CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)HardwareMedium
A technician is installing a new CPU in a workstation. After carefully placing the CPU into the socket, the technician attempts to close the retention lever, but it requires excessive force and seems to bend the CPU slightly. What is the MOST likely cause of this issue?
- AThe CPU fan is too large for the socket.
- BThe CPU is not properly seated in the socket.
- CThe thermal paste was applied incorrectly.
- DThe motherboard BIOS needs to be updated.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The CPU is not properly seated in the socket.
If a CPU is not properly aligned or seated correctly in its socket, attempting to close the retention lever will meet significant resistance and can cause damage to the CPU or socket pins. CPUs are designed to drop in with minimal force when correctly aligned.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The size of the CPU fan (cooler) does not affect the physical seating of the CPU in its socket.
- C. Incorrect thermal paste application affects heat transfer, not the physical seating or closing of the retention lever.
- D. A BIOS update is a software process and has no impact on the physical installation of the CPU into the socket.
CPU Installation Seating
The critical step of correctly aligning and placing a CPU into its motherboard socket, ensuring pins (or pads) make proper contact without force before securing it.
- Align triangle/dot on CPU with socket.
- CPU should drop in with minimal force.
- Excessive force indicates improper seating or alignment.
- Can bend pins and damage CPU/socket.
Memory trick: Align the triangle, then gently drop in; force means trouble, a bent pin's a sin.