Step 1 : Installing the Processor

First, before you take any components out of the packaging, always ensure that you're electrostatically discharged. You can do this by wearing an electrostatic wrist strap (which can be purchased at any electronics store) or just simply touching the metal case of a power supply that's connected to the mains (but not necessarily turned on). If you're not wearing the wrist strap, always discharge yourself from time to time to ensure you're always grounded.

Now that you've earthed yourself, you can safely remove the processor from the box package and inspect to see if there are any defects. Don't worry if you don't see any pins on the processor, it's not a defect. The new LGA775 packaging does not come with any pins.

When handling the processor, always hold the processor by the sides as shown in the pictures below. Do not touch the contact pads as you do not want to soil nor damage them. A dirty contact pad could pose as a reliability or stability issue since it adds unnecessary resistance to the path of the electrical circuits. Though the contact pads look interesting, never touch them as oil and/or perspiration from your fingers could introduce long-term reliability issues (e.g. corrosion).

The Intel Pentium 4 LGA775 processor. On the top metal cover, you should be able to see the processor's speed engraved on the top metal cover. Note that our sample was not a retail part.

Always handle the processor by the sides to prevent damaging or soiling the contact pads below the processor. You can see that there are no pins on this processor.

Next, remove the motherboard from the package and you should see a highly integrated board like the one shown below.

The Gigabyte GA-8GPNXP Duo motherboard.

The LGA775 socket on the motherboard. The pins on the socket are protected by a plastic cover during shipping.