Can i switch processors

Forums Hardware CPUs. JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Previous Next Sort by votes. Nov 29, 3 4, 1. If I was to upgrade or downgrade my CPU on my computer, do I have to go through some kind of special bios setup or do I just swap CPU and startup windows like it's nothing? Jun 6, 3, 4 21, What you do need to do is pick a CPU that has a matching socket type as your motherboard. Example: a K will not run on the same motherboards as a K because they have different socket types.

Other than that it's fairly easy and all you need to do is ensure that the new CPU has the fan, heatsync and thermal paste attached properly. Check your temps to ensure it's properly attached. Last note is that some CPU's have abilities that others don't. Often if it's a minor CPU upgrade to the same socket type you'd see little to no difference.

But upgrading from an i3 to an i7 might warrant a re-installation of the OS due to the increased CPU ability. Since it's a change to the possible instruction sets for the CPU a re-installation of windows is best because I'm not certain windows would expect or look for those added abilities. That's why, as Lutfij said it's good practice to re-install after a CPU swap Good idea?

Lutfij Titan Moderator. Oct 7, 40, 2, , 7, Thanks a lot guys. A heat sink or cooler consists of a finned chunk of metal that conducts heat away from the processor so a fan can exhaust it. Selecting a heat sink means choosing one that matches your processor socket type or manufacturer. Just as the processor only plugs in to the computer motherboard in one direction, the cooler you add to it must orient correctly relative to the processor.

To avoid damaging the fragile -- and expensive -- processor, attach the heat sink without applying undue force.

Neglecting to connect the power plug for the heat sink's fan negates the value of this critical thermal protective device. Elizabeth Mott has been a writer since Browse All Buying Guides. Best Portable Monitors. Best Gaming Keyboards.

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Change the Size of the Touch Keyboard. Check Bluetooth Device Battery Life. Reader Favorites Take Screenshot on Windows. Mount an ISO image in Windows. Boot Into Safe Mode. Disable Startup Programs in Windows. Replace the heat sink and case. Power on the computer. Did this summary help you? Yes No. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers.

Please log in with your username or email to continue. No account yet? Create an account. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article parts. Tips and Warnings. Related Articles. Article Summary. Part 1. Understand how processors and motherboards work. Your computer's motherboard is essentially one large circuit board which provides the base into which you'll plug your computer's other components, including the processor.

Since processors' sizes and connectors vary depending on the model, you will need to ensure that your selected processor works with your current motherboard. Know your computer's limitations. While you can upgrade virtually all Windows desktop processors and motherboards, upgrading a laptop's processor is often impossible; even if your laptop model supports changing the processor, doing so is a tricky process that is more likely to harm your computer than help it.

Find your computer's motherboard model. While you can use Command Prompt to find your motherboard's basic information, using a free service called Speccy will allow you to see vital information about your motherboard e. Determine the type of processor socket used by your motherboard. If you're using Speccy to find your motherboard's information, you'll click the CPU tab and look at the "Package" heading to determine the socket.

You can click the Motherboard tab and then review the "Chipset" heading to see your processor's chipset, though the service you'll use to check processor compatibility usually determines this for you.

If you decided not to use Speccy, you can enter your motherboard's name and model number, followed by "socket" and "chipset", into a search engine and search through the results. Alternately, you can almost always find the socket type listed on the motherboard around the cpu socket. Find processors which match your motherboard. Click the Choose Socket drop-down box, then select your motherboard's socket number.

Click the Choose Chipset drop-down box, then click chipset number usually, there is only one number here. Find a new motherboard to match your processor if necessary.

Click the Choose Processor Series drop-down box, then select your processor's name. Click the Choose Model drop-down box, then click your processor's model.

Buy your processor. Now that you know which processors will work with your computer's motherboard, you can select the one best-suited to your price range, computational needs, and region.

Always shop around to find the best deal. You may be able to find the same processor for significantly less online than in a store. If you're buying a new motherboard as well, make sure you compare different website and store prices before ordering it. Part 2.