How to Buy a New CPU For Your Motherboard? But first, you need to understand what the CPU is all about and what the Motherboard is. Firstly, what is a CPU? Also known as the Central Processing Unit, the CPU is the heart and soul (if ever there was one) of the Computer. The main function of the CPU is to be able to run applications, manage instructions and perform various actions. While originally, the CPU was comprised of a single core, essentially, this translates to being able to manage one process at a certain time. Lately, we are light-years ahead with CPU being able to manage over 64 Cores, and this is expected to rise to 128 in the year 2023. So, you see, we are speeding at a fast pace, and in the near future, speed will hardly be an issue.
While the computers can handle various games, programs, and browsing simultaneously, it nevertheless is not as simple as going and picking a CPU. For starters, you need to ensure if your PSU or the Power Supply Unit can handle the CPU you are opting for. This requires you to be able to ensure that you have the required cooling for it as well. The fact that it needs to be compatible with your Motherboard is also important. Likewise, let us take a look at the other aspects that need to be considered when you are wondering about How to upgrade and install a new CPU?:
One must know that most PC comprises either the Intel or the AMD. While Intel was the best-undisputed option previously, but AMD was soon introduced in the market. So, now you have Intel for the budget-friendly option ad AMD for gaming efficiency. But lately, the fierce competition has bought the two to be almost similar.
So, when contemplating a new CPU, you need to know if it is compatible with your Motherboard or not. To know for sure in detail, you can browse the manufacturer’s website.
2. The CPU Sockets
Another method on How to buy the right CPUs to be able to check out the sockets. These are found on the CPU and the Motherboards. For example:
10th and 11th Gen Intel CPUs are compatible with Intel’s LGA1200 socket, and Ryzen 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, and 5000 series CPUs are compatible with AMD’s AM4 socket motherboards.
Also, to know more and in detail, it is advisable to check out the manufacturer’s website. Go to the ‘Socket Specifications’ section on the website for both Intel and AMD.
3. Backward Compatibility
Most users might be aware of the fact that there are certain Pins and physical connectors to which the CPU is mounted. This is the reason why the CPUs are not backwards compatible. Essentially this translates to the simple fact that one cannot connect the Intel CPU to the AMD CPU socket. Similarly, you cannot connect the Intel 10th or 11th Gen CPU, designed for LGA 1200 sockets, into an Intel LGA 1151 socket.
Nevertheless, one must bear in mind that AMD offers a wider range of compatibility as compared to Intel. So, you can very well fit the Ryzen 3 1200 CPU manufactured in the year 2017 to the AM4 socket. This also easily supports the AMD Ryzen 9 5950 X that was released in the year 2020.
4. Compatibility
Next, on How to choose a CPU, you need to check on the ‘compatibility.’ This requires you to ensure that the Motherboard’s sockets support the CPU. Also, the other specifications that need to be taken care of are cores, threads, clock speeds, integrated graphics, and also cooling.
FAQs
To know if you can put the new CPU into the Motherboard, you need to ensure that the former is compatible and also cooler than the previous one.
To know if the CPU is compatible with the Motherboard, you need to know two things: find out the type of socket that is supported and then find the Motherboard that the socket is compatible with.
To be able to replace the CPU on the Motherboard, you need to ensure both the socket and the socket supported by the CPU are the same.
To replace the CPU with a new one, you need to:
- Remove the side panel of the PC.
- Find the CPU cooler and remove it.
- Next, you need to clean the coolers contact patch.
- Locate the ‘Retention Arm’ of the CPU Socket and lift it.
- Extract the old Processor.
- Inter or fix the new Processor.
- Apply the Thermal Paste on the New Processor to be able to fix it well.
- Fix back the CPU cooler.
- Fix back the Side panel of the computer.
- And you are done.
No, it has to be compatible with the Motherboard to be able to function.
No, you cannot, and vice versa is also not possible.
How to Buy a New CPU For Your Motherboard?: Conclusion
So, there you have it, people. All that there is on How to upgrade a CPU. Be sure to follow the instructions well and ensure that the CPU is compatible with your Motherboard to be able to ensure a successful upgrade.