CPUs are pretty robust beasts and rarely have problems after they’re installed.
You’re most likely to encounter problems with installation, although heat
issues can become a big deal at a later time.
Installation Problems
Look (and listen) for the following signs of installation problems:
• It’s normal for the CPU fan speed to fluctuate, but if the fan doesn’t
spin at all for more than 5 seconds or so, turn the system off and make
sure that the fan is plugged in correctly.
• If the fan is spinning but the PC doesn’t boot, make certain that any
jumpers governing speed or voltage are set correctly.
• If, after a few minutes, you hear a loud alarm, this is an indication that
the system is overheating. Turn it off immediately and check your fan
installation to make sure you’ve got good CPU/heatsink contact and
that the fan is functioning properly.
• If the system does not boot and the fan does not spin, check to ensure
that the CPU is seated properly and that no other components or
cables have been unseated or disturbed.