Intel Motherboard Raptor AT Installation Manual page 19

Chapter 1: Pre-Configuration
Locate the CPU socket on your Raptor AT system board (PGA Socket
– Location U21 – Figure 1-2). To install the processor, lift the lever of
the ZIF socket and gently insert the CPU. The CPU will fit only in the
right alignment. Make sure the CPU is inserted all the way. Lower the
lever. Install the CPU fan. Make sure it is locked and connected to J3
(see pin-out in Appendix A).
The continued push of technology to increase performance levels
(higher operating speeds) and packaging density (more transistors) is
aggravating the thermal management of the CPU. As operating
frequencies increase and packaging sizes decreases, the power density
increases and the thermal cooling solution space and airflow become
more constrained. The result is an increased importance on system
design to ensure that thermal design requirements are met for the CPU.
The objective of thermal management is to ensure that the temperature
of the processor is maintained within functional limits. The functional
temperature limit is the range within which the electrical circuits can be
expected to meet their specified performance requirements. Operation
outside the functional limit can degrade system performance, cause
logic errors or cause component and/or system damage. Temperatures
exceeding the maximum operating limits may result in irreversible
changes in the operating characteristics of the component.
If the Raptor AT industrial embedded motherboard is acquired without
the CPU and the thermal solution, extremely care must be taken to
avoid improper thermal management. All Intel thermal solution
specifications, design guidelines and suggestions to the CPU being
used must be followed. The Raptor AT warranty is void if the thermal
management does not comply with Intel requirements.
Designing for thermal performance
In designing for thermal performance, the goal is to keep the processor
within the operational thermal specifications. The inability to do so will
shorten the life of the processor.
Fan Heatsink
An active fan heatsink can be employed as a mechanism for cooling the
Intel processors. This is the acceptable solution for most chassis.
Adequate clearance must be provided around the fan heatsink to ensure
unimpeded air flow for proper cooling.
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