can i replace a socket 7 cpu with a socket A in my pc?

Question

i was given a motherboard with the cpu still in and don't know whether i can change them or could i just swap my old motherboard for this one.if i change the motherboard is there anything else i need to do so i don't fry my pc

Answer 1

as long as the motherboard with the socket A fits ok in your p.c thats fine
its quite easy in fact,basically all you need to do is detach all the leads from the old board and take the old board out
then carefully insert your new board and re-attach all your connectors(ide,cdrom,floppy,)and insert all the pci-cards
older socket 7 boards didnt have onboard graphics,but socket A boards sometimes do,check to see if its got a v.g.a output on the board,also socket a boards have a.g.p interfaces aswell,so you may be able to buy a agp graphics card to improve your graphics
one important factor is memory,check to see if your current socket 7 memory will fit in the socket A board,as the newer board may use ddr memory were as older socket 7 boards use sd-ram
also check to see if your current p.s.u(power supply unit)can run the socket A board,older socket 7 boards used different power supply atx connectors than the socket a boards
theres loads of other hardware you need to check before you swap over the motherboards,just make sure your existing hardware is 100% compatible,you dont want to swap everything over and a week later the p.c wont boot
any advice let me know
good luck!

Answer 2

A socket A CPU will not work with a socket 7 motherboard.

You can swap motherboards but there is MUCH more to it than just taking the old one out and installing the new one.

Your greatest chance of success would be to swap the motherboards and do a clean install of your operating system.

Make sure you have the drivers for the new motherboard and any PCI/AGP cards that you have. Also make sure that your RAM works with the new motherboard.

It is possible to swap motherboards and keep your current setup without doing a fresh install but it is pretty difficult and success is not guaranteed.

Answer 3

well, as stated, you would need to re format the hard drive, and more then likely the memory would need to be changed as well, and swapping just the cpu won't work either. moving up from one socket type to another is a major move.

Answer 4

if you swapping your motherboard+cpu, its okay. but you may need to reinstall your windows so it will match your current configuration.

its better to consult your new mo-bo manual or sites for compatibility, especially with your display card.