Remove the Intel Core i7 processor from its box and plastic clam shell packaging. To take off the protective black plastic chip carrier cover, hold the processor by its corners and release one of the plastic tabs. Be careful not to touch the contacts on the underside.

Now holding the processor by its sides or corners, look at the bottom. Check for any damage or foreign material on the contacts. Also note the two alignment notches on either side of the processor pictured below.

These fit into the pair of plastic extensions pictured below on the LGA1366 socket, ensuring that the processor is oriented correctly.

Holding the processor by its sides, orient it so that the two socket extensions will fit into the two notches on the processor. Lower the processor gently and vertically down into the socket, ensuring that it is lowered straight and sits evenly.

There are two gaps in the plastic wall of the socket that provide space for your fingers as you lower the chip, so use them. For illustration purposes the Intel processor is shown below with one of the tabs lined up. You should not install the CPU at an angle like this however.

It's advisable not to drop the CPU into place, as that may damage the fragile contact pins.