I am going to order a new CPU to install into my computer, and I am a Virgin to popping open my computer. I have seen many videos on how to install a new CPU, and such, but there are still a few things I am uncertain of.
1.Would latex gloves be a cheaper alternative to an antistatic mat or wristband?
2.Does thermal paste come with most CPU heatsinks?
3. If there's preapplied thermal paste on the heatsink, should I still put some thermal paste on?
4. Do instructions come with the CPU on how to install it? (Just in case)
Unless you will be changing the cpu on top of a shag carpet, you don't need a antistatic strap or rubber gloves. Just make sure you touch the case with your hand before you start handling the components, this will remove any static in your body. If you have to leave the area, when you come back to the work area touch your computer case again. I built about 20 computers and never had a static problem and never wore a antistatic strap or gloves.
Almost every cpu heatsink comes with the paste on it, but it is a good idea to have a tube handy just in case. The paste on the heatsink is all that is needed, no need to add more.
Some cpu's come with the directions, but it's best to use the directions that are in the motherboard instruction book. Just make sure you don't force it in, it should just slide in and then lock it down with the lever. Always have a bright flashlight so you can get a good view of everything.
The hard part is installing the heatsink, cpu is the easy part. That is where the biggest hazard is, where you might break something on the motherboard while installing the heatsink.
While most heatsinks do come with thermal paste, it is almost always cheap junk that performs poorly when fresh, and dries out quickly resulting in even worse performance. I use arctic silver 5 on every CPU I install.
Latex gloves would probably make a static problem worse. If you don't want to buy a wrist strap, just make sure a small part of your skin is touching the metal of the case...this will ground you just as well as the strap.
OEM CPUs typicaly do not include instructions, but the pins on the bottom only go into the socket one way, and it is easy to tell what way they go in just by looking at them.
