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ASUS A7M266 User’s Manual 27
3. HARDWARE SETUP
3.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The motherboard provides a Socket 462 or Socket A for CPU installation. The CPU
that came with the motherboard should have a fan and heatsink attached to it to
prevent overheating. If this is not the case, then purchase and install a set before you
turn on your system.
WARNING! Make sure that the heatsink is mounted tightly against the processor.
Make sure also that there is sufficient air circulation across the processor’s heat-
sink by regularly checking that your CPU fan is working. Without sufficient cir-
culation, the processor could overheat and damage both the processor and the
motherboard. You may install an auxiliary fan, if necessary.
To install a CPU, first turn off your system and remove its cover. Locate the Socket
462 and open it by first pulling the lever sideways away from the socket then up-
wards to a 90-degree angle. Insert the CPU with the correct orientation as shown.
The notched corner should be orientated toward the blank space on the socket near-
est the lever. Because the CPU has a corner pin for two of the four corners, the CPU
will only fit in the orientation as shown. The picture is for reference only; you should
have a CPU fan and heatsink that covers the face of the CPU. With the added weight
of the CPU fan and heatsink, no force is required to insert the CPU. Once com-
pletely inserted, close the socket’s lever while holding down the CPU.
NOTES
1. When inserting or removing the CPU, make sure the ZIF socket arm is fully
extended (90˚-100˚ upright) and that the CPU is kept parallel to the socket. Do
NOT force the CPU into the socket as it will damage the pins. It should drop into
the socket with minimal pressure. If not, check the CPU for bent pins or check
the orientation of the CPU.
2. Do not forget to set the correct Bus Frequency for your processor or else boot-up
may not be possible.
3. Socket A processors require a socket mounted thermal resistor.
CAUTION! Be careful not to scrape the motherboard when mounting/unmounting
a clamp-style processor fan or else damage may occur to the motherboard.
CPU
3. H/W SETUP
01
01
A7M266
®
AMD™ Athlon
A7M266 Socket A
LOCK
LEVER
BLANK
NOTCH