For this article I semi-plagiarised part of an earlier piece that I wrote with regard to fitting an AMD socket AM2 processor; the reason being that the procedure is almost exactly the same, save to say that you’re installing an AMD socket AM2+ processor in a socket AM2+ socket.

(Note that I plagiarised my own work; which is acceptable: Plagiarising someone else’s work is totally unacceptable in the blogosphere, and is something that I would not do. (A few bloggers actually do this!) I may at times quote from someone else’s work, in which case I put the piece in quotation marks and give the creator credit before or afterwards. (As in the case of the quotations from Wikipedia, below.) – At the same time being fully prepared to remove their work should they request me to do so.)

AMD socket AM2+ is the successor of socket AM2, and is extremely similar save to say that it has more pin connections.

From Wikipedia: “Socket AM2+ is a mid-migration from Socket AM2 to Socket AM3 and is fully compatible with Socket AM2, so that processors designed for Socket AM2 work on Socket AM2+ motherboards and vice versa.”

From the same Wikipedia article: “AMD confirmed that AM2 processors will work on AM2+ motherboards and AM2+ processors will work on AM2 motherboards. However, the operation of AM2+ processors on AM2 motherboards will be limited to the specifications of Socket AM2 (1 GHz HyperTransport 2.0, and one power plane for both cores and the IMC). AM2 processors do not benefit from the faster HyperTransport 3.0 and separate power planes on AM2+ motherboards.

Many manufacturers have yet to (and may choose not to) release BIOS updates that would enable this compatibility. Others have simply stated that their AM2 motherboards are not compatible with AM2+ processors. ^[1]

AMD confirmed that there is an upgrade path from Socket AM2+ to AM3:

• AM3 processors work on AM2+ motherboards
• AM2+ processors do not work on AM3 motherboards”

(See here for the full Wikipedia article on socket AM2+.)

It’s not exactly brain-surgery or rocket-science to fit a socket AM2+ processor; but you’ll need to prepare yourself beforehand. Here’s what you’ll need: –

• Screwdriver; if you need to remove or loosen screws to remove the side-panel of your computer’s case.

• New processor at the ready. Leave it inside its packaging until the very last moment.

• Thermal paste. You’ll need this to paste onto the surface of the new processor after you’ve fitted it into the processor socket and before you fit the cooler onto it. If your replacement processor came boxed with a new cooler then chances are that the paste is pre-applied to the cooler. The amount pre-applied should be adequate (Some computer-builders would disagree with me here; but I’ve always found it to be so.). If on the other hand you’ve bought an OEM or a secondhand processor then you’ll need to apply thermal paste as above.

• An anti-static wristband connected to electrical earth. If you don’t have one you might be able to use a crocodile-lead and connect a piece of metal jewellery or a watch that you’re wearing to the computer’s case, provided that the computer’s case remains earthed.

• Finally a positive calm attitude: I personally find it a good idea to meditate for a short while before any computer-work in order to achieve a level psyche so that I don’t panic or do anything wrong during the operation through lack of concentration. Forget the gas bill, forget your boy or girlfriend for the time being. Ensure that you won’t be disturbed for a while, adopt a levelled and intellectual thinking-pattern, and we’re off.

Ensure that the switch on the computer’s power-supply unit (Usually situated at the back of the computer.) is off. If it is off but the power-lead remains connected then the case is earthed. If you disconnect it then the case is not earthed or only partially earthed. (The theory of “touching the case to earth yourself” may or may not apply in this instance; hence it’s always better to use an anti-static wristband just to be on the safe side.) Open the computer’s case by removing the side-panel.

On one of the sides of the cooler unit which you’ll be fitting atop the processor, you will see a lever connected to a clip on the cooler heatsink. Pull this lever to the upward position. You will see a pair of wires (Maybe three(?)), (Probably red and black (and white(?)).) leading from the cooler’s fan. These connect via the a small plug to a corresponding a socket on the motherboard. (Read your motherboard’s manual beforehand to be sure you understand where everything is. (RTFM)) If you don’t have the corresponding manual for your motherboard then either download it online, or ask the manufacturer for a copy. (They may or may not charge for it.)

On one side of the processor socket you will see a lever. Lift this lever into the upward position.

Carefully remove the socket AM2+ processor from its packaging without touching any of the pins. Insert it straight into the waiting empty socket, ensuring that the marked corners of both the processor and the socket are lined up.

Once again check that the marked corners of both the processor and the socket are lined up. Also ensure that your anti-static wristband or otherwise is connecting your body to electrical earth. Apply slight pressure to the processor’s surface and push the lever downwards into the position that you originally saw it in when you removed the cooler from the old processor. If anything resists your attempts DO NOT FORCE IT. Recheck that you are doing the operation correctly and try again.

Gently and carefully, trying not to cause any scratches, clean the upward-facing surface of the processor. (Do not wipe the markings off. – You don’t need to clean it that well!) and, if using a secondhand cooler unit, clean the underside of the cooler that will end up on top of the processor, Apply a very thin layer of thermal paste to the surface of the top of the processor and to the smooth underside of the cooler heatsink. The edge of a credit card will assist you to keep it thin. You may notice that it seems slightly thicker in some places than others: This is normal. The paste is filling the gaps that would otherwise be left free of contact between processor and cooler.

If you bought a new, boxed processor complete with a new cooler; remove the plastic cover to expose the  pre-applied thermal-paste.

Place the cooler on top of the processor and slide around a little to ensure that it’s located in exactly the right place. Locate the two clips positioned opposite one another on the sides of the cooler heatsink with the lugs on the socket surround. Push the lever above one of the clips into position; flush with the motherboard’s surface.

Connect the cooler’s fan by plugging the plug into the appropriate socket on the motherboard.

The operation as regards hardware is now complete, and the processor is now fitted. – It wasn’t that difficult was it?

If you have any comments to make then please do so below.