Changing processor

"What are the key things i need to find out before i go about making this change, ie compatibility with the motherboard etc?"

YES..that is foremost and primary.  simple thing to do...locate the make and model of your motherboard.. visit the manufacturer's website and lookup the product specifications.

replacing the CPU is a 30 second procedure.  Remove the CPU fan, unlock the ZIF (zero insertion force) clip, remove the old processor, replace with new, put the CPU fan back on and you're in business.

The main things to remember when changing a processor is the cpu socket, cpu voltage, Front Side Bus, chipset support and BIOS awareness of the cpu.  Usually, the socket compatability and BIOS awareness of the cpu are sufficient, since the BIOS can adjust the cpu voltage and FSB, to a certain extent.  If the chipset were not compatible, the BIOS wouldn't recognize the cpu.

ok - will try that

thanks

Hello there,

The above information is exactally correct most important is compatibility. When you are putting the heatsink/fan back on the processor make sure you use thermal grease ie Artic Silver. And to only use 1 drop of it about the size of a dry rice grain, in the center on the dye. Using too much grease will cause it to leak over the edges of the processor cause major problems if the grease gets into the socket.

Hope this helps

I recommend buying "boxed" or retail CPUs.  They come with HSF matched to CPU.  Use the new HSF unless configuration requires re-use of existing HSF.  Clean old thermal compound and apply new compound if re-using HSF.  Any decent thermal compound will suffice although Artic Silver is generally considered superior.

The imprtant thing that you didn't mention is why you are changing the processor.

If it is to upgrade to a faster speed then just follow the instructions above, remembering that you must have a processor that will work with your motherboard, you cannot just buy any processor.

If you are doing it to fix a problem, then you should be aware that the processor is not normaly the cause of a failure.  Memory is the biggest trouble maker, and then some pci board.  Unless you have done something like run the processor for a long time without the fan or something similar, it is not likely that you have a bad processor.

You may end up spending a lot of money for a replacement processor, and finding it makes no difference...

I concur with willcomp's comment.. but want to add to it... a boxed RETAIL CPU, say from Intel comes with a 3-year warranty..good to have.  OEM Intel CPU's are 30-days (go figure)

To expound even further.  Both Intel and AMD boxed CPUs have a 3 year manufacturer's warranty.  OEM CPUs have NO manufacturer's warranty.  Warranty for OEM CPUs is provided by seller and is usually 30 days.  Buy an OEM CPU from a reputable vendor only.

What?  No credit?

sorry, can i split the points still?

cool..thank you!

Thanks.  Glad to help.