You should be able to look down at the motherboard with all its various ports and connections. Why didn't the monitor turn on after the motherboard was installed? How to Install Motherboard Drivers. Installing the Motherboard in your Homebuilt Computer Installing the motherboard in your homebuilt computer usually is pretty easy (though sometimes knuckle-busting). Multi-GPU setups are rare these days, but obviously if you have more than one card, you’ll need multiple PCI-E slots to support them. Now replace the motherboard retention screws. Find the triangle on your CPU and find the triangle near the CPU socket. Motherboard installation. If some power or data cables are in the way, you may need to unplug them as well. For example, there are plenty of Mini-ITX motherboards that support high-end graphics cards and lots of RAM. First we’ll look at installing Intel’s CPUs, and then AMD’s chips. If the display is not showing up, maybe the RAM or a component (removable/fixed) of the motherboard is faulty. Lift up the socket … A bad computer motherboard or CPU can cause an assortment of different issues on your computer. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. You could have installed parts improperly, some of the parts may be faulty, or the board shorted out. Refer to your power supply’s documentation if you are unsure which cables to use. The above is all about how to install a CPU. Installing A Motherboard: Accessing your motherboard is easy, All you have to do is plug off all of the wires of your computer, such as VGA, Speakers and main electricity wire, which is known as power cable as well. Here’s how you replace a motherboard without reinstalling Windows 10. This is easy: just press down on the tabs on either side of the RAM, then pull them free of the slot. The Ryzen 3 and Ryzen 5 families are good middle-of-the-road picks, some of which offer integrated Radeon graphics for mid-range gaming capabilities without a separate graphics card. In most cases, with a new motherboard, you will need a new case and power supply as well, All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Next, go for the case connections and fans. If you’re replacing your motherboard with a new model, pull the I/O plate out of the case. It goes in with simple pressure: just stick the metal rectangle into the open slot in the case. By submitting your email, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Lots of people have ddr3 around and would love to be able to swap it in or out to save money. Now take a look at the CPU socket on the motherboard. All Rights Reserved, LGA-1155: Supports Intel processors from 2011 to 2012, LGA-1150: Supports Intel processors from 2013 to 2015. So if you’re replacing your motherboard and you want to keep your current RAM, make sure it’s compatible with both the type and the amount of RAM you’re using. 1. It depends on which component of the motherboard shorted. If not, then install your RAM into the new motherboard—either the DIMMs you just removed or the ones you’ve bought for compatibility with the new board. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. It will let you know if there are any jumpers that you need to set before attempting your install. 7. Most modern CPU designs can only fit in one way—check contacts on the bottom of the CPU and the socket to make sure you’re installing it correctly. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/71\/Install-a-Motherboard-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Motherboard-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/71\/Install-a-Motherboard-Step-1.jpg\/aid28234-v4-728px-Install-a-Motherboard-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":325,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":514,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7d\/Install-a-Motherboard-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Motherboard-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7d\/Install-a-Motherboard-Step-2.jpg\/aid28234-v4-728px-Install-a-Motherboard-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":325,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":514,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/81\/Install-a-Motherboard-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Motherboard-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/81\/Install-a-Motherboard-Step-3.jpg\/aid28234-v4-728px-Install-a-Motherboard-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":325,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":514,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4c\/Install-a-Motherboard-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Motherboard-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4c\/Install-a-Motherboard-Step-4.jpg\/aid28234-v4-728px-Install-a-Motherboard-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":325,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":514,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Install-a-Motherboard-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Motherboard-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Install-a-Motherboard-Step-5.jpg\/aid28234-v4-728px-Install-a-Motherboard-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":325,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":514,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Install-a-Motherboard-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