Can I replace my computer processor?

Question

And if I can...how can I choose the fastest one? Is it hard to replace myself? (I have been able to replace CDR drives, memory, ... stuff like that..but nothing with the motherboard yet.

Sorry I failed to mention my computer is 2 weeks old from Dell...with 1 GB ram and 256 cache

Answer 1

its easy but sum ppl dont wanna touch the mother board cuz it has stuff chemicals that may give u cancer its ur choice


hey if u do do it come n change mine to i wanna upgrade to a better MB and processor email me ok

Answer 2

I don't know what Jimmy James is talking about, but nothing will give you cancer.

yet, it is easy to replace it too!
Go to Dell, go find your computer, and look up the socket type
If you can't find the socket, then get the name of the CPU
like Intel Pentium 4 940 Presler or something like that
go to www.newegg.com
and put the name of your CPU into the Search bar
find your cpu then find the socket type
then put the socket type name like LGA775 into the Search Bar again
and there ya go
An entire list of CPUs of which you can choose from.
The only other thing you need before replacing your CPU is a screwdriver (possibly) and some thermal paste (sometimes included with the CPU you buy if it is not OEM or more normally called "used")

oh and ashwin33 is totally wrong. What is the point of getting a CPU if it is the same mhz/ghz.
The speed of your CPU does not matter a single bit. For all you know, urs could be 50mhz and you can upgrade to 3.2ghz for probably less than 250 bucks on newegg.

Answer 3

Well first off, you can replace your processor. It depends on your computer whether they've actually glued it in place or not, but most times, it's not hard-set into the motherboard. As far as the fastest one, you need to figure out what you're doing with it. Are you gaming? if you are, get a dual core processor...you should also look into an extra fan or two for your processor, and maybe even some liquid cooling.

Answer 4

well there is a little bit more involved than replacing other parts, you have to take the heat sink off, unlocked the processor with the lever, remove the processor, line up the arrows on the processor with th arrow on the socket on the motherboard. Apply thermal compound, replace the heat sink. You may need to do a bios update for your motherboard to be compatible with the new processor but since you already have a Phenom processor already you may not have to

Answer 5

Yes, you can replace your processor. The question might be whether your motherboard would need to be upgraded. Depending on how old the computer/processor is, there may not be a new processor out there that would work with your motherboard.

Motherboards and processors advance technology at about the same rate. So unless you're replacing the processor with one within the same "family" of processors (Such as AMD Athlon chips can only be replaced with other AMD Athlons). They refer to motherboards as having different socket configurations. You need to verify what you have before you buy a shiny new processor.

Answer 6

Yes, it is possible to replace your computer's processor. You can find them in most computer harware stores, or on websites, that will usually be able to help you find the best ones for your needs. AMD's new dual-core processors tend to be very fast and efficient. However, if your motherboard doesn't support that, I believe Intel makes a "dual-core" that is really only one processor, and should fit on your motherboard. I'm not positive on that issua, so you'd be better off asking someone in-store. In terms of difficulty, it could be tricky because you may have hardware issues, and/or you may have to update drivers on your system and deal with BIOS issues on the motherboard.

Answer 7

First look up the specs of your motherboard. Find out what processor it's for and the socket size. You should also check if there's a limitation on speed, according to your motherboard.

So when buying a processor you will need to know the model of the processor (pentium4, AMD athlon, ect...) the socket (socket A, LGA 775, ect...) and the clock speed that your motherboard supports. That's it. The directions to install the processor should come with it if you buy a brand new one.

Answer 8

replacing your CPU all depends on the type of socket your motherboard supports and how old your motherboard is. for choosing the fastest ones, you generally look at the speed of it, the FSB, and the L2 cache size. for the most part, AMD is superior to the Intel counterparts and also much cheaper. and also, it is relatively easy. just remove the heatsink and the CPU will be right under it.

Answer 9

it's not hard but you'll need to find out some things first.

you need to know what socket you have.

you can use cpuz to find out

http://www.cpuid.com/download/cpu-z-135.zip

you'll also need to find out your front side bus.

cpuz will also tell you that.

however.

if your cpu is old. (more then two years maybe even 1 year)

they might not make the cpus anymore. which means you'll need to buy either O.E.M or used.

ebay is a good place to find cpus.

to find the fastest cpu available. You just need to match both of those.

I'm still rocking a Socket A FSB 400mhz

so the fastest i could of bought and have was a

Athlon Xp 3200+ Barton Core.

another way to find out. Is to look at your ram speeds. thats a easy way to find out your bus speed. and the socket says what socket it is.

anyways best of luck.

you can shoot me the cpuid file and i can tell you what type of cpu you can buy.

taking the heatsink off is pretty easy.

You'll have the older kind with a big metal latch on it. or the newer style with plastic clips and a housing.

here is a guide

http://www.wikihow.com/Upgrade-a-CPU

best of luck :)

Answer 10

Yes, you can. Well the question is what processor do you have now and what do you want to get. If you have Intel, you will have to stick with Intel, if you have AMD, you will have to stay with AMD. No, it isn't hard to do yourself, but if you want (our) help in choosing one you will have to provide your motherboard details.

Well, it's from Dell so that narrows it down to Intel. But we still need the model number at the very least, processor type would also help.

Answer 11

very simple. just like replacing your memory actually. what you need to find out is the specs of your motherboard and see what is the max processor it can handle. that is key. but for the most part you just find the old processor, pull it out and plug in the one.