How do you replace a processor?

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bryce_hiller

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First off, please pardon my ignorance. I'm pretty new to all this hardware stuff. I've always been a console gamer, and I have decided to join the dark side. I am upgrading my CPU and I've selected one that fits my motherboard. Also, I've already examined my desktop and taken out the current processor to ensure that I know how to replace the CPU. My question is, is it as simple as popping in the new CPU and being good to go? Or is there something I need to do on the software side of things like drivers or something? Thanks a bunch!!
 
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kanewolf
If you have already removed the existing processor then you have taken off the heatsink and fan. The process should be just put the new CPU in, watching for the alignment key. Close the hold down and either clean the thermal compound off the existing heatsink (if aftermarket) or install the new heatsink that came with the CPU. Don't reuse a stock heatsink on a new CPU because it may not handle the extra heat.
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kanewolf

kanewolf

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If you have already removed the existing processor then you have taken off the heatsink and fan. The process should be just put the new CPU in, watching for the alignment key. Close the hold down and either clean the thermal compound off the existing heatsink (if aftermarket) or install the new heatsink that came with the CPU. Don't reuse a stock heatsink on a new CPU because it may not handle the extra heat.
 
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bryce_hiller

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Ok great. And again, please excuse my ignorance, but is the heatsink the metal coil type structure surrounding the cpu fan ( which I assume is a heat conductor)? If so, do CPUs typically come with new ones? As for the thermal compound, will the new heatsink/cpu come with that? Thanks again!
 
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kanewolf

kanewolf

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Most (not all) factory-fresh CPUs include a heatsink/fan. It is the metal object with the fan that is TIGHTLY touching the top of the CPU.

So now, to tell you if the new CPU has everything you will have to provide what CPU you are planning to install.
 
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kanewolf

kanewolf

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First, you need to figure out what BIOS version you have. You can go into the BIOS (that is the ROM that starts before the OS) and check the version. Read your motherboard user's manual if you are unsure. Once you have the version of the BIOS (lets say it is 1.11) you can go to the motherboard manufacturer's website and they will have a list of all the CPUs your motherboard supports. On that list there will be a "supported since BIOS" column. Lets say that the manufacturer's website says that the FX8530 has been supported since version 1.10. You don't HAVE to do anything. You have a version greater than the minimum requirement. BUT there is a 1.22 version listed on the manufacturer's website as the NEWEST BIOS. You could choose to update your BIOS before the CPU swap (your motherboard user's guide has instructions). IF the website says that the minimum requirement for the FX8530 cpu is 1.15 then you HAVE to update before you put the new CPU in or it may not boot.
 
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bryce_hiller

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Well my motherboard is an MSI 760GMA-p34(fx). I've looked on their website, and all I can find is that it says it is supported. Can't find anything about BIOS version numbers or anything.
 
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kanewolf

kanewolf

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bryce_hiller

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I'm glad I'm not the only one that thought they about their website haha But again, I really appreciate you taking the time to help me out.

Ohiou grad, I don't plan on it. I'm really only playing MMOs right now, so I shouldn't ever need to. But I'm just getting my feet wet with building PCs. At some point, I'm going to upgrade the mainboard and my case.

By the way, I live in Athens. LET'S GO BOBCATS.
 
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