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changing cpu ... easy?

intel_outside

intel_outside

intel_outside

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Joined
4 Aug 2011
Posts
46
hi guys

currently have a 3.00Ghz P4 processor (with hyperthreading), but i have access to a dual core 2.6GHz processor,

both are the same socket 775 LGA so i gather it will physically fit on my board, but what about run?

would this be too much hassle for little gain? what is involved when "changing" a cpu?

any help is appreciated thanks.
 
Hi there,

May I ask what the model number of your motherboard is (you can check this by running CPU-Z and going to the "mainboard" tab) and what is the model name and number of the new CPU?

I ask this because even though both CPUs use the same socket, you also need the motherboard to support the new CPU.

As for changing the CPU, it will require you to:

(if required - first update the BIOS to accept the new CPU)
- turn off the PSU
- open up the side of the case
- carefully remove the heatsink and fan attached to the motherboard and CPU
- unbolt the existing CPU from the motherboard and gently lift it out
- carefully place the new CPU into the CPU socket, so gold triangle on the one corner of the CPU lines up with the corner of the CPU socket with the etched triangle
- apply the CPU retention kit of the CPU socket to lock down the new CPU
- clean the base of the heatsink which was in contact with the old CPU (use isopropyl alcohol or a cleaning kit like this) until all of the old thermal paste has been removed
- clean the top of the new CPU like the base of the heatsink (it shouldn't be as dirty, but it is best to do it to be sure)
- apply a rice grain size of new thermal paste (like this stuff) to the centre of CPU's metal heatspreader (the cover on the top of the chip with the name of the CPU laser-etched)
- re-attach the heatsink so it is fully secured (the paste will be spread by the pressure of the heatsink being attached)
- plug back in the CPU fan
- replace the case side and turn on the PSU
 
thanks for reply guys, im some what relieved as i have had some bad encouters with bios updates etc, however with regards to your questions

the new cpu in question has come from gigabyte GA-EP43 DS3L socket LGA 775 mobo and my mobo im using now is a MSI MS7235-060 P965,

looking at the data manual it does say it my mobo supports quad core/dual core, if socket 775

the task of fitting the cpu im capable with, with the hope its plug n play
 
P43 is the motherboard chipset, not the CPU.

If the CPU is currently in a running system then you can check what the CPU is simply by running CPU-Z. http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html

If it isn't in a system, then the model number should be laser-etched on the top of the CPU's metal heatspreader. For example, this is what the Core 2 Duo E6600 looks like:

img165d.jpg
 
Might be worth checking the lithography, if they're the same it should run fine if the new chip is lower then BIOS might need updating or it might not even be possible to run it.
 
Won't Windows complain about a different CPU? I've always rebuilt an entire machine instead of a CPU upgrade so end up re-installing Windows each time. I'm interested to know (and so should OP) if Windows Vista/7 will want you to call MS/re-activate Windows if the CPU changes.
 
thanks for all your input guys, the other cpu in question is a E7300 wolfdale, and is listed under the compatible cpu for my mobo :)

could it really be plug n play?

with regards to "lithography" what does this mean/describe?
 
intel_outside said:
thanks for all your input guys, the other cpu in question is a E7300 wolfdale, and is listed under the compatible cpu for my mobo :)

could it really be plug n play?

with regards to "lithography" what does this mean/describe?
Click to expand...

Lithography refers to the manufacturing process used to make the CPU i.e. 45nm or 65nm.
 
Yea, with the CPU and MSI motherboard you should be fine for a CPU-upgrade. Just make sure the BIOS is the 3.8 version (download the 7235v38.zip on the MSI download page for that board).

You can check what BIOS version your board is currently running by using CPU-Z, going into the mainboard tab and checking what it say for the BIOS version.

If you are just changing the CPU (but not the motherboard) then you shouldn't need to re-install windows.
 
intel_outside said:
im hoping so, although it wont be as high as my current 3006ghz but the extra core may bring some better performance :)
Click to expand...

It will me much faster at everything. Don't worry about the higher clockspeed of the Pentium 4 - each core on the E7300 performs many more instructions per clock cycle.

Have a look at this comparison between a 3.6GHz Pentium 4 and an E7200.

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/92?vs=62
 
Remember that you won't be able to run Thief 1 without setting the affinity to one core only. Very important to remember when upgrading from single core CPU. hehe.
 
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