Build your own computer

Step 8 Installing the Processor's Heatsink

This is an important step because it keeps your processor cool. Without the heatsink, your computer would litterally overheat in about 5 seconds. Processors get very hot, and can get damaged without the proper cooling. The processors box should come with a heatsink and fan. The instructions are hard to describe for the heatsink, and I can't supply pictures (I am using water cooling instead). I suggest you look at the manual for the processor and/or the motherboard. It's pretty easy to do.

Some tips:
1. All heatsinks and cooling systems need thermal paste to conduct heat properly from the processor to the cooling system.
2. There are 4 types of thermal paste. Silver, ceramic, silicon and thermal pads. If using the stock heatsink, leave the thermal pad in tact. If using a different cooling methood, use silver or ceramic. Be careful with silver because it conducts electricity. Don't get it on any circuitry. Silicon is cheep and works well. If you can't find silver or ceramic, then buy the silicon.
3. Make sure it is installed correctly. Heatsinks should be really tight against the processor.
4. Make sure the fan is plugged into the fan slot. It will be a 3 or 4 pin connecter that can go on only one way.