p35 ds3l loading plate/socket lever

[reggie fish]

I have purchased a gigabyte p35 ds3l mobo and an E8400.

I have looked over the diagram several times and believe I have
the processor installed in the socket correctly(it seems to slide in comfortably).

My problem is when I go to lay the loading plate back down, it doesn't lay flush. And if I try to use the socket lever to clamp the loading plate down into position, it seems like I'd have to use too much force.
However, I'm new to building a computer so I don't have experience with this.


I read the installation guide here, but am nervous about actually clamping the socket lever fully onto the loading plate to get it into place as I don't want to throw away $200.



Should the plate and lever go into place easily, or do you sort of have to apply a bit of force?



Also, I was following an online installation guide that wasn't as comprehensive as the one on this site. I actually placed my mobo on the static wrapper. I still had my wrist strap on and connected to my pc case... what are the chances i damaged the mobo?

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by reggie fish Should the plate and lever go into place easily,

Nope.

Originally Posted by reggie fish or do you sort of have to apply a bit of force?

It takes a bit of force to get things locked down.

Originally Posted by reggie fish Also, I was following an online installation guide that wasn't as comprehensive as the one on this site. I actually placed my mobo on the static wrapper. I still had my wrist strap on and connected to my pc case... what are the chances i damaged the mobo?

Very little chance of damage to the motherboard. You don't want to power up a motherboard on the anti-static bag. If you just laid the motherboard on it then you didn't damage anything.

Cricket

[liambl]

Originally Posted by reggie fish Also, I was following an online installation guide that wasn't as comprehensive as the one on this site. I actually placed my mobo on the static wrapper. I still had my wrist strap on and connected to my pc case... what are the chances i damaged the mobo?

You don't place it on the bag if you are powering it up, placing it on the bag during building won't cause any damage.

[reggie fish]

Thanks.

I'm rolling along now. Though, I hope I didn't damage the mobo putting the scythe
heatsink in. Took a bit of force to get those pegs to lock down.

I wish I had come upon this site earlier. (found you all through newegg). This is the most
concise information for a new build that I've come across.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by reggie fish Though, I hope I didn't damage the mobo putting the scythe heatsink in. Took a bit of force to get those pegs to lock down.

It takes a bit of force to get the pins down even with the stock heatsink. Don't worry, the motherboard PCB is a lot stronger than most people think.

Cricket