Everyone, even the most conservative owner of a personal computer, sooner or later wonders how to upgrade a computer. Purchased just two or three years ago, it is already hopelessly outdated, especially in light of the existence of inexpensive modern alternatives. Not everyone can decide to change the entire system unit at once, the more so the simple replacement of the processor often makes it possible to “breathe a second life”. With proper accuracy, you can do it yourself.
Replacement of the processor begins by reading the instructions for the used motherboard (motherboard, mainboard). Now there are two main manufacturers of central processors - Intel and AMD. Their products are not compatible with each other either electrically or by the configuration of the legs-terminals. In addition, even for the same manufacturer, different generations of processors can radically differ.
Replacing a processor means understanding the meaning of the word socket. Physically, the central processing unit (CPU) is a microchip. To connect it to the motherboard, two methods are used:
- classic, when many thin copper pins are soldered on one side of the CPU. The microcircuit is inserted by these pins into a special connector (socket) on the motherboard. AMD follows this method;
- A completely different approach is chosen at Intel. The pins are soldered in the connector itself, and on the CPU chip there are only copper pads.
By this criterion, you can immediately determine the manufacturer, but the installation features are much more important, as we indicate below.
To summarize: anyone who decides to increase the speed of their computer and is studying information on the topic “processor replacement” should look at the motherboard instructions in the “CPU” section and find out the list of supported processors. It remains only to go to the store and purchase the desired processor from the list.
The choice should be based on the frequency and number of cores. Moreover, the latter gives a more significant increase in productivity in modern applications.
Replacing the processor in a laptop and computer is similar. The difference is that in the laptop you need to dismantle the entire internal cooling system.
Consider the replacement procedure in a personal computer. Here is a new processor purchased. First you need to remove the motherboard from the case. With sufficient experience, you can replace the CPU directly in the system unit, but beginners should not do this.
We disconnect all wires from the system unit, raise it to the table to the light, put it sideways and remove the housing cover. Now take out the expansion cards. Task: free the motherboard and remove it from the case. Remember where it was!
On the motherboard there remains a cooling system with a processor under it and memory modules (they do not interfere). Dismantle the cooling. If it is full-time, then screwdrivers are not required. Usually you need to turn the plastic retainer (s) and remove the entire structure. All holding locks are always in sight, so we do everything carefully. Do not stagger the radiator to the sides (especially for the LGA socket), but only pull it up. The processor is held in place by the pressure lever. Unlock it and, holding fingers on the two sides of the CPU, take it out. Do not touch the contacts or put them on metal!
We take a new processor and place it in the socket. You need to be very careful when working with LGA and not make any effort. There is a key label on the CPU case indicating the orientation in the socket. Also, many CPU models have a special shape that does not allow them to be inserted into the socket incorrectly. The instructions for the processor always indicate the installation method (the socket key must match the key on the CPU). We check that the processor is placed without distortions, and fix it by turning the clamping lever. If there is no thermal paste on the underside of the heat sink, then apply it to the processor cover. If available (all modern models are just that) it remains to place the cooling system. Assembly is carried out in the reverse order to disassembly.