We'll assume you have your motherboard and processor at hand, both still in their boxes. For this Beginners Guide PCSTATS will be using an Intel Core i5 processor and a socket LGA1156 motherboard from ASUS.

Step 1: Remove the motherboard from its box and protective packaging. Place the anti-static bag or foam mat under the motherboard to protect it, then lay the board down on a flat space like a table.

To open the CPU socket, press the metal lever down and then away from the socket to release the catch.

Rotate the metal arm back to unlock the top load plate until it hangs loosely.

Push the metal lever back a bit to flip up the top metal load plate and expose the plastic protective cover and CPU socket beneath.

Remove the protective socket cover by gripping the two tabs and pulling straight up.

Store this protective cover in the motherboard box, don't throw it away. Be careful not to touch the pins below or drop anything into the exposed socket. Take a moment to examine the gold pins of the CPU socket and check that none are bent and that no foreign material is present.

If you see an electrical contact out of place in the LGA1156 socket it may be possible to very carefully nudge it back into place with the tip of a sharp pin.

The next step is to get the LGA1156 processor ready for installation...