Thermal Paste and Cooling: Apply a pea-sized amount of thermal paste to the center of the CPU integrated heat spreader (IHS) before mounting your heatsink. Dealing with Bent Pins

Before touching your CPU or motherboard, you must eliminate static electricity. Use an anti-static wrist strap or frequently touch a grounded metal object. PGA pins are extremely fragile; even a slight drop or improper grip can bend several pins, potentially ruining the processor. How to Install an AM4 CPU

Prepare the Socket: Lift the small metal retention lever on the side of the AM4 motherboard socket until it is fully vertical (90 degrees).

Drop-in Fit: Gently lower the CPU into the socket. Because it is a Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) socket, the CPU should slide in completely under its own weight. Never press down or force the CPU into the holes.

Lock it Down: Once the CPU is seated flush against the socket, push the metal lever back down to its original horizontal position. You may feel slight resistance as the internal contacts grip the pins.