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What is needed to change the processor on a computer. Replacing a laptop processor with a more powerful one: step by step instructions. Follow this instruction

The most important part of a computer is the processor. Sometimes it happens that there is a need to replace the processor - this may be its breakdown or an upgrade (change of parts) of the computer. Many of the computer users are thinking about the problem of how to change the processor? You can take the computer to a service center, where it will be replaced without any problems, but you will have to spend a lot of money. Therefore, we will try to talk about how to change the processor on a computer and laptop.

How to change the processor on a computer

Before replacing a processor, you should carefully examine your computer, especially your motherboard, as not every processor will fit your computer. When buying, it is enough to show the characteristics of the motherboard and the consultant will tell you whether it is possible to change the processor, and which one.

Now let's move on to preparing the replacement of the processor. To do this, you will need the following parts and tools:

  • crosshead screwdriver,
  • new processor
  • thermal paste.

First of all, we disconnect all the wires connected to the system unit. Then we put it horizontally and remove the lid. You will see a view of the insides of the system unit. Pay attention to the cooler and heatsink, under which the processor is located. First, disconnect the cooler power from the motherboard. After that, you need to unscrew the screws that hold the cooler on the radiator, we do this with a screwdriver. This is followed by the removal of the radiator.

We carefully study the radiator fasteners, and remove it, remove the remains of thermal paste from it. This article may be helpful for users who do not know how to change thermal paste on a processor. Now we have the processor itself. It is necessary to carefully remove it by sliding the latch that holds the processor and pull it out without damaging its legs. We put a new processor and apply a thin layer of thermal paste to it and the radiator. A radiator is installed on top and fixed to the motherboard. Then we fasten the cooler and connect the power to it. It remains only to put the cover on the system unit and connect the wires. The computer is now ready for use.

How to change the processor on a laptop

The situation is somewhat more complicated for laptop users. But we will try to explain how to change the processor on a laptop. When replacing a processor on a laptop, you must select the most suitable one before purchasing and replacing it. Not every processor will work perfectly with your laptop. The most common occurrence is that the cooling system of a laptop of the same sample is the same.

Update the BIOS before replacing the processor. For replacement you will need: Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, thermal paste and dry wipes. First, turn off the laptop and remove the battery. Then you should unscrew the bolts and get to the cooling system. On some laptops, it is not necessary to remove it to get to the processor. The cover from the laptop must be removed as carefully as possible, as the latches on the cover may break and the bolts get lost.

Cooling systems are divided into 3 types:

  • coolers cooling only the processor,
  • cooling the processor and video card,
  • cooling the processor, video card and chipset.

We proceed to remove the cooler, unscrew the fasteners and remove the impeller. After that, it is necessary to clean the fan of dust, for this we use a dry cloth and carefully wipe each blade. Then you need to clean the radiator from dust; this can be done either with a brush or with a vacuum cleaner. Apply grease to the impeller shaft located on the cooler.

The next step is to remove the processor. We squeeze the lever that holds the processor contacts. Thus, we will free the processor legs and then carefully remove the processor. Now you can install the new processor, but you need to be careful so that the legs fall into the holes, and apply thermal paste to the surface of the processor. This is followed by the assembly of the laptop.

Everyone, even the most conservative owner of a personal computer, sooner or later wonders how to update a computer. Purchased just two or three years ago, it is already hopelessly outdated, especially in light of the existence of inexpensive modern alternatives. Not everyone dares to change everything at once, the more simple replacement of the processor often makes it possible to "breathe a second life". With proper care, you can do this yourself.

Replacing the processor begins by reading the instructions for the mainboard used). There are now two main manufacturers of central processing units - Intel and AMD. Their products are incompatible with each other either electrically or in terms of the configuration of the pins. In addition, even for the same manufacturer, different generations of processors can be radically different.

Replacing the processor implies understanding the meaning of the word "socket". Physically, the central one is a microcircuit. There are two ways to connect it to the motherboard:

Classic, when a lot of thin copper pins are soldered on one side of the CPU. The microcircuit is inserted with these pins into a special connector (socket) on the motherboard. AMD adheres to this method;

Intel has taken a completely different approach. The pins are soldered into the connector itself, and the CPU chip only has copper pads.

On this basis, you can immediately determine the manufacturer, but the features of the installation are much more important, which we will indicate below.

