. Only one of our motherboard recommendations is limited to a certain speed, the SOYO P4X400 DRAGON Ultra, and that’s because Pentium 4 processors larger than 3GHz require a new motherboard with support for Hyper-Threading Technology (a new CPU twist that allows the processor to run two threads, or parts of programs, simultaneously).
If you’ve been holding off choosing a motherboard until you chose your processor, consider these factors:
- Pentium processors are currently available at higher clock frequencies than Athlon CPUs. The latest Pentium 4 is mildly faster than the fastest Athlon XP.
- Pentiums undergo the best testing regimens in the industry, ensuring across-the-board compatibility.
- History has shown that it’s easier to upgrade Athlon-based systems. Intel processors often require new motherboard technology.
- Athlon-based systems deliver a better price/performance ratio.
Because of the ease of upgrading and the friendlier prices, we recommend an AMD Athlon processor (see Figure 2-4). It’s not an easy decision, however, as Pentium 4 CPUs at 3.06GHz outperform Athlon XP 2800+ CPUs, but only by a narrow margin. AMD processors are great because of their speed and easy upgradeability, but Pentium tends to offer new technologies faster than AMD. The following installation demonstration uses the Athlon XP 2800+. Note that if price is not a factor and you want the absolute highest performance available, a Pentium 4 is the answer.
Installing Your CPU and Cooler It’s a relatively simple process to install a CPU into a system, but nonetheless you need to be careful when handling the delicate parts. CPUs mount in sockets called ZIF sockets (for Zero Insertion Force). They feature handles that, when raised, open up the holes and allow you to drop the CPU into place without pressing on it. Let’s get going.
Figure 2-4
An Athlon CPU
First, locate the CPU socket on your motherboard. After you’re sure that you’re static-safe, gently unsnap and raise the handle next to it. Figure 2-5 shows how it should look.
Figure 2-5
A socket with the handle open
Second, look at the pin configuration on the underside of your CPU. If you’re installing an Athlon XP, two of the corners will be lacking a few pins (Figure 2-6); if you’re installing a Pentium 4, only one of the corners will be irregular.
Third, line up the oddball corners with the corresponding corners on the socket. Carefully lay the CPU down onto the ZIF socket and, if necessary, press it down with a minimum of force. It should drop into place without any force at all, but sometimes it needs a gentle push.
Fourth, when the processor is seated, return the handle to its down position and snap it into place, as shown in Figure 2-7. That will seal the processor into the socket so that it can’t be removed without lifting the handle again.
That’s all there is to inserting the CPU; next you have to install the cooler. Pentium 4 coolers and Athlon XP coolers differ significantly.
Figure 2-6
Atholon XP CPU pins
Don’t Force It! -- Never force a CPU into its socket. You can bend the pins and ruin the processor. If the CPU doesn’t drop in with minimal pressure when the socket lever is up, make sure you’ve lined it up properly.
Figure 2-7
Inserting an Athlon CPU
 This chapter is from Build Your Own High Performance Gamers' Mod PC, by Chen and Durham (McGraw-Hill/Osborne, 2004, ISBN: 0072229012). Check it out at your favorite bookstore today. Buy this book now. |
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