If you want to boost the speed of your gaming PC and improve its performance, you will need to install a new processor. A new processor is a perfect solution for users who want to enhance their gaming PC’s run speed or processing speed. As the CPU manages the operating system and all the programs installed in your unit, upgrading it can significantly improve its performance. You will experience less lag when playing video games and a spike in speed when loading programs and apps.
Check out this guide below on how you can install a new processor on your gaming PC:
Finding the Right Processor for your Gaming PC
- Step 1 – Check your motherboard compatibility.
- Step 2 – Search for your motherboard’s model.
- Step 3 – Search for new processors compatible with your motherboard.
Installing the Processor on your Gaming PC
- Step 1 – Turn off your system.
- Step 2 – Properly set up your unit for installation.
- Step 3 – Get rid of the static electricity in your body.
- Step 4 – Locate the processor in your motherboard.
- Step 5 – Remove the heat sink and the fan.
- Step 6 – Remove your old processor.
- Step 7 – Install the new processor.
- Step 8 – Reinstall the heat sink on top of the processor.
- Step 9 – Plug back all of your cords.
- Step 10 – Boot your computer and test your new processor.
Finding the Right Processor for your Gaming PC
Before anything else, you need to find and purchase a suitable processor that is compatible with your PC build and will improve the overall performance of your system. Here are the steps on how you can find the right processor for your gaming PC:
Step 1 – Check your motherboard compatibility.
Your gaming PC’s motherboard is the large circuit board that acts as a base where you install all your other hardware components, including the processor. Check your motherboard’s model to know the size and connector of the processor compatible with it. You can also replace the motherboard if it doesn’t support the processor you plan to install.
Step 2 – Search for your motherboard’s model.
To know which processors will work for your motherboard, you need to know its model. Open Command Prompt, type in “wmic baseboard get product,Manufacturer” and click Enter. Wait for it to show the vital information about your motherboard.
Once you have the information, search on the internet for what type of processor socket your motherboard uses. This will help you find the suitable processor for your gaming PC build.
Step 3 – Buy a new processor compatible with your motherboard.
After you have your motherboard’s model, manufacturer, and socket type, the next thing you need to do is search for new processors compatible with it. Browse and take your time to choose the best processor that meets your requirements. Once you find one, purchase it from a trusted store and make sure it has a warranty.
Installing the Processor on your Gaming PC
Step 1 – Turn off your system.
Before moving or opening your computer, make sure that you shut down your unit, turn it off from its power supply, and unplug all the cords.
Step 2 – Properly set up your unit for installation.
Move your unit to a safe place where you can do the installation. Place it on its side and remove its side panel. Depending on your case, you might either need to unscrew it, unclamp it, or slide it off.
Step 3 – Get rid of the static electricity in your body.
Your body can discharge static electricity, damaging sensitive hardware components of your gaming PC, such as your motherboard. So make sure to remove the static electricity in your body. You can either choose to use an anti-static wristband or work on top of an anti-static mat.
Step 4 – Locate the processor in your motherboard.
The processor is usually located under the heatsink, where the fan is also located.
Step 5 – Remove the heat sink and the fan.
To access the processor socket, you need to remove the large fan and heat sink on top of it. