I need suggestion reguarding CPU

[Aerozord]

ok I got a new motherboard, so now I need to to swap out my old CPU into the new one. Something I have never done before. So should I attempt it myself, or just pay the 100+ bucks and have it done for me?

[bluestarultor]

It depends on your experience fiddling around in the box. I'd suggest an anti-static bracelet if you're going for it. If you aren't 100% confident of your ability to not fry the thing, pay the cash. On the other hand, if you've successfully installed several of your own upgrades, and know what you're doing, it should be fine. Just keep contact at all times with an unpainted surface, don't touch the pins, and be uber-careful to not bend any when removing or installing it.


Edit: In your case, you don't seem confident. I don't know what yours looks like, but if it doesn't have plastic parts, I'd say better safe than sorry.

[Aerozord]

built it myself, but I got the CPU with the motherboard so I didn't have to deal with it. But I needed a new motherboard and didn't want to spend all that money on a CPU too

[bluestarultor]

You should be fine, then. Just lift out, line up, and gently push back in. Preferably while only touching plastic and definitely taking all other static precautions you'd otherwise use elsewhere. Gently.

[Aerozord]

oh, will I need a new copy of windows? because I dont really have one anymore

[bluestarultor]

Windows is on the hard drive. As such, it should be fine in some versions, i.e. those that don't test system IDs and require a new license. I know you need a new Vista license for a new motherboard, and possibly XP. I don't think 98 does, though. There are probably a ton of people around here who would know more about the software aspect than me. :sweatdrop

[Aerozord]

the XP one I got was through school. It was cheap, but I can only use it twice, and I have. I can use it again but you know, 30 days later its useless

[I_Like_Swordchucks]

$100 bucks for a CPU installation???? Holy friggin' hell. Everytime I've ever bought a CPU, the dudes at the shop did it for me for free.

But its not hard to do yourself. Just make sure you go straight down, and be gentle yet firm. For your OS, you won't have to reinstall, but I would suggest going into the Device Manager and uninstalling the driver for your old CPU so it can install the new driver.

[Demetrius]

Don't forget the thermal paste. You've also made sure that the CPU is compatable with your new Mobo I hope.

[Sithdarth]

Actually depending on how new your mother board is and what socket it is you could very well end up with a CPU with no pins at all. When I put together my latest computer I was shocked to discover that my CPU only had metal contacts on the bottom and no pins. This will make you life very easy. (That is assuming you find you need a new CPU because of compatibility issues.)

If you aren't that lucky the just be very very very gentle. I've already managed to ruin two CPUs by not being super careful.

Oh and you don't actually have to by a new license for windows XP. Well that depends on how many times you've had to re-activate your copy. I was able to make 5 major changes including a mother board swap before I needed a new license. You can also buy a new license straight from Microsoft for less than a new copy of XP.

[Eltargrim]

Don't forget the thermal paste. You've also made sure that the CPU is compatable with your new Mobo I hope.

Thank you god, somebody mentioned it.

Ensure that your processor will work in your new motherboard. To find out what your CPU is, right-click on My Computer and select Properties. The first thing you see will tell you what your processor is. Next, use your Google-fu to see what socket type it is. If it's the same type as your new motherboard, you're golden. If it's not, it will not work.

Also, as an aside: I'm back, bitches! 6 weeks away from the internet, and one of the first things I do is come back to NPF. Yeah, I'm hooked. :sweatdrop

[Aerozord]

I can try to find out the CPU type. Reason I need a new motherboard is because my old one is crap. It crashes even if I have nothing running on it.

[Eltargrim]

Are you sure the motherboard is the problem? You don't want to spend money if it's not going to solve the issues.

[Aerozord]

well I can return the motherboard if I have to. but no, I dont know for certain thats the problem

[darth vader wannabe]

It sounds to me like you may be having an overheating problem.

There's a relatively simple way to test this, and it's worth a shot. It's a lot easier to replace a heatsink and fan than a motherboard.

Gauge how long it takes for your computer to crash (by the way it sounds, it shouldn't take long). Turn your computer off and leave it off for a few hours (at least two). Turn it back on, and see if it seems like it takes longer to crash than before, it may be a simple overheating problem.

[Aerozord]

well I also have a problem with the ethernet so I kinda needed a new motherboard anyways. still you might be right. I will see if problem persists with the new one

[Demetrius]

Welcome back Eltargrim!

I'm going to go with the problem not being overheating, due to the fact that he said it crashes when nothing is running on it. It could be screwed up task scheduling or some other conflicts that only happen when there isn't a foreground operation taking place.

[Aerozord]

thanks guys, I did pop it out... and found out it was the wrong type. the CPU was too large. Though getting that CPU fan off was a pain. I think the CPU is amd (said it on the chip)

[Eltargrim]

I'm afraid that tells us absolutely nothing. Either tell us the exact CPU (Which I explained how to do earlier) so we can tell you which mobos will work, or tell us the motherboard model and manufacturer. Both AMD and Intel both have different sockets for different processors.

Also, because I failed to notice it before: My e6600 has the pins in the mobo. Pure love for that. Whoever finally thought of it is a genius.