What are the 10 top dos and donts of upgrading a processor

What are the ten top dos and donts of upgrading a processor. I can think of a couple. DO flash the bios first. DO ground yourself before working in the case. DO Check you have plugged the CPU fan back in.

 

Well I am not sure if I can fill the do/don't list completely but I will certainly kick the process off.

This may not strictly be necessary.

The salient points that I would make are

1. DO make sure that the upgrade cpu is compatible with your mobo
2. DO make sure that you use proper thermal paste on your cpu prior to installing


Good Luck

 

Check that your RAM is compatible with MOBO / CPU Combo

Normally an issue with the Mobo but if you are speeding up FSB then RAM may need to be looked and I NOW know all DDRII are not compatible with ALL Mobo/CPU systems that use DDRII ie MSI and OCZ are a BIG NoNo

The Godson

 

You shouldn't need to flash the bios unless you want the latest version contained in your chipset!

I have always been sceptical of specifically, CPU upgrades only.(O/Cing is the way forward here imho)
Personally, I beleive you should also upgrade your mobo whenever the urge arises to increase processing power!

However risk reversal reveals some good checkpoints for processor upgrades.

What are your current specs.....and intended upgraded variables?
and what is your primary intention for the upgrade?

Regards

 

http://www.fonerbooks.com/upgrade2.htm

http://www.pcmech.com/show/processors/83/

A new Heatsink and CPU fan will also be required most definately!
heatsinks are usually bundled with the CPU.


Regards..

 

Just struck me there is not much info on processor upgrades so wondered what everyone thought. With regarding to flashing the bios, true, not always needed, but a thing to check. For instance what if your mb does not recognised a cpu for instance above 2.4 without flashing. What if you are changing the stepping etc. Also thermal paste, do compounds with a silver content really improve heat conductivity?

 

DO Install all components correctly.
DO Flash the BIOS

DO NOT Read any instructions! (If you miss this step your likely to fail in setup)

 

In respect of thermal paste, my personal preference is for Artic Ceramique. For starts it's non-conductive.

Good Luck

 

If the BIOS that is installed supports the processor you are going to use, you don't have to Flash it right away. But you do want to clear the CMOS before booting for the first time with your new processor.

.bh.