Install an Upgraded Processor in your Windows Computer

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Improve your computer’s performance with a new CPU
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The processor (or CPU) is the chip that executes all processes and instructions from computer software. Whether you are replacing a malfunctioning CPU or you want to upgrade to a newer and faster CPU, upgrading your processor is fairly simple. However, you do need to make sure you get a processor that is compatible with your motherboard. This wikiHow teaches you how to install a new processor in your Windows desktop computer.

How to Quickly Update a Processor

  1. Turn off and unplug your computer.
  2. Remove the side panel and locate the motherboard.
  3. Take out the current heat sink and processor—note which direction it’s facing.
  4. Place your new processor into its slot and make sure it’s level.
  5. Apply a dot of thermal paste on top of the processor.
  6. Reinstall the heat sink.
  7. Reassemble your computer and reboot it to complete the process.
Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Selecting a Processor

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  1. Your computer's motherboard is essentially one large circuit board that provides the base into which you'll plug your computer's other components, including the processor. Since processors' sizes and connectors vary depending on the model, you will need to ensure that your selected processor works with your current motherboard.

    Tip: You can also replace the motherboard with one that supports your preferred processor.

  2. While you can upgrade virtually all Windows desktop processors and motherboards, upgrading a laptop's processor is often impossible; even if your laptop model supports changing the processor, doing so is a tricky process that is more likely to harm your computer than help it. [1]
    • Even if you have a desktop computer, you’ll need to select a new processor that matches the socket on your motherboard. The newest generation of processors may not be compatible if you have an older generation processor.
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  3. You can use System Information in the Settings menu to see what hardware your computer has. Alternatively, you can use a free service called Speccy to see vital information about your motherboard (e.g., the processor's socket type). You can use the following steps to check your motherboard and processor model in Windows:
    • Click the Windows Start menu.
    • Type "System Info. "
    • Click System Information .
    • Check your current processor model next to "Processor. "
    • Check your motherboard manufacturer next to "BaseBoard Manufacturer. "
    • Check your motherboard model next to "BaseBoard Model. "
  4. You can find which type of socket your current processor supports online, as well as view other processor models that support the same type of socket.
    • If you have an Intel processor, you can view a comparison chart of various processor models here . You can view which socket each model supports in the "Supported Socket " column.
    • If you have an AMD processor, you can view a comparison chart of various processor models here . You can view which socket each model supports in the "CPU Socket " column.
    • If you're using Speccy to find your motherboard's information, you'll click the CPU tab and look at the "Package" heading to determine the socket. You can click the Motherboard tab and then review the "Chipset" heading to see your processor's chipset, though the service you'll use to check processor compatibility usually determines this for you.
    • Alternatively, you can almost always find the socket type listed on the motherboard around the CPU socket.
  5. You'll have to find a processor based on your current motherboard's socket size and chipset:
    • Go to Gigabyte's CPU Support List in your computer's web browser.
      • Alternatively, you can check which CPUs your motherboard supports on the Manufacturer’s website. Google your motherboard’s manufacturer and model number, and click the link from the manufacturer. You can generally find what hardware it supports under the Support tab. [2]
    • Click the Choose Socket drop-down box, then select your motherboard's socket number.
    • Click the Choose Chipset drop-down box, then click chipset number (usually, there is only one number here).
    • Click the "Search" icon to the right of the chipset number, then review the names of compatible processors in the pop-up window.
  6. While you can easily type your processor's specifications and the phrase "supported motherboards" into a search engine and review the results, using a CPU support site to do the work for you is easier:
    • Go back to Gigabyte's CPU Support List in your computer's web browser.
    • Click the Choose Processor Series drop-down box, then select your processor's name.
    • Click the Choose Model drop-down box, then click your processor's model.
    • Click the "Search" icon to the right of the model number, then review the list of compatible motherboards in the "Model" column.
  7. Now that you know which processors will work with your computer's motherboard, you can select the one best-suited to your price range, computational needs, and region.
    • Always shop around to find the best deal. You may be able to find the same processor for significantly less online than in a store.
    • If you're buying a new motherboard as well, make sure you compare different websites and store prices before ordering it.
  8. 8
    Purchase thermal paste if needed. Some processors may come with thermal paste. If it does not, you will need to purchase some thermal paste. This will help your cooling system keep your processor cool. You can purchase thermal paste online or from an electronics store.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Installing the Processor

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  1. 1
    Update your BIOS. In many cases, you’re going to need to update your motherboard’s BIOS to the latest version in order to support a new processor. To do so, you will need to download the latest BIOS version from your motherboard manufacturer’s website. Extract the update file and save it to a USB flash drive. Read the README file if there is one. Boot your computer into the BIOS , and select the option to back up your BIOS. Then select the option to update your BIOS from a drive.
  2. Before you move or open up your computer, make sure that it is both turned off and unplugged from any power sources.

    Note: For simplicity's sake, you may want to unplug any peripherals (e.g., your mouse, speakers, USB hubs, etc.) from your PC as well. This is not optional if you're replacing the motherboard.