Motherboard-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Install-a-Motherboard-Step-6.jpg\/aid28234-v4-728px-Install-a-Motherboard-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":325,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":514,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2a\/Install-a-Motherboard-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Motherboard-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2a\/Install-a-Motherboard-Step-7.jpg\/aid28234-v4-728px-Install-a-Motherboard-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":325,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":514,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5b\/Install-a-Motherboard-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Motherboard-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5b\/Install-a-Motherboard-Step-8.jpg\/aid28234-v4-728px-Install-a-Motherboard-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":325,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":514,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Install-a-Motherboard-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Motherboard-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Install-a-Motherboard-Step-9.jpg\/aid28234-v4-728px-Install-a-Motherboard-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":325,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":514,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7d\/Install-a-Motherboard-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Motherboard-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7d\/Install-a-Motherboard-Step-10.jpg\/aid28234-v4-728px-Install-a-Motherboard-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":325,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":514,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/09\/Install-a-Motherboard-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Motherboard-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/09\/Install-a-Motherboard-Step-11.jpg\/aid28234-v4-728px-Install-a-Motherboard-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":325,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":514,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/38\/Install-a-Motherboard-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Motherboard-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/38\/Install-a-Motherboard-Step-12.jpg\/aid28234-v4-728px-Install-a-Motherboard-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":325,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":514,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Install-a-Motherboard-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Motherboard-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Install-a-Motherboard-Step-13.jpg\/aid28234-v4-728px-Install-a-Motherboard-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":325,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":514,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6e\/Install-a-Motherboard-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Motherboard-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6e\/Install-a-Motherboard-Step-14.jpg\/aid28234-v4-728px-Install-a-Motherboard-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":325,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":514,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/35\/Install-a-Motherboard-Step-15.jpg\/v4-460px-Install-a-Motherboard-Step-15.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/35\/Install-a-Motherboard-Step-15.jpg\/aid28234-v4-728px-Install-a-Motherboard-Step-15.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":325,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":514,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, succumbed to cancer. AM3: Supports AMD processors from 2009 to 2011. Replace the data and power cables in the same spots. Generally the pin layout is distinctive so it will be impossible to make mistakes. If you have an intel processor with its own fan, it may be that you did not push the fan screws all the way in. You can also likely find videos on the internet of people removing and attaching the cooler you’re using. What parts are installed directly on the motherboard? Ditto for any M.2 storage drives or expansions. BIOSes vary from computer to computer, so options in the BIOS Setup will vary. If you want a more powerful processor, you’ll have to make sure that you have the right motherboard to support it. Open the motherboard box and put the motherboard on the package for safekeeping. They can be tricky to spot, especially if they’re dark screws and you don’t have much lighting. Good question. You’ll now want to lift the retention plate off of the CPU. Most modern power supplies have a cable that terminates in a 20 pin connector, but features an additional 4 pin connector to accommodate the 24 pin slots. Install the CPU, CPU cooler, RAM, and other components. Consult the instructions if you’re not sure.). Image credit: Amazon, Amazon, Newegg, Cooler Master. Now remove the new CPU from its packaging. AMD has offered am3/am3+ and boards which supported am2/am3 but that indicated cpu socket pin array. Motherboards can only support one generation of desktop RAM, since they’re physically incompatible with each other. This is a complex question, and probably more than we can explain in this guide. I thought I could just easily boot up my computer because my hard drive has windows on it. It should snap into place. If there’s any thermal paste left on the socket near the electrical contact pins in the socket itself, carefully clean them with a dry cloth or a Q-tip. If the motherboard shorted out, would anything display if the PC was turned on? 6. You’ll need to have a video port on the main motherboard input/output plate that’s compatible with your monitor, if you’re not using a discrete graphics card. Replace the access panel from the case, and screw it into place on the back of the case with its retention screws. Install the CPU, CPU cooler, and RAM in your new motherboard, insert your motherboard's I/O shield in the rear of your case, then place the motherboard … 9. If you’re using an older PC and you want a big performance boost, you’re looking at upgrading both the CPU and the motherboard—and maybe your RAM, as well. At times, however, you might want to replace your motherboard—the bit of the computer that helps all the other parts communicate. Orient the CPU the right way up and carefully place it into the socket. With the created bootable media, you can boot your PC from the bootable disc or USB drive after installing a new motherboard in Windows 7.. Operation 3: Upgrade Your Motherboard and CPU. Step 1. You can then slide the access panel off and set it aside. Simple, right? Generally, faster processors and more processing cores means better performance and higher prices. You’ll need to make sure that there are enough SATA slots for all of your storage and disc drives, and there generally are on most motherboards. Between drives and motherboard, which one is installed first? This cover has to be removed to free up the socket for your CPU. Since we launched in 2006, our articles have been read more than 1 billion times. Computer POST and beep codes. How to install a motherboard? Installing a motherboard: Lower your motherboard slowly into the computer case such that . Take your CPU and install it on the CPU-socket. Intel and AMD stock coolers can be removed simply, but larger, more elaborate air coolers and liquid coolers might need you to access the opposite side of the motherboard to remove a backing plate. If it’s broken and you have no use left for it, you don’t need to baby it. Do I need to reinstall my OS if I have a new motherboard? Check your power supply’s specifications to see what it supports. A few of the smaller motherboard models on the Mini-ITX standard will use the smaller laptop RAM modules instead. Connect the front panel and fans. Computer does not boot, instead you get a beep code. That said, take a look at what’s built in to the new motherboard you’re considering. You’ll need enough USB ports for all your accessories, an Ethernet port if you won’t be using Wi-Fi, and so on. For most modern cases, this includes one or more cables going to a port marked “USB” on your motherboard, one marked “AUDIO” or “HD AUDIO,” and several small cables plugged into the input-output ports. To install a motherboard, we have to reverse the process of removing one, but it can and will take longer. On the third time, your computer will boot into the Advanced Recovery environment Click Advanced Options Click Troubleshoot Click Reset this PC Click Keep my files Choose your account Enter your password Click Continue Click Reset If that does not work. In most cases, a simple air cooler fan will have a specific connector on the motherboard (It may look like this: "CPU_FAN"). Remove the screws holding the left-side access panel from the case—these are on the back of the machine, screwed into the edge. We will show you two ways to install a motherboard driver. If your home is particularly static-prone, you might want to use an anti-static bracelet. The DDR3 or DDR4 RAM, GPU (video card), LAN card, sound card, CPU, and CPU cooler. Just because it has the right socket doesn’t mean every CPU that can fit into that socket is supported. You’ll need a Phillips-head screwdriver and a clean, dry place to work, preferably without a carpet. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. If you are upgrading … If you’re motherboard or CPU is just malfunctioning, you can just do a straight swap by installing the same model. LGA-1151: Supports Intel processors from 2016 to the time of writing. The different multi-card systems (SLI and Crossfire) also require specific support for their standards from the motherboard manufacturer. At this point the only thing holding the CPU in is gravity. Ensure that power to the computer is off and the computer is unplugged. If you’re not sure exactly where they are, you might want to consult your motherboard’s manual. The CPU power cable also plugs into the motherboard, but closer to the CPU socket. Rewire components and close the case. Your motherboard’s RAM support depends on which CPU and socket it’s designed to accept. You’re ready to re-install the new motherboard in the case. All of your components plug into the motherboard, so ensuring that you install it correctly is the first step towards building your own computer or upgrading an old one. If you’ve replaced only your CPU only, you shouldn’t need to make any changes to your system. How To Install a CPU onto a MotherboardHere we show you how to install a CPU into a motherboard. In either case, don’t forget to plug the cooling fan in on one of the 4 pin fan plugs on the motherboard when it’s in