Installation
Test Rig:
Intel Core i7 870 LGA 1156 processor
Asus P7P55D EVO Intel P55 motherboard
OCZ Platinum DDR3-1333 7-7-7 4GB dual channel memory kit
Sapphire Radeon HD 5850 video card
OCZ Z Series 650 watt power supply
Prolimatech Mega Shadow CPU cooler
Ikonik Zaria midtower
Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit
The pins on Intel LGA 1366 and LGA 1156 CPU sockets are very fragile. Take extreme caution not to touch them. The onboard memory controllers on Core i7 and i5 processors require a maximum Vdimm of 1.65v. Overvolting memory will damage the CPU, DO NOT INCREASE THE MEMORY VOLTAGE OVER 1.65V!
Observe the key openings on the CPU and the keys on the CPU socket to determine proper orientation of the CPU. Place the CPU onto the socket, close the retainer bracket and fit the end under the retaining lug located on the motherboard. Carefully lower the locking lever, stop immediately if there is too much resistance, though there will probably be quite a bit. Lock the lever. Prep the CPU by cleaning with isopropyl alcohol and a lint free cloth.
Apply thermal compound per manufacturer’s instructions on the CPU surface. You will need to spread the compound with a credit card or other thin flat item if the CPU cooler has exposed heatpipes that directly touch the CPU surface, as that cooler configuration does not allow the compound to spread properly. Prep the cooler base with isopropyl alcohol and a lint free cloth.
Install the CPU cooler per manufacturer’s instructions. Again, the cooler must support LGA 1156. Install the system memory. Be aware that when using two memory modules with a P55 motherboard, the memory must be in the pair of alternating slots away from the CPU cooler, the forwardmost memory slot and the second slot away from the CPU. For those who have owned LGA 775 motherboards this can be a little confusing since you are using the opposite slots that you traditionally used. If you are using all four slots, I recommend using only a pair when booting the rig for the first time.
Install the optical drive into the case.
Install the power supply into the case. Install the hard drive(s) into the case.
Install the motherboard offsets into the case. Install the I/O shield into the designated opening in the rear of the case. Install the motherboard into the case.
Wire things up by connecting power cables, drive cables, fan wires, and case header wires. Install the video card, install the PCI-E power cables, double check your work, and you’re done.
