How to change PC processor

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How to change processor

To avoid errors, we advise you to carefully follow all the suggestions in the following guide, so that you can proceed with the change of processor without problems. For the guide we will focus on processors for fixed PCs, but many of the steps are also replicable on notebooks (at least those with removable CPU), we will have to avoid only the chapter on the cooling system.

Processor features

A good modern CPU must have the following characteristics to be able to support any type of program without problems:

• At least 6 physical cores
• At least 3.5 GHz base frequency
• Support for automatic overclocking (managed by the processor)
• Integrated graphics chip
• Support for Hyper-V and other instructions for virtualization
• Support for DDR4 RAM memories

As we can see, there are no requests that can be met with many processors on sale today, but that would put any processor with more than 4-5 years on its shoulders (which we recommend replacing as soon as possible).

The processor that we are going to choose must be compatible with the motherboard in our possession : the latter will in fact offer adequate electricity to operate the CPU and will take care of making the data travel in and out of it. In fact, they usually replace the processor and motherboard together precisely to maintain compatibility between them. For the processor, in fact, we will have to pay attention to the socket and chipset on the motherboard : they must be compatible with the CPU chosen, otherwise it will not work or worse, it will merge the circuits present, irreparably damaging the computer.
Without going into too much detail, below we have collected the indications to follow in order to mount a new Intel or AMD processor and the features that we will have to check on our motherboard:

• 8th (8xxx) and 9th generation (9xxx) Intel processors : need motherboard with LGA 1151 socket and chipset to choose between B360, Z370 and Z390 (the best performing).
• Third generation AMD Ryzen processors (3xxx) : need AM4 socket and chipset to choose between B450, X470 and X570 (the best performing).

To learn more about processors and motherboards, we recommend you read our guides on How to choose the Motherboard and CPU of the computer and How to see which CPU we have in the PC (model and speed) .

Best processors to buy

After choosing the appropriate motherboard, below we see which Intel processors we can choose for our computer, also based on the needs and programs we intend to use:

1. General purpose Intel processor: Intel Core i5-9400F (€ 174)
2. Intel processor for advanced use : Intel Core i7-9700K (€ 379)
3. Intel professional gaming / multitasking processor: Intel Core i9-9900K (€ 508)

If, on the other hand, we want to focus on AMD processors, below we can see the models to be taken into consideration as needed:

1. General purpose AMD processor: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 (€ 233)
2. AMD processor for advanced use : AMD Ryzen 7 3700X (€ 356)
3. AMD professional gaming / multitasking processor: AMD Ryzen 7 3800X (€ 454)

By choosing the appropriate chipset for each type of processor, we will be able to spend the right amount and get the performance that is right for our needs, avoiding spending too much on an oversized PC.

Enhanced cooling system

Instead of using the heatsink and fan included in the processor packages (always quite noisy and not very effective), we advise you to consider an enhanced cooling system, so as to be able to keep the temperatures of the new processor under control in any situation.

If we want to focus on a processor air cooling system, we recommend the following heatsinks:

1. Generic air heatsink : ARCTIC Freezer 34 (€ 39)
2. Advanced air cooler (multitasking, gaming) : Noctua NH-D9L (49 €)

If instead we want to target a liquid cooling system of the CPU, below we can find the best heatsinks with the refrigerant pump included:

1. Generic liquid heatsink : Corsair Hydro H45 (52 €)
2. Advanced liquid heatsink (multitasking, gaming) : Corsair Hydro 100i RGB (129 €)

Obviously, in order to use this type of heat sink, we will have to be equipped with a case of adequate size, otherwise it will not be possible to close the side panel. If we want to achieve greater cooling performance, we recommend combining a new thermal paste like this with the new heatsink -> ARCTIC MX-4 (€ 9).
For more information on computer cooling systems, please read our guide on how to manage PC fans for better cooling and air flow .

How to disassemble and reassemble the processor

Now that we've chosen the new processor and the new heatsink, it's time to show you how to physically change the processor from our desktop PC.

If the motherboard is already compatible with the chosen processor, we remove the power socket, wait a few minutes then proceed with the removal of the side panel of the case (just unscrew the fixing screws on the edge). Once we get access to the motherboard, we remove the power supply cable of the heatsink fan (let's remember where it was connected, usually on a socket indicated as CPU_FAN ), turn the fixing screws of the heatsink until it parades effortlessly, so as to show the CPU present just below. Now all we have to do is lift the processor block system (with the appropriate lever next to it), and gently remove the old CPU.
All that remains is to repeat all the steps just described: we place the new CPU (paying attention to the golden corner, which must coincide with a precise point on the socket), we place the new thermal paste (just a drop in the center), we mount the new heatsink and finally reconnect the fan cable to the CPU_FAN socket. Reconnect the power without closing the panel and try to turn on the PC: in case of problems the computer will not start or turn off immediately after a few seconds (usually for problems related to the heat sink or fan cable). If the PC holds on for at least 5 minutes, we can reconnect the missing panel to close the case.
If we also need to change the motherboard together with the new processor, the steps are much longer to follow (as explained in the related guide). We always remove the socket, remove the side panel of the case and, once the motherboard is displayed, remove from it all the cables and components to be reused or replaced (RAM modules, heatsink, CPU, video card, SATA cables, modules M.2, PCI-E cards and power cables). Once the cables and components are removed, we unscrew the small fixing screws of the motherboard, present in the corners and on the edges, then gently remove it from the case, reminding us to also recover the mask that embellishes the rear sockets.
Now we can repeat all the steps backwards: we place the new mask for the rear sockets, insert the new motherboard in position, fix all the screws, install the new CPU, add a drop of thermal paste on it, install the new heatsink and proceed with the connection of all the cables and all the components that we can reuse (hard disks, optical readers, M.2 modules, SSD etc.) and new components (RAM modules, video cards etc.). Let's try to turn on the PC with the case still open, so that we can ascertain the correct functioning of all the components.
NOTE : even if the new motherboard is compatible with the chosen processor, it is a good idea to proceed immediately with the BIOS / UEFI update, so as to improve performance and decrease operating temperatures (in particular with processors that have recently been released on the market). To carry out this type of update, we advise you to read our guide on When and how you can update the PC BIOS .

Conclusions

As we have seen, changing the processor is quite simple, especially if you follow all the indications regarding the socket and the chipset (therefore we must know the motherboard we have very well).
If we want to deepen the discussion on the purchase of CPUs, we can continue reading on our article Buy processor or CPU of the PC: what you need to know . If instead we want to deepen the differences between Intel and AMD processors, perhaps because we are undecided on which manufacturer to focus on, we can clarify any doubt by reading our guide on the Differences between Intel and AMD processors and Intel Core i7 and i5 CPUs .