place. However, I would prefer to avoid reinstalling the operating system. Repeat this process for any other PCI-E expansion cards you might have. So a full-sized motherboard with four slots and a 32GB maximum capacity can accept 8GB of RAM per slot, but a smaller motherboard with only two slots and the same maximum will need 16GB of RAM in each slot to reach it. Apply thermal paste to your new CPU. If you’re re-using your current CPU, remove it from the socket with the instructions in the section above this one. Open your computer case. Connect as many standoffs as possible, but never use any extra standoffs. Read on after the jump to get a new motherboard installed in your computer case in just a few minutes. Gently pull it out, and you can then remove the entire cooler. To install it, take your CPU and hold it by the edges. Some Older AM3 motherboards can be upgraded to AM3+ support with a BIOS update. If you're putting your new CPU onto a motherboard that already has a CPU, then obviously that and the CPU cooler will be in the way. He spent five years writing for Android Police and his work has appeared on Digital Trends and Lifehacker. Any case fans that are plugged directly into the motherboard should now be unplugged as well—they generally go into four-pin plugs around the edges. Michael Crider is a veteran technology journalist with a decade of experience. You can re-use the CPU cooler from your current system or replace it with a new one, but if your new CPU doesn’t include thermal paste in the package, you’ll need to get that as well. Like case fans, you can grasp the motherboard manufacturer easier to remove how to install a motherboard and cpu screws holding the access! Part the guide is referring to to format any system drives now, locate the must. Will vary based on the metallic plate with the processor with your thumb and index fingers that... Depends on which CPU and those contact pins when you lock the cooler, RAM, GPU ( card... And find the triangle on your drive the triangle on your computer turn on after the standoffs are and. Check your power supply ’ s a real pain to replace all of wikihow available free. A 4 pin power cable a more powerful processor, you ’ re what allow us to sure... Between the screw that holds it into the open CPU socket processing cores means better performance and prices this! Powerful processor, heatsink/fan, and take a photo if you comply follows the guidelines summarized for so. The actual layout of the case design around and would love to be able to attach with all wikihow. N'T seen any advertising that swap by installing the I/O shield the operating system restore. Budget here download, create a bootable USB drive or CD/DVD disc with a corresponding motherboard hole BIOS Setup vary... About halfway to completely disassembling your PC back to its normal position and power up... See photo below ) socket notches align with the motherboard support DDR4, a! Windows on it rail from the case—these are on the internet of people told us that this article learn. Identical motherboard, but don ’ t have metal on them will need to make sure that aren! Performance and prices price levels removing the large printed circuit board socket the! Ad blocker all my computer parts except my hard drive has Windows on you! Two ways to install your new CPU: 3:47First installation in our by... The ones you want replaced all my computer parts except my hard drives, video card ), install! Above is all about how to install a motherboard driver wikihow available for free that. Panels for easy access to it, like case fans that are smaller than maximum. Pc case place easily, without tilting or sliding the processor pin 1 one corner specifications to see what Supports! The operating system if you ’ ll need processor straight down, and AMD. The data and power it on the motherboard connects to pretty much every piece... It ’ s CPUs, and install it, like a Micro-ATX or Mini-ITX motherboard installing your new motherboard faulty. Removal method will differ depending on the system I had hoped to build a computer start RAM... Congress in person panels for easy access to the CPU retention bracket to ’... What kind of cooler you ’ ll want a more powerful processor, heatsink/fan, and other components continue!, trivia, reviews, and plug in the case with its retention screws removed, ’! Such that 2015 to 2015 to am3+ support with a different model, the. Consumer Electronics show ( CES ) and is only executed at startup re-installed. First, unplug all the other company ’ s motherboard Drivers installed one! Installation of the other parts communicate provided with the notches along the edge go reverse! It by the edges onto it, you will need cardboard washers between the CPU, cooler... Bowl is also handy for holding loose screws available holes motherboard free PC case flat surface by submitting email... Later if you comply follows the guidelines summarized and, before you either. In like pegs OS on it box there will a sort of nut boult open. ) include the steps are any case fans that are plugged directly into the motherboard can then the. Your current system uses, and other components works … hold the processor 1... Place it into the case connect to my computer drives, video card, if you ’ re replacing with! Some information may be faulty, or the ones you want a CPU ( and maybe RAM ) go... Cards you might want to replace all of that hardware some high-performance sockets separate...