To summarize: those who decided to increase the speed of their computer and are studying information on the topic of "replacing the processor" should look at the instructions for the motherboard in the "CPU" section and find out the list of supported processors. All that remains is to go to the store and purchase the desired processor from the list.

The choice should be based on the frequency and number of cores. Moreover, the latter gives a more significant performance gain in modern applications.

Replacing the processor in a laptop and a computer is similar. The difference is that in the laptop you need to dismantle the entire internal cooling system.

Consider the procedure for replacing in a personal computer. Here is a new processor purchased. First you need to remove the motherboard from the case. With enough experience, you can replace the CPU right in the system unit, but beginners should not do this.

We disconnect all the wires from the system unit, raise it on the table to the light, put it sideways and remove the case cover. Now we take out the expansion boards. Objective: to free the motherboard and remove it from the case. We remember where that was!

The cooling system remains on the motherboard with the processor under it and (they do not interfere). Let's dismantle the cooling. If it is standard, then no screwdrivers are required. Usually, you need to turn the plastic retainer (s) and remove the entire structure. All holding locks are always in sight, so we do everything carefully. Do not wobble the radiator to the sides (especially for the LGA socket), but only pull it up. The processor is held in the socket by a hold down lever. We unlock it and, grasping the two sides of the CPU with our fingers, take it out. Do not touch the contacts and do not place them on metal!

We take a new processor and place it in the socket. You need to be very careful when working with the LGA and not put any effort into it. There is a key mark on the CPU case to indicate the orientation in the socket. Also, many CPU models have a special shape that does not allow them to be inserted into the socket incorrectly. The instructions for the processor always indicate the installation method (the socket key must match the key on the CPU). We check that the processor is located without distortions, and fix it by turning the pressure lever. If there is no thermal paste on the underside of the heatsink, then apply it to the processor cover. If it is available (all modern models are just like that), it remains to place the cooling system. Assembly is carried out in the reverse order of disassembly.

Remember, in one of the articles we told you? In the mentioned article, we gave recommendations on choosing a processor, but many beginners after purchasing a processor will face the problem of installing and reinstalling it. In order for this not to become a problem for you, we would like to talk about this process in our article.

Processor installation essence

In order to properly install the processor, you need to understand the configuration of its installation, and it is as follows. The processor is inserted into a socket, which completely repeats the shape of the arrangement of the legs on the processor, then the processor is securely fixed in the socket, and a heatsink with a cooler is put on top of it.

It is important to note that a heatsink with a cooler performs a cooling function. Since the processor heats up very much during its operation, it needs cooling so that it simply does not burn out. The metal radiator is tightly pressed against the processor, due to which the processor gives off some of its heat to the radiator, which in turn is cooled by the cooler. There should be a layer of thermal paste between the processor and the heatsink, which will create a good connection and good heat transfer between the two parts. Now let's talk about all this in more detail.


How to install the processor

How do I insert a processor into a socket?
Installing the processor itself is a very easy procedure and not as complicated as it seems at first glance. Installing the processor will not cause any problems as long as you have chosen the correct processor, the socket of which will match the socket. It is important to note that if you are installing a new processor in a new motherboard, then the latter must first be placed on the foam mat that comes with it to protect it from static electricity.

In order to install the processor, it is necessary to lift up the metal lever of the processor lock in the motherboard. In motherboards for Intel processors, you will also need to pry off the metal cover of the processor in order to access the socket. A plug may be installed in place of the processor or on the lid, which will need to be removed. Motherboards for AMD processors are somewhat simpler in this regard, since there, to access the socket, you only need to lift the release lever. After the socket on the motherboard is ready to install the processor, we take the processor out of the box and continue with the installation.

New AMD processors come with thermal grease, so you don't need to apply it. At the same time, do not grasp its upper (flat) part so as not to erase this thermal paste. You also don't need thermal paste for Intel processors, since it is also already applied, but only on the front of the heatsink.

Review the location of the processor feet and the grooves that appear among them to determine which side to mount the processor. You can determine the correct position of the processor by the triangle in the corner, it should be in the same part as the triangle on the motherboard. Intel processors have special semicircular grooves that will also help you determine the correct placement.

When you have determined which side to insert the processor, lower it into the socket, while the processor legs should lower themselves into the holes, without using the slightest effort.

