Forum Overview :: The processor wars are hotting up.
 
Re: So, what the fuck do I have to do to upgrade processors? by Willdog 03/01/2005, 9:43pm PST
Not sure what your level of competence is with actually building computers. I'll assume you haven't started from scratch before. In theory, installing a new cpu isn't much different then adding more ram. You just need to figure out what kind of CPU socket your motherboard supports, what it's max supported speed is, and then buy the fastest CPU in that form factor that you can afford. The actual work is just unlocking the fan and heatsink from the old cpu, pulling the old cpu off the board, slapping the new one in, and reattaching the fan/heatsink. A lot of BIOS's will recognize a new processor after you reboot. If it doesn't, you'll have to go into the CMOS and set it up. Other considerations are whether the new chip uses a lot more power then the last or if it will run a lot hotter.

Software-wise it is a good idea to reinstall windows when you do a major hardware switch (processors, vid cards). Windows configures itself for a particular set up (especially xp). A common recommendation is to have a partition on your hard drive just for windows. I bought a new 80GB drive recently and split it into 15/65 GB partitions. Windows and other direct program files (office, spybot, crap like that) get 15GB all to themeselves (and it takes up just over 5GB now with system restore options in place). Games/music/movies goes on the other side. So whenever windows gets screwy again, I can just back up my mail, favorite links, and desktop arrangement, format the windows partition and not worry about losing everything else.

As far as new drivers go, I don't think anything has changed that radically yet. Drivers are mostly for vid and sound cards, I've never heard of needing a particular driver for a new CPU before.
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So, what the fuck do I have to do to upgrade processors? by Bill Dungsroman 03/01/2005, 5:44pm PST NEW
    Don't trust the Best Buy monkeys. by William H. Hayt, Jr. 03/01/2005, 5:45pm PST NEW
    Re: So, what the fuck do I have to do to upgrade processors? by Ray of Light 03/01/2005, 5:56pm PST NEW
        Re: So, what the fuck do I have to do to upgrade processors? by Bill Dungsroman 03/02/2005, 3:19pm PST NEW
            Re: So, what the fuck do I have to do to upgrade processors? by Ray of Light 03/02/2005, 5:46pm PST NEW
                Re: So, what the fuck do I have to do to upgrade processors? by Bill Dungsroman 03/02/2005, 10:34pm PST NEW
    Re: So, what the fuck do I have to do to upgrade processors? by Willdog 03/01/2005, 9:43pm PST NEW
        Re: So, what the fuck do I have to do to upgrade processors? by Ray of Light 03/01/2005, 10:20pm PST NEW
            Re: So, what the fuck do I have to do to upgrade processors? by Willdog 03/02/2005, 12:42am PST NEW
                Re: So, what the fuck do I have to do to upgrade processors? by Casual observer 03/02/2005, 12:48am PST NEW
            I have a little experience with this. by bink 03/02/2005, 6:27am PST NEW
    It's like a game of Operation by conflictNo 03/01/2005, 10:16pm PST NEW
 
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