Processor Question

[I_DROWN_FISH]

OK, I am so lost in the world of processors.

My first question: Do all processors fit all motherboards?

My second question: How hard is it to install a processor? (I have installed RAM, Video card, sound card, usb slots, and hard drives. So you can compare it to those).

And My third Question: Could you help me find one right for me and my computer? (everest report attached)

Thanks alot

[Mada_Milty]

Originally Posted by I_DROWN_FISH

My first question: Do all processors fit all motherboards?

No. There will be ranges of CPUs by different manufacturers that will use the same socket, but by no means does this cover ALL processors and motherboards. The main manufacturers are Intel and AMD, and they use completely different sockets, and periodically change their standard.

Originally Posted by I_DROWN_FISH

My second question: How hard is it to install a processor? (I have installed RAM, Video card, sound card, usb slots, and hard drives. So you can compare it to those).

Installing the processor itself is a snap. Simply lift the retaining latch, drop the CPU in correctly (it will only align one way), and close the latch. Putting the heatsink on it is the tricky part. This requires a THIN layer of thermal compound to ensure conductivity on the CPU, and the heat sink usually snaps into a plastic retainer. Some are as complicated as screwing to the motherboard. You'll have to check the documentation that comes with it. I've had to take out the motherboard to do it before.

Originally Posted by I_DROWN_FISH

And My third Question: Could you help me find one right for me and my computer? (everest report attached)

The processor reported here uses Socket 478 (meaning it has 478 pins). Any of the processors at this link should substitute nicely. (Less the Celeron D's, which I wouldn't recommend anyway)

[I_DROWN_FISH]

First off, thanks for all the help!

Few more questions! Do all processors require a new heat sink or do I have to buy it?

Are they all an upgrade from my existing processor?

How hard is this thermal stuff your talking about?

I thought I as gonna get like a DUO 2 Processor... Will that not fit my board? If that is the case I may be intersted in getting a new board all together... But thats a hole nother set of questions....

Thanks for your help so far!

[viper_boy403]

Some processors come with a heatsink, other dont (ones that dont will say OEM after the name)

Are you talking about using the thermal paste? Its not hard at all, just involves smoothing a small drop of paste evenly across the processor

Unfortunately there are no dual core processors for 478, you will have to upgrade to an LGA775 board to get Core 2 Duo support. We can help you pick one out of course But that would also require getting a new PCI-Express video card (though some 775 boards have AGP I believe) and DDR2 RAM

[I_DROWN_FISH]

Well how much of an upgrade is it getting one of those?

[viper_boy403]

well a p4 to a core 2 duo is a pretty impressive jump, core 2 runs circles around AMD's best. But it all depends on what you want to do with this computer. It may not be worth it for you.

[I_DROWN_FISH]

No I mean: how big of a jump is it to go from the card in my comp now to one of the ones in the list above?

[I_DROWN_FISH]

>.< Bump

[viper_boy403]

Im kinda confused about what you're asking...what do u mean by "big jump?" Do u mean is it hard? Performance?

[I_DROWN_FISH]

I mean am I going to be able to tell a diffrence in performance between my current one and the suggested ones.

[viper_boy403]

between a p4 and a core 2 duo? yes you will, especially in intensive programs and games.

[I_DROWN_FISH]

None of these are Core 2 duo... Link

Would I notice a diffrence between the ones from the link above and the one in my computer now.

[viper_boy403]

no, not really. the only one that would be a big upgrade would be a P4 Extreme Edition which ive only been able to find on ebay

[I_DROWN_FISH]

OK thanks.