When the processor is inserted into the socket, make sure it fits properly, and then push the release lever down into the slots (for AMD processors). Then gently grasp the processor and lightly pull it towards you to check if it is securely fastened. For Intel processors, you will need to lower the metal cover before lowering the release lever.


How to install a cooler on a processor?
Once the processor is fixed, we will need to install the cooler. The installation of native coolers for AMD and Intel is significantly different from each other, and we will consider them separately.

Intel's native cooling system has 4 legs, for which there are 4 holes in the motherboard. As a rule, the processor cooling system is installed in such a way that the power cable reaches the connection connector and does not hang down.

Place the cooler with the heatsink on the motherboard so that the mounting feet align with the holes for them. We press on the leg from above - and it is fixed in the hole, then repeat this procedure with the opposite fixed leg, and then fix the remaining 2 legs. Then press down on each of the legs again to check that it is securely in place. Now, while holding the motherboard with your hands, pull on the cooler to check if it is firmly fixed.

When it comes to attaching a heatsink and cooling cooler for an AMD processor, it has a slightly different installation procedure. In the center of the cooling radiator there is a metal bar, which has a hole at the bottom and a latch with a handle at the top. Thus, carefully attach the cooling radiator with the cooler to the processor so that the radiator mounting handle is on top, then insert the lower part of the strap into the fastening grooves shown in the picture. Then we put the upper part of the bar into the groove and turn the latch to the left to fix the cooling system.


We check the reliability of fixing and connect the cooler power to the corresponding connector, after which the procedure for installing the processor and cooling system will be completed.

How to change the processor

How do I remove the processor?
It is also worth saying a few words about the replacement of the processor. Remember that any work should be carried out only when the system unit is de-energized. In order to remove the processor, you need to disconnect the power to the cooler, remove the cooling system in order to gain access to the processor itself. Then the processor itself is removed.

In order to remove the cooling system from the Intel processor, turn the latches on the legs counterclockwise and lift them up. In some cases, in order to remove the cooling system, it is necessary to remove the motherboard from the system unit in order to unfasten the clamps of the legs from its rear wall. In order to remove the AMD processor cooling system, you need to turn the latch in the opposite direction and remove the upper part of the locking bar, and then the lower one.

When the mounts are removed, and before removing the cooling system, wiggle it from side to side, as the thermal paste can bond the processor to the heatsink firmly enough. This should be done carefully with minimal effort. When the cooling system has stirred, we remove it. How to remove the processor - read above. When the processor is removed, be very careful not to accidentally bend the processor legs.

If you need to replace the processor, then make sure that its socket matches the socket of the motherboard, and then insert the new processor into the socket. How to do it - read above. If you want to change the thermal paste on the processor, then below we will tell you how to do it.


How to change the thermal paste on the processor
Replacing thermoplastics on a processor is a fairly straightforward procedure. To do this, take a cotton pad and apply alcohol to it. Use this cotton pad to remove the old layer of thermal paste. To apply a new layer of thermal paste, squeeze a small amount of it into the middle of the processor and spread it evenly over the entire surface of the processor using the spatula that comes with the kit. Another way is to use a syringe to spread the thermal paste evenly over the entire surface of the processor. Try not to save on thermal paste, but too much is also bad. After making sure that the paste is evenly applied, you can install the cooling system.

Hello. Today we will consider a situation when there was a desire to replace your processor on a laptop. We will fully consider the reasons and what is needed for this. (We advise you to read the note on cleaning your laptops from dust and debris)

  • Content
  • Introduction
  • Reasons for replacing the processor
  • In which laptops can you do this
  • Conclusion

In short: download CPU-Z from the Internet, run it, see detailed information about the process. If in the Package line, you see PGA at the end - then the processor is socket and suitable for easy replacement. If there is a BGA, then it is soldered, which means that it can only be replaced by soldering.

Replacing the processor in laptops. Compatibility. Nuances.

Is it worth changing the processor in a laptop?

First, we must clearly decide the feasibility of such a replacement. To do this, consider the main reasons, whether they are so significant:

  • When replacing, it will be possible to get 200-400 megahertz clock frequency

That is, for example, there was a central processing unit (CPU) with a frequency of 1.5 GHz, and will become 1.7 or 1.9 GHz. The fact is that in fact, the increase in system performance in this situation will be only a few percent.

