Processor retention system and method

A method for retaining a processor engaged in a circuit board socket, the method comprising:

• coupling a retention frame to the circuit board proximate the socket;
• engaging a processor in the socket;
• coupling a processor retainer to the retention frame over the processor so that the processor retainer contacts processor to retain the processor in the socket;
• and
• disposing a heat sink over the processor to contact the processor through an opening in the processor retainer.

A system for retaining a processor engaged in a socket, the socket disposed on a circuit board, the system comprising:

• a retention frame operable to couple to the circuit board proximate the socket;
• a processor retainer having a retaining surface formed to engage the processor with a retaining force that retains the processor in the socket;
• and
• a securing device movably coupling the processor retainer to the retention frame in an open position that allows access to the processor and a closed position that retains the processor in the socket.