  3. Some cases will require you to unscrew the side panel, while other cases only need you to unclamp or slide off the side panel.
  4. This will prevent accidental static electricity discharge. Since static can completely ruin sensitive computer components such as the motherboard, you'll want to make sure you remain grounded throughout the entire installation process.
    • You can ground yourself by wearing antistatic wrist straps or by touching something metal (outside your computer) before touching anything inside your computer.
  5. The motherboard resembles a circuit board with various wires attached to it. In most cases, you'll find the motherboard resting on the bottom of the tower.
    • You may find the motherboard perched against the side of the case instead.
  6. The heat sink is mounted on top of the motherboard, and usually has a large fan on top of it. To remove the heat sink, you may have to unclip it from the motherboard, unscrew it, or slide it out.
    • Since each heat sink has a different design—and, thus, a different installation process—you'll need to consult your heat sink's instruction manual for model-specific removal steps.
    • After removing your heat sink, use a dry paper towel to wipe away any left over thermal paste that is stuck to the heat sink.
  7. You'll have to install your new processor using the same fit as the current one, so knowing which direction the processor is facing will help you install it correctly the first time.

    Skip this step and the next one if you're removing your motherboard.

  8. Carefully lift the processor, which resembles a square chip, out of its space on the motherboard.
  9. If you're installing a new motherboard , remove the current one from the housing, then install the new one according to its installation instructions (if necessary). You'll then need to hook up your computer's various components to the motherboard.
  10. Your processor should only fit into the slot one way, so don't force it; just gently place the processor in its slot and check to make sure that it's level.
    • If the processor is tilted or won't seat properly, try rotating 90 degrees until it does fit.
    • Try not to touch the connectors on the bottom of the processor, as doing so may harm the processor.
  11. 11
    Apply thermal paste. This helps transfer heat from the processor to the heat sink. The most common method of applying thermal paste is the dot method. This involves placing a dot of thermal paste in the center of the processor and relying on pressure from the heat sink to spread the paste. You can also use a small plastic spatula to spread the paste evenly across the top of the processor before reinstalling the heat sink. [3]
    • Be careful not to use too much. You don’t want it to spill over the sides of the processor. If it does, use a dry cotton swab to wipe it up.
    • If you are using conductive thermal paste, be careful not to get it on any of your other computer components. It can cause shorts in your motherboard.
  12. Place a dot of thermal paste on top of the processor, then reattach the heat sink to its mount on the motherboard. The thermal paste on top of the processor should bridge the gap between your processor and your heat sink.

    Tip: The thermal paste dot should be no larger than a grain of rice.

  13. Depending on your computer's orientation, you may have unplugged a cable or two during the installation process. If so, make sure you reconnect them to your motherboard before proceeding.
    • This especially applies if you installed a new motherboard.
  14. Once your computer's put back together and plugged back in, you can boot up your computer and click through any setup menus that appear.
    • Since Windows will need to download and install new drivers for your processor, you will most likely be prompted to restart your computer after it finishes starting up.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I upgrade CPU without changing motherboard?
    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
    Laptop processors are dependent on the motherboard. If your laptop motherboard has a ball and solder system, where small pads on the processor are soldered to a ball system, you can’t upgrade your processor. On some machines, you can easily use a screwdriver to replace the processor, but you’re still limited by the motherboard’s speed capability.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 1
  • Question
    Can you upgrade the processor in a laptop?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    While it is possible to upgrade a laptop processor, it's less straightforward than with a PC; you need to be sure the laptop motherboard has the right socket for the upgraded processor. Depending on the age of your laptop, this might be tricky. Moreover, opening the laptop often voids its warranty, mostly because you’re likely to break things permanently, so you really need to know what you're doing. Finally, it’s usually cheaper to get a new laptop than to upgrade your old one’s processor but this might depend on exactly what you’re trying to get out of the upgrade.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 17
  • Question
    Do I have to change something on BIOS or anything?
    Community Answer
    Usually, no. If you have overclocked your older processor, or you would like to overclock the new one, then yes, you will need to change some settings. But in most cases, the BIOS will adjust itself automatically, if there is anything to adjust in the first place.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      Tips

      • When in doubt, replace an Intel processor with another Intel processor, and an AMD processor with another AMD processor.
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      • If you choose to buy a new motherboard, avoid purchasing the cheapest model available. Motherboards act as the base for all of your computer's connections, so you'll want a motherboard that can meet your computer's needs without straining.
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      Warnings

      • Attempting to run your computer without the heat sink and thermal paste will eventually cause the processor to malfunction.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/laptop-upgrade-checker
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIWY9shHvVU
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXIrV70AxJk

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Find out your computer's limitations.
      2. Purchase a compatible processor.
      3. Shut down the computer.
      4. Remove the case and ground yourself.
      5. Remove the heat sink.
      6. Replace the current processor with the new one.
      7. Replace the heat sink and case.
      8. Power on the computer.

      Did this summary help you?
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      • Alex McRae

        Jun 21, 2016

        "I needed to know how to change a CPU for my A Level ICT course. I found this very useful. Thank you!"
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