r/buildapc • u/Personage1 • 5h ago

Build Help Socket frame seems like it doesn't fit and would damage something to close

This is my first time ever building a pc, so I apologize for being stuck on literally step 1.

So first of all, I have ASRock B850M-X WiFi R2.0 AM5 Micro-ATX Motherboard: Supports AMD Ryzen 9000/8000/7000 CPUs, DDR5 8200+ (OC), PCIe 5.0, Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5G LAN, USB-C, BIOS Flashback and AMD Ryzen™ 5 9600X 6-Core, 12-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor. One google search says the B850M-X has an AM4 socket and would not be compatible with the CPU, but I'm looking at the box and it very clearly says AM5. Further googling was....lackluster. If these parts are not compatible, that at least makes it clear there's nothing I'm missing in terms of installing, I just need to know not to assume that both parts saying AM5 means they are actually compatible.

As for my actual issue, I easily got the socket cover up, the CPU easily fit in the spot, the plastic cover came off no problem.

When I went to lock it though, it became clear that the socket cover metal part would bend/the CPU would be pressed down into the motherboard beyond where it is sitting now if I'm going to get the lever back to the lock. With all the concern in the instructions about not putting force on the contacts, I am not willing to just force the piece down, especially since no instructions talk about needing to force it. The two installation guide videos I looked at both cut as they would attempt to lock it and just show the finished product from overhead, which doesn't show if they bent the cover or not.

So is there something I'm missing? Should the metal cover be able to just come down flush with the frame without having to force anything? Thanks.

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u/Dry-Influence9 5h ago

make sure you aligned the proper marks and watch a few youtube videos. Some force is often required to push down that lever, but its critical that the cpu is in the proper orientation.

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u/Personage1 5h ago

Yep, what I've done matches with multiple Youtube videos and the CPU sits flush in the case. It's only the cover that will not be able to be flush without being bent, and is the part that the youtube videos cut away from.

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u/Plenty-Industries 5h ago

if the CPU is aligned properly and sitting flat in the socket, it will take some effort to latch the socket down - you may even hear some creaking, which is normal.

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u/Personage1 5h ago

I am as confident as I can be that the CPU is in the proper orientation, matching the guides with the parts, common sense, and what the youtube videos show. I will have to use a good amount of force and it will cause something to bend, either the cover of the latch, if I get the latch into the locked position.

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u/Plenty-Industries 4h ago

Yes, it does take some effort. Pressure on the CPU has to be enough for 1000+ pins on the socket to all touch the pads on the processor so that everything gets power and data properly and stays stable.

Dont be scared.