CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)HardwareHard
A technician is installing a new CPU on a motherboard that uses a Land Grid Array (LGA) socket. After placing the CPU into the socket, the technician attempts to close the retention lever but finds it requires significant force and the CPU appears slightly raised. What is the most likely cause of this issue?
- AThe motherboard BIOS needs to be updated to recognize the CPU.
- BThe thermal paste has dried, creating resistance.
- CThe CPU cooler is already installed, obstructing the lever.
- DThe CPU is not correctly aligned with the socket's keying or pins.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The CPU is not correctly aligned with the socket's keying or pins.
If an LGA CPU is not correctly aligned with the socket's keying notches or if a pin is bent, it will not sit flush in the socket. Attempting to force the retention lever will meet significant resistance and can damage both the CPU and the socket pins. LGA CPUs should drop in almost effortlessly when correctly aligned.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. BIOS updates affect CPU recognition by the system, not the physical seating process in the socket.
- B. Thermal paste is applied after the CPU is secured, so it wouldn't cause resistance during the initial seating.
- C. The CPU cooler is installed after the CPU is secured, so it wouldn't obstruct the initial CPU seating process.
LGA CPU Installation
The process of correctly seating an LGA (Land Grid Array) CPU into its socket, characterized by the CPU's flat pads making contact with pins in the socket.
- LGA CPUs drop into the socket without much force when correctly aligned.
- Keying notches on the CPU and socket ensure correct orientation.
- Forcing the retention lever if the CPU isn't seated can bend socket pins, leading to irreparable damage.
Memory trick: LGA install: 'Align' then 'Secure', don't 'Force'.