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Can you upgrade a processor in a MacBook?

Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist
Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.

Luigi Oppido

Computer & Tech Specialist

Expert Answer

No, on a Mac, the processor is soldered to the mainboard. Video chips and sometimes the hard drive are soldered to the mainboard, so Macs are some of the least customisable and least upgradable machines in existence at this point.

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What is the use of the thermal paste?

Community Answer

It increases contact surface area with the heat sink to improve conduction, removing heat from your CPU.

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Question

What happens if I don't use thermal paste?

Joel

Community Answer

If you have a higher-powered CPU (like a recent Intel K-series processor) or overclock, it's highly likely your system will overheat and crash, or even fry the processor.

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Question

Do I need to update the BIOS after installing a new CPU?

Community Answer

Check the motherboard manufacturer's website to see if an update is available. If so, update the BIOS. If not, an update is not necessary.

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Question

I bought a new CPU and it has the same socket, but when I start my computer it doesn't turn on, just off. Can you give me any advice?

Community Answer

Make sure everything is connected properly. Troubleshoot which part is causing the issue. Start by unplugging everything and plugging in each part.

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Question

If my new motherboard is not compatible with my old CPU, what should/can I do?

Community Answer

If you already bought the new motherboard, you should either send it back to the seller if you can and buy a new one compatible with your old CPU (check socket compatibility, FSB, etc.) or just buy a new CPU compatible with your new motherboard (check your motherboard's socket and FSB output).

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Question

I installed a new CPU, but now my monitor won't even turn on. Is it my GPU?

Community Answer

if your PC will not even power up, then it may be something else. Re-check all cables, because even if it's a bad CPU, the PC itself should still show power, even if it's for a moment.

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Question

Is the i7 good for gaming?

Malamations Inc.

Community Answer

It's a great 4-core CPU, but a gaming CPU such as AMD's newest is recommended for the highest performance.

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Question

What do I do if I install a new processor and my BIOS won't run?

Community Answer

Either it's incompatible with your motherboard or you did something wrong in the installation.

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Question

Is static dangerous, and can I discharge static by touching any metal surface?

Community Answer

Yes, static electricity can seriously damage your computer parts. Consider using an anti-static wrist strap and/or standing on a rubber mat when working inside your computer.

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Question

Can I directly install a new CPU to the old motherboard with an old CPU?

Community Answer

It depends. Sometimes the BIOS is not compatible, so you'll need to update, then if your chip set is not correct, you basically can't do anything except upgrade your motherboard.

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Question

What will happen if I replace a 32 bit processor with a 64 bit?

Community Answer

Mostly nothing. Most 64-bit processors from the beginning of the 64-bit era (2003-2012) are x86-64 CPUs, meaning they are compatible with 32-bit AND 64-bit. However, some new processors might not have this, so check the CPU specifications.

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Question

What do I do if my computer doesn't start after installing a new processor and it gives an orange light instead of blue?

Community Answer

It most likely has to do with either incompatibility (most likely) or a failed component (less likely).

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Question

How do I make sure a CPU is compatible with my system unit and/or motherboard?

Community Answer

There are plenty of websites out there that can check CPU compatibility for your motherboard. You can go directly to the manufacturers' websites for the CPU, as they usually have compatibility information: otherwise you can go to third party sites like PC Part Picker that will let you check compatibility (I mention that one specifically because they have a lot of different things you can check the compatibility of, and you can also make a custom build there).

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Question

I am looking to change my 9700 to a 9900k. The motherboard is compatible and so is everything else attached. Do I need to do anything with my m.2 SSD to make sure I don't lose any of my games stored?

Community Answer

Unless you are changing your M.2 SSD, then no. Even if you break the motherboard, your data will still be intact.

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Question

I just upgraded my CPU from a 2-core processor to a 4-core, but CPU-Z is showing that I still only have 2 cores. How do I make my computer recognize that I have a 4-core CPU?

Community Answer

Try going through the BIOS (Basic Input Output System). If nothing is in the BIOS, then look up the CPU. If you brought your CPU used, then there is a good chance you got scammed.

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Question

My HP laptop gives one blink on capslock and number lock. I found out it is a code for CPU that is not functioning, what check should I do besides CPU?

Project Concept

Community Answer

Check the motherboard. Make sure it works properly and send it to a repair shop if you can't find anything wrong.

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Question

Why does my HP CPU blink 3 lights and is not powered?

Community Answer

On HP computers, this is a RAM error. Try reseating your RAM or replacing the RAM. If this fails, try putting your old CPU back in.

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