Is a processor something that can be easily upgraded?

Question

Or does it involve more than just removing the old one and plugging the new one in?

Answer 1

Generally there are a few steps:

1st: Pick a compatible CPU, specifically, find one that has the same physical layout. Examples include Socket 754, 939, 940, and AM2 for AMD, and Socket 478, 604, 771, 775, and M for Intel chips. You will need to check what socket your motherboard has, and select a CPU with the same interface. This means that if you have an older model with an interface like 478 or 754, you will be limited to the slower and lower performance CPU's.

2nd: Remove the old heatsink and CPU. Typically, they will have some mechanism like a ZIF (Zero insertion force) socket, which has a little bar that locks the heatsink and cpu down. Just unlock, and remove carefully.

3rd: Clean the new CPU, and apply a thermal compound, such as those included with the CPU or the aftermarket brands like Arctic Silver, and smear a thin layer evenly across the chip.

4th: Carefully place the new heatsink on the new CPU, per the instructions that are included in the box.

5th: Plug any cables back in, such as the power cables for the heatsink fan, if any.

6th: Turn on. (I always cross my fingers on this part =D)


There are aftermarket and custom heatsinks, heatsink fans, and thermal compounds. Although they may sound good, they aren't really necessary unless you're a performance enthusiast, which it sounds like you aren't. There are plenty of guides on doing this, and it's not hard to do.


One more thing: if you are going to spend any serious amount of money on a CPU, you really should consider upgrading the motherboard as well. A good CPU will only show its full potential in a motherboard that will accomodate it. If you are spending more than $75 on a CPU, you might be better off just upgrading the mobo as well. Check this link to see if the new CPU will really make a difference or if it's just a waste of time. If it's older and doesn't even appear on this chart, you probably just want to upgrade, as the cheapest CPU on this chart is only $30.

Answer 2

It really depends on if your motherboard can handle the chip you are going to use. Most motherboards that come with standard computers have the fastest chip they can handle already installed. But if your motherboard can handle the upgrade then all you should have to do is remove the heatsink and CPU chip and replace them with the new ones....

Answer 3

it's about that simple to replace yes, but the hard part is making sure you have the corrcect socket (socket a, etc) to fit the right motherboard...each motherboard supports a different socket, which is just the slot the processor slides into.

Answer 4

find out what kind of motherboard you have and go to their web sight and find information on your board and that will tell you what kind of processor you can upgrade to.

Answer 5

Has to do with your motherboard! Read the specifications for your motherboard, that will tell you the processor class for that board.

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