Upgrading your CPU can be a frustrating
experience, even though the physical acts of removing an old processor
and installing the new one are pretty easy. The more difficult questions
to answer are these: When is the right time for me to upgrade a CPU?
What processor will give me the best bang for the buck? Complicating
the matter for Intel CPU users is the plethora of socket formats that
may be involved. At last count, Intel had four active socket formats for
desktop PCs: LGA775, LGA1366, LGA1155, and LGA1156. While LGA1156 will
probably be superseded soon, the other three are likely to be with us
for some time--though LGA775 will probably be relegated to
budget-oriented machines and, over time, phased out as well. Even if
you're dealing with a current-generation system, you have two
possibilities: LGA1155 and LGA1366. This means that if you're
contemplating a significant, generational upgrade for an Intel CPU it
likely involves a motherboard upgrade.
AMD users are in a little better situation, but they, too, need to be careful. AMD has been using variants of its socket AM3 since 2009. Older socket AM2/AM2+ motherboards can use some of the newer AMD CPUs, but at the cost of losing key power-management capabilities. Socket AM3 users can upgrade to all Athlon II, Phenom, and Phenom II processors.
If you've been looking forward to dropping in one of AMD's upcoming eight-core Bulldozer processors, however, the news is disappointing. Bulldozer will require a new socket, dubbed "socket AM3+," and it won't be compatible with older motherboard versions.
One rule of thumb is to upgrade
to a faster CPU within an existing socket format if doing so moves your
computer two or three speed grades higher without overclocking. For
example, if your PC runs an Intel-based LGA775 setup with a Core 2 Duo
E6400 CPU, swapping in a Core 2 Quad Q9650 will boost your performance
substantially--you'll get both a clock-rate boost and two more cores.
On the other hand, you need to pay attention to expenses, too: The aforementioned Q9650 costs around $340, whereas a much newer, faster Core i7-2600K CPU costs $330. The $10 price difference between the Q9650 and the 2600K could help pay for a brand-new motherboard to accommodate the 2600K.
Whether the processor you're upgrading is from Intel or AMD, keep these tips in mind before you start the installation process.
Disconnect all cabling and wiring that may be in your way: Make sure that you detach the connector powering the CPU cooling fan.
Carefully remove the CPU cooler: If you have an exotic or high-performance CPU cooler, read the directions or check the manufacturer's Website to ensure that you know how to reattach it. Some high-performance coolers have special mounting plates that mount under the motherboard. Take precautions to prevent the plate from falling away, or you may have to remove the motherboard to retrieve it.
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| Intel CPU LGA1366 |
AMD users are in a little better situation, but they, too, need to be careful. AMD has been using variants of its socket AM3 since 2009. Older socket AM2/AM2+ motherboards can use some of the newer AMD CPUs, but at the cost of losing key power-management capabilities. Socket AM3 users can upgrade to all Athlon II, Phenom, and Phenom II processors.
If you've been looking forward to dropping in one of AMD's upcoming eight-core Bulldozer processors, however, the news is disappointing. Bulldozer will require a new socket, dubbed "socket AM3+," and it won't be compatible with older motherboard versions.
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| AMD K6-166ALR |
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| Socket AM3+ |
On the other hand, you need to pay attention to expenses, too: The aforementioned Q9650 costs around $340, whereas a much newer, faster Core i7-2600K CPU costs $330. The $10 price difference between the Q9650 and the 2600K could help pay for a brand-new motherboard to accommodate the 2600K.
Whether the processor you're upgrading is from Intel or AMD, keep these tips in mind before you start the installation process.
Disconnect all cabling and wiring that may be in your way: Make sure that you detach the connector powering the CPU cooling fan.
Carefully remove the CPU cooler: If you have an exotic or high-performance CPU cooler, read the directions or check the manufacturer's Website to ensure that you know how to reattach it. Some high-performance coolers have special mounting plates that mount under the motherboard. Take precautions to prevent the plate from falling away, or you may have to remove the motherboard to retrieve it.
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