NationStates Jolt Archive

Well, how difficult is it?

I'm planning to get a desktop to replace my zonked out laptop, but, if possible, I'd rather just get the chiepest processor it can come with, and upgrade it later.

How much time and knowlege does it take to replace a processor?

Not much. The most difficult part is getting the fan off, which involves loosening a couple of clips. After that is just making sure the new CPU is aligned properly (it has marks to let you know), dropping it straight, and fastenning the new fan.

Pick a good motherboard that will be reasonably future-proof.

So, its really just "plug and play"?

Sortof. You need to make sure you have a compatible motherboard.

And you need thermal paste in between the processor and the new fan. Don't forget that.

Sortof. You need to make sure you have a compatible motherboard.

And you need thermal paste in between the processor and the new fan. Don't forget that.

WTF!? Thermal paste!

*fetal position*

Also remember to remove the old thermal paste from the heatsink unit and replace it if you're going to be using the same cooling unit for the new CPU. You'll probably just end up using the heatsink/fan that comes with the new CPU, but if at some point you get a snazzy, third party mega-cool cooling unit and you want to keep it for the new CPU, you'll need to do this.

Most reputable IT stores will be happy to just give you a small tube of thermal paste. If they're not, slap them and demand satisfaction!

Edit: Ahhh, Kanabia, you beat me to it!

TSI: You shouldn't need to think about thermal paste if you're going to use the cooling unit that is bundled with the hypothetical new CPU. It'll already be applied, just make sure you read the instructions.

WTF!? Thermal paste!

*fetal position*

Relax! It's just a special kind of grease.

Do your homework beforehand, but it's generally quite simple. I've done several hundred machines, and the worst that ever faced was a non-standard mobo.

WTF!? Thermal paste!

*fetal position*

It's pretty simple. You put a layer on top of the processor (spread evenly) and put the fan on top of it.

You should also get an anti-static wristband, too, to prevent damaging the CPU while handling it. All you do is clip the wristband to the case.

It's not really that hard, but it might pay to get a technically minded friend to show you how. That said, I managed to get mine on first attempt.

Perhaps that is what I shall do.

I am not the most computery person in the barn.

Thermal paste comes with the cooler and is applied on the CPU before you seat the heatsink on it. If you never done it before and are not quite skilled on the subject I'd advise on spending a few dollars and get it done by someone who does. Some CPUs are quite easy to damage due to bad handling.
Before buying you need to check which CPUs your motherboard supports and then buy accordingly. So, in your case, you should buy something that supports a range of CPUs that won't gets discontinued in 2 months. For example, you can buy a Socket 775 motherboard like the ASUS P5GPL and install a Celeron D on it. Later on you can always get yourself a dual-core Pentium4 D 840 (or higher, if you want to) which is quite a beast.

Thermal paste comes with the cooler and is applied on the CPU before you seat the heatsink on it.

Ehh, don't fall into that trap. Mine didn't. Sometimes you have to buy it seperately.

For example, you can buy a Socket 775 motherboard like the ASUS P5GPL and install a Celeron D on it. Later on you can always get yourself a dual-core Pentium4 D 840 (or higher, if you want to) which is quite a beast.

AMD chips are far better value for money.

Next question, How hard is it to replace a motherboard?

Next question, How hard is it to replace a motherboard?

It's the hardest thing to replace, because it's basically the "guts" of the computer. You'll have to take almost everything out, and then reconnect it. You also have to make sure the power supply is connected correctly on the new one, etc.

AMD chips are far better value for money.
I was just giving an example

It's the hardest thing to replace. You'll have to take almost everything out, and then reconnect it. You also have to make sure the power supply is connected correctly on the new one, etc.

...shit.

Hell, I might as well go for the US$8,000 Alienware right now.

Next question, How hard is it to replace a motherboard?

That's quite simple. All you have to do is to disconnect all cables and to remove all cards. Then loosen all screws and and you can remove the board.

Make sure you have your manual somewhere, so you can reconnect the cables, if you need.

But if you have never done all of this, you should maybe ask a friend who can show you how to install the CPU and the board.

Next question, How hard is it to replace a motherboard?
It's harder than the CPU and the most common mistake thrashes the motherboard instantly: overtightening the screws while mounting it.


Bottomline, almost anybody can mount and unmount a modern computer (apart from the common mistakes, that (surprise!) are really quite common; those pictures you get on your e-mail actually happen). Trouble is: what to do when it doesn't power up or beep or nothing...

Thank god I've got a pair of Computer Science majors on my floor.

Why don't you buy a computer with a good motherboard and processor and shitty everything? It's easier to change a soundcard, video card or RAM memory or to add a bigger harddrive. That's how I'd do it.

Thank god I've got a pair of Computer Science majors on my floor.

Just ask them. I'm sure they'll be very happy to show off their 1337 (0mPu73r Sk1llz. ;)

I was just giving an example

Fair enough.


...shit.

Hell, I might as well go for the US$8,000 Alienware right now.

Heh, no way. If worse comes to worse, you can get a PC custom made from your local store, and pay a fee for labour. You'll still save heaps over brand-name PC's.

That's quite simple. All you have to do is to disconnect all cables and to remove all cards. Then loosen all screws and and you can remove the board.

Make sure you have your manual somewhere, so you can reconnect the cables, if you need.

But if you have never done all of this, you should maybe ask a friend who can show you how to install the CPU and the board.

It's not so much taking it apart, it's making sure everything is connected after installing the new one that is the real trouble.

MAKE SURE that the motherboard you pick is compatabble with the processor you plan to get later. A celeron processor, for example, doesn't plug in the same way as a pentium 4 or an AMD athlon.

MAKE SURE that the motherboard you pick is compatabble with the processor you plan to get later. A celeron processor, for example, doesn't plug in the same way as a pentium 4 or an AMD athlon.

Is there a way to check if my motherboard is compatible?

Is there a way to check if my motherboard is compatible?
Just ask the people you're buying from. They should give you a list of compatible components.

Is there a way to check if my motherboard is compatible?
It should say the socket type on the socket. Or if you know the name of the motherboard a site like www.newegg.com can tell you all you need to know.

Is there a way to check if my motherboard is compatible?Yes.

The best way is to find out what socket type (for the CPU to go into) that it has.

Find out the motherboard model, and google it.

What processor do you currently have?

Yes.

The best way is to find out what socket type (for the CPU to go into) that it has.

Find out the motherboard model, and google it.

What processor do you currently have?

This is just prospective. If I'm going to buy a desktop, I would buy the chepest one, and upgrade it myself.