How Dangerous is Installing CPU?

[golfer760]

Hi,

So I've ordered the parts for my first pc and they should arrive within the next few days. I picked up the motherboard and the processor at my local Frys and the offered to install the CPU for 30 bucks. It makes sense to me to have them do it as I have no experience. Then I thought what could go wrong when installing and here's where I got stuck. What can go wrong when installing the cpu? If the only damage is to the motherboard and the cpu (an i7 4790k) would be fine, than paying them 30 bucks to protect a 100 dollar motherboard means a 30% chance I'll fail and I think I'm better than that. However, if screwing up the install of the cpu means breaking both the cpu and the motherboard, paying 30 dollars out of 500 means a 6% chance I'll screw up and I think the actual chance is higher than that. So, what would you recommend to me considering that I have no experience building a pc. I would like to build it all myself but if there is too much risk, than I'll have them do it. Also, don't take static electricity into account. I bought a anti-static strap to make sure none of the other components in the installation would get hurt.


Thanks
Golfer760

 

[giantbucket]

very little risk. WATCH VIDEOS FIRST. there's instructional stuff. DON'T TOUCH PINS. look at both mobo and cpu a few times before you even start to place the CPU on the board.

after that, you can do them drunk in your sleep with both hands chewed off.

 

[getignited114]

Just do it yourself. $30 to install a cpu? WTF? They should be doing that for free, it takes 2 seconds... There is a arrow on the motherboard and on the cpu, match them thats it. Watch a youtube video if you're not confident enough, to see a demonstration. I was building my own pc back in 2003 @ 13 years old without youtube or any thing. I'm positive you can do it yourself and save the $30

 

[vrekman64]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDftYRM-5E0

don't forget the cooler 😉

 

[ko888]

The CPU socket on the motherboard will be the most susceptible to damage because of the delicate contacts/pins.

If you bend/damage any of those contacts/pins it's not covered under warranty.