If I change processors is that a big deal and if so why?

Question

I've been running celeron and I'd like to upgrade whats involved?

Answer 1

If your motherboard can accept a different processor, I bet that you will have to buy RAM to match. But you will have to study your motherboard carefully and get the right stuff. At this rate, you might consider a whole new system.

But of you only have 128MB or 256MB of RAM, you can gain a significant amount of performance my maximizing your RAM. Look up your computer and model at this website. http://www.coastmemory.com They are great to work with. If your computer can accept 1GB of RAM, it will be awesose.

Consider this:

Use MSCONFIG to minimize the number of startup programs (through System Tools)

Get and update several Anti-spyware solutions. I use AD-AWARE and SpyBot Search & Destroy. I use the free versions from http://www.download.com Update and run these regularly. Especially IMMEDIATELY after an upexpected pop-up.

Download and install FireFox free from http://www.mozilla.com This is a browser that is safer to use than IE. Use this for general surfing and google searching. Only use IE when you MUST have IE, such as Windows Updates.

If you have Windows XP with SP2, activate the Windows firewall and check the status. If you don't, get Zone Alarm the free version from http://www.zonelabs.com

Take these steps to keep your computer ALIVE

Answer 2

Finding a processor that will fit in your slot. You'll have to check what processor slot you have run CPU-Z and it can tell you that, http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php then once you know that (Socket Type will be listed under "Package") you can head off and search for a new processor. Though, you'll have to stick with Intel as AMD processors use a different socket type. Newegg, http://www.newegg.com/ has the best prices on processors and searching is easy, so just search by Socket Type.

And both AMD and Intel include instructions on how to swap out your processor and install the new, both online and in paper form if you get the retail version of the processor (which includes the heatsink, fan and a thermal pad). It's as simple as removing the old processor (according to directions) and installing the new one. You'll boot back into Windows and the "New Hardware" wizard will run, you won't have to do anything, it's just detecting your new processor. Most likely you will not have to reinstall Windows, if you were changing the motherboard, you would have to do so.

If you are using a Celeron D processor, your Socket type is 478 and you can only upgrade to a faster Celeron. If you're up to the challenge get yourself a new motherboard and a dual core processor and at least 1GB of memory, I have priced those components as follows:

Processor, Pentium D805 2.66GHz ($97), http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819116001
Motherboard ($60), http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813157092
1GB DDR2 Memory ($70), http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820221039

So basically you have a new computer for $227. I did not factor in a case, power supply, hard drives or other items you might need. I also did not build the best possible system. only one better (A LOT better) than the one you may have now. I just wanted to show you, it's not as expensive as others have been saying.

Answer 3

It is only a matter of money. Your current processor would be wasted, and you can't just buy only processor, in most cases your motherboard won't support latest processors. Like if you want to use AMD Athlon 64 it would require you 754 or 939 socket which I don't think your mother board supports. The most celerons of these days uses different sockets, so you wouldn't even be able to set your processor on your mother board until you buy a new one. Okay, now if you want to buy a new motherboard, why not buy the lastest one, the good one in current market is the Intel's Motherboard with 975 chip. And in most cases it would support the latest DDR2 RAM, so you might have to change your RAM too. As far as I think it is the only things you have to consider, if you aren't using an old model video card. Now a days the motherboards support video cards with PCI Express x16 slot, so you can't use old ones in there.

Answer 4

You have to check the documentation of your motherboard which processors it supports. Then you can see if a change to a another processor is possible. If that's the case it's really easy.

Some older motherboards require the change of some dipswitches, but this you'll find in the documentation as well.

You can change settings in the BIOS as well to make the processor run faster, but this will void the warranty.

Good luck with it!

Answer 5

Yes it is. Well, your computer's speed is the #1 reason. Not enough space here to explain what's involved. I'd suggest reading Maximum PC or maybe having someone else do it for you. Depending on what you're upgrading to, you may need a new motherboard, memory, video card, case, power supply, etc.

Answer 6

Many people don't usually upgrade their processors. If you want a faster computer, I would say just get a new one.

Answer 7

not much of an upgrade, or a new mo0therboard and processor as well as a fresh install of the OS.

Answer 8

i do no longer recognize with regard to the processor and warmth-sink yet u can use ur previous ram even though it extremely relies upon ur new motherboard that he help ur previous ram. ram is attainable in 3 varieties i.e. DDR-a million, DDR-2, DDR-3 if ur previous and new mom board the two use comparable style ram than u can use ur previous ram. desire it helps.

Answer 9

Ya, it speeds up your computer.