Computer processor - one of its most important details. It is this microcircuit that makes all the calculations, and it controls the execution of all programs and controls almost all devices of the system unit. Without a processor, the computer simply turns into dead iron. After all, if it can still work and perform some functions without a hard drive or even a video card, then without its main computing part it will not even turn on.

Method of replacing the process on the computer itself.

When replacement is required

A new computer usually fully satisfies all needs of the user, since all the programs correspond to its characteristics. Is that for greater comfort or for games, you may need to increase the amount of RAM or install a more powerful video card. But after a few years it may be necessary to replace the processor on the computer with a more powerful one. Programs are becoming more and more complex, operating systems are also becoming more complex and overgrown with background services, and there is a shortage of computing power. This becomes especially noticeable with games - modern ones work with great difficulty or do not start at all. And working with new versions of programs that require a large amount of computation, for example, 3D Max or video editors, becomes problematic.

Before you decide on this step, you need to be sure that the processor is the weakest element of the system. After all, replacing it with a more productive one when using an old slow hard drive and a slow, outdated memory, on an outdated motherboard, will not give any benefit. Especially if you change to a microcircuit, which can be found only on disassembly. Then it is easier to change the entire system unit at once. But if the motherboard supports productive models of processors that are not yet outdated and are still being sold in stores, uses a modern type of memory and can be expanded, then the replacement makes sense. This is a budget option than buying a new system unit, and will extend the life of the computer for another few years.

How to find out which processor to buy

Before changing the processor on the computer, you need to find out which is better to buy for a replacement. And for this you need to determine the type of its socket. This can be done by examining the documentation for the motherboard - the book from it should be bundled with the computer, and if it is not there, you can read its characteristics on the Internet. From the documentation you can find out which processors are supported by the motherboard and are recommended for it. The AIDA64 program, which shows a lot of technical information, including the name of the motherboard and the type of socket supported, is very useful. Then the Internet can come to the rescue again - you need to look at which processors are sold for exactly the right socket. Here you can navigate to the desired characteristics and cost. When choosing, we recommend to pay attention to the following parameters:

• Kernel frequency and number of cores. Many believe that the more cores, the more productive the computer and generally “cooler”. In fact, this is not entirely true. Few applications, and especially games, can work with 4 or more cores, and their frequency is noticeably less. Therefore, a processor with two cores at 4 GHz may be much more productive than a 6-core processor with a frequency of 1.4 GHz per core. But the choice depends on the tasks - the number of cores is important for the programmer or the 3D visualizer, and the frequency is for the player, and 2-4 are enough.
• Digit capacity - modern systems and programs are almost all designed for a 64-bit architecture, and you need to choose the appropriate processor. 32-bit use makes no sense, besides, they can not fully use even 4 GB of RAM.
• The frequency of RAM - you need to consider what supports the new processor. If it is less than the installed RAM, then its frequency will be limited, and the performance increase will be noticeably lower.
• Integrated video core - if it is available in the old processor and is used, then when choosing the option without it, you will also have to buy a video card. Or purchase a new processor with video core.

As you can see, the choice of this important element must be approached responsibly, given the different moments, and not just the cost and number of cores.

Preparing to replace the processor

To change the PC processor, you must first purchase a new one, as well as buy thermal grease. It is possible that it will be necessary, and even desirable, to acquire a new radiator and cooler, especially if the old ones cannot cope with the cooling of a more powerful chip. After that, you need to disconnect the system unit from the power supply and carefully remove dust and various accumulated debris from it. You can use a vacuum cleaner. You may need to remove the video card if it interferes with work. That's all, this is the end of the training, it remains only to correctly replace the processor on the computer.

Removing the cooler and replacing the CPU

Before changing the processor on the computer, it is necessary to remove the cooler and the radiator that are installed on it. They can be attached in different ways. Sometimes the entire unit is fixed with the help of swivel clamps, and sometimes only the radiator is attached this way, and the cooler is bolted to it. The power cable of the cooler must be disconnected, and carefully remove the entire unit. Clamps are usually released by turning. It is necessary to remove the radiator carefully, without applying great force - sometimes the old thermal grease is of poor quality, hardens and firmly holds it on the chip. The old thermal grease from the radiator must be erased.

After that, it’s easy to replace the CPU on the computer:

• Move lever, release the old processor in the connector and remove it.
• Clean the connector with a soft brush or purge.
• Take a new processor and install it in the connector. In this case, the hands of his legs should not be taken. Pay attention - on one of the corners of the microcircuit there is a label in the form of a triangle, and the same is on the connector. These tags must be combined so that everything falls into place. Incorrect installation, mismatch of contacts and pushing the chip with force - a common cause of failure of its legs. We must do everything carefully and without haste, and there will be no problems.
• Lower the lever again or press the processor with a special strap so that it locks in place.

Next comes the process of installing the radiator and cooler in place. On the radiator, you need to apply a new layer of thermal paste in the center, where it will come into contact with the chip. This layer should be thin, but uniform - no need to smear it thicker, like butter for bread, this is a common mistake. Install the radiator and fix it, then replace the cooler and connect it to the connector on the board. If you removed the video card or some other details, also return them to their place.

Setup in BIOS Setup

No settings in the BIOS after replacing the processor are usually done. It is enough to reset all settings and when turned on, the configuration will be re-defined. There are several ways to do a reset:

1. Move the special jumper on the connector for a few seconds to the “Clear CMOS” position. This jumper is usually located near the battery. Then return it to its place.
2. Sometimes instead of a jumper on the board there are just contacts with the same designation - they can also be closed with a screwdriver for a few seconds.
3. You can pull out the battery and screwdriver to close its contacts. The BIOS memory where settings are stored will also clear without power. Then put the battery back in place.

When you turn on the computer, the BIOS will boot up with the default settings. You may need to go into them and set the time, date, boot sequence from different devices.

Setup in Windows

Setting up the system after replacing the processor is usually not required - it will simply display a message about the discovery of new hardware and install new drivers for it. After that, it is better to restart the computer. But sometimes, albeit in rare cases, instead of a normal Windows boot, a blue screen may appear. Then you can try to boot the system in safe mode - press F8 at the beginning of the boot and select the appropriate item. Then, if the system boots up, go to the list of devices, find the processor there and remove the driver from it. After rebooting, Windows usually correctly identifies the new processor and installs the appropriate drivers for it.

If all this does not help, and the system does not boot, you should try booting from a flash drive or disk. If the computer works with them normally, then you will have to reinstall the old system again. This rarely happens, usually drivers are the source of the problem, and installing new ones rarely causes problems, as they are already in the system for most processors.