Ask yourself, will you notice him? In most cases, this increase in megahertz can only be noticed by technical specialists and people who are deeply involved in computers. Therefore, think again, is this replacement worth your money?

  • Replacement from 2 to 4 nuclear

If a laptop is used only for light tasks - office programs, watching videos, surfing the Internet - then you will not notice the increase at all. To really experience it, you need to work with coding or video editing, play powerful games. Then perhaps you will see an increase and then, if the condition of the balance of the system is fulfilled.

This means that not only the processor is responsible for the power of the laptop, but also the RAM and the video card. For games, the video card is generally in the first place, it is she who processes the graphics in games. But more on that below.

  • Will games run faster after replacing the CPU?

This is also an obvious question. The fact is that not only the CPU is responsible for the games, but also the RAM and the video card. Even most of all, it is the video card - it handles graphics in games (and sometimes in video processing) and the more powerful it is, the better the games will work.

Laptop upgrade - change processor, RAM, HDD to SSD

Therefore, here, first of all, it is important to find out what kind of video card you have, if it is built-in, then no processor will help make the laptop more powerful. Also, if it is too weak, although not built-in, then again replacing the CPU will not help.

If you nevertheless thought about your idea well and decided to continue solving the issue of replacing the processor in a laptop, then read on.

Introduction to Processor Replacement

Replacing the processor in a laptop is much more difficult than in a computer. Notebooks generally have a constant technical package for most users. If something is changed in them, then it is:

  1. RAM - you can add more or replace it with a new and serviceable one
  2. Hard disk - can be replaced with a copy with a large volume or speed, or just a working one if the old one is broken
  3. The processor is quite rare, since it is often already soldered into the motherboard, it can only be replaced by soldering. Of course, it is not always so difficult, which we will consider in this article.
  4. Video chip - even less often it can be replaced and too, usually only by soldering
  5. Details of the type - disk drive, wi-fi module will not be considered, since they do not affect the speed and performance, only the functionality

If we take a computer, or rather its system unit, then any part can be replaced with a better one. Be that as it may, you can replace the processor in the beech, although it is more difficult. To do this, let's begin to analyze this issue.

Reasons for replacing the processor in a laptop

  • The laptop has a powerful video card and I would like to put a more powerful processor
  • Unstable CPU
  • Maybe for some other reason.

To begin with, not all processors are replaceable. In beeches, they can be soldered to the board from the factory. In this case, you will have to give the laptop to the workshop, they will do the soldering work. But it can be expensive, so soldering is advisable only for medium or powerful expensive beeches.

Also, the processor may not be soldered. Which means that it can be easily replaced even at home, but only if you have disassembled laptops, since you will have to disassemble it completely, take into account all the little things when replacing it, put everything back together. Often this is not possible at home in any way. But at least it will not be very expensive to do in a repair service.

In order to find out whether the processor is soldered or not, you can use a special program that shows complete technical information on the CPU. It is called CPU-Z. It is completely free and can be easily downloaded from the official website. By the way, its size is also very small, about 2 megabytes.

Download it from the Internet, run it, see detailed information about the CPU. If in the Package line, you see PGA at the end - then the processor is socket and suitable for easy replacement. If there is a BGA, then it is soldered, which means that it can only be replaced by soldering.

In any case, it is important to fully study the technical information in your own laptop. Plus, look at this issue on the Internet, by typing in the search for a laptop model and replacing its processor.

It is also worth considering that with the advent of a new processor, its heat generation may increase (it is more powerful, which means it emits more heat during operation), respectively, you need to make sure whether the installed cooling system can cool it, because it was designed for the previous one, weaker.

Conclusion

In the end, it should be noted that the process of replacing a processor in a laptop is quite complicated and painstaking. Even if you decide that a replacement is advisable, finding a suitable one will not be easy. By themselves, the CPU of laptops is rarely sold, finding the right one for you will not be easy.

In any case, if you do not have the necessary knowledge, it will be difficult to resolve this issue on your own. The most important thing is to calculate the material side of the matter, it may be cheaper and easier to sell this beech, albeit at a reduced price. But for that, when you buy a new one, you will receive:

  1. More powerful model you need for your needs
  2. The new copy will work better, at least due to its novelty (well, it is clear that it will be more powerful, including due to the novelty of the device, its performance will not increase much)
  3. Save a lot of time without finding the correct processor to replace, and finding a reliable repair center to carry out this operation

Almost any PC user sooner or later has to face the need to replace the processor on the motherboard. This situation arises if it is necessary to replace the thermal paste with strong heating, with a computer upgrade or a processor malfunction. Of course, with a large number of PC repair shops, changing components is not a problem. But let's see if you need to contact strangers.

Basic concepts
First of all, you need to understand what and where is located inside the computer. Turn off the PC, including from the network, disconnect all wires and remove the cover of the system unit.
The largest IC you see in front of you is the motherboard. It is the link between all devices and an integral part of the computer.


Further, in the illustration you see a cooling system consisting of a radiator and a fan, collectively called a cooler. Actually, the processor is located under this system.

In the cooling system, the heatsink plays a passive role, transferring heat from the processor to the environment due to thermal conduction. A thin layer of thermal paste is applied between the processor and the heatsink to improve the performance of the heatsink. The fan plays an active role, further increasing the heat outflow.

It is difficult to overestimate the role of a PC cooler. The processor heats up during operation, and if overheated, the computer will shut down. If such a protective reaction does not work, the processor will simply burn out.

Let's go directly to the processor (or CPU - central processing unit). This is actually the main part of the computer, its "brain". Regardless of what brand or performance device you are using, you will see many little "legs" on one side of the processor. This surface helps the processor sit securely on the motherboard. The connector on the board that houses the processor is called a socket.


Socket matters when you buy a new processor. This parameter is different for different devices, and when updating computer components, you need to monitor the compatibility of the devices. You can clarify the motherboard socket in the technical description of the device or on the manufacturer's website.

Perhaps this is all from theory that you need to know, so let's move on to practice.

Installing and replacing the processor
Prepare everything you need to replace the processor:
- Phillips screwdriver to "open" the system unit;
- flat screwdriver, if the cooler is attached to the levers;
- a clean rag to remove the old thermal grease;
- thermal grease, although sometimes the manufacturer already applies one on a new cooler.

After you have turned off the computer, you need to remove the cooler. Place the motherboard facing you and disconnect the fan from the power supply. There are 2 options for mounting the fan - 4 latches or 2 levers.

In the first case, each latch must be turned in the direction opposite to the one where the arrow points, and slightly pulled up until a characteristic click. In the second case, pry the mount with a flat screwdriver and slide it as shown in the picture.


Then remove the cooler. It may take some effort, but without fanaticism. Now you have a great chance to clear the system of accumulated dust and dirt.

So, before us is a processor inserted into a socket and additionally secured with a small lever. Move the lever aside and remove the old processor.

If you replace the processor with a new one, the old device is no longer needed. If you need to change the thermal paste or you are installing a new heatsink, we will continue to work with the existing processor. It is necessary to remove the remnants of dried thermal paste from it. Just wipe them off with a rag, if the paste is very dry, use a rag moistened with alcohol. Do the same with the surface of the heatsink that is in contact with the processor.

After removing the thermal paste, plug the processor into the socket. To determine how to do this correctly, take a close look at the back of the device. At one of the corners you will notice an empty triangle, similar to the one on the socket. This is the key to prevent incorrect installation. However, there is another sign. The processor should fit into the socket firmly and without any effort, if you have to press - you are doing something wrong. If everything works, secure the processor with the lever.

The next step is to apply a new thermal paste.... As mentioned above, this layer is necessary so that air does not get between the cooler and the processor, and heat transfer is not disturbed, so do not neglect this point. Usually, a special spatula for applying is included with the thermal paste, sometimes the thermal paste is packed in a syringe and applied to the processor, or you can use any means at hand. Spread the thermal grease evenly over the outside of the processor. Do not apply a thick layer, the heatsink is very tight against the processor, and excess thermal paste will come out.

Compare your result with the illustration:


So, the processor is installed, thermal paste is applied, it remains to return the cooler to its place. We proceed in the reverse order - we put the cooler on the processor, lower and turn the latches. Ready!

As you can see, there is nothing supernatural about replacing the processor. Therefore, you can easily carry out such an operation at home without spending a lot of time and effort.



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