Planning the Right Upgrade: CPUs

CPU upgrades are either one of the simplest or more complex upgrades you can perform on your computer. But you already know that. In fact you probably've already researched what socket your motherboard is. And what chipset it's running off. Be SURE of the socket, a lot of CPU upgrades don't eventuate because the CPU sockets become obsolete, meaning, finding the right CPU could be a problem.

A lot of planning usually goes into an upgrade, unless you want something particular and you want it yesterday. What planning you might ask? Just go buy the CPU, take the old one out and put the new one in. simple.

The purpose of your upgrade will determine the CPU you buy, the accessories along with it and whether the motherboard CMOS / BIOS needs to be flashed. Like most people your probably upgrading because your lacking performance on your below average, slow, bloated PC. Or maybe it's because of a lack of performance in gaming or any other computer sport. Each upgrade is different and should be approached differently. The end result however could very well be the same.

Upgrading for gaming takes the most research. If you've decided to only upgrade your CPU, it's really going to narrow things down, but you should be looking at a complete system of CPU and cooling. The motherboard will almost always be your limiting factor in it's overclocking ability and its features. Find the best value CPU that's within your budget, account for a (usually MASSIVE) heatsink, and possibly new thermal paste. Without all three you won't be able to fully utilize the full power of your new CPU.

Upgrading for business, even easier. Just find a CPU that's within your budget and correct socket. Business computers should be designed to run cool, but because of the low strain on the processor (assuming your just doing word processing and spreadsheets), usually the standard CPU heat sink and thermal paste is fine.

Be sure to always check your motherboard specifications. All older boards, will probably need to be flashed to accept a newer CPU, so remember to flash it with the old CPU in it. Now-a-days flashing can be done from within Windows, so you don't need to worry about accidentally uploading the wrong file. All in all, upgrading the CPU should be easy, quick and relativity painless, unless you cut yourself on the case or circuitry while putting on the heatsink. Remember, always consult your manual if your not sure what to do and particularly in flashing, and re-writing the BIOS/CMOS. It's important the get that right or you could end up with a dead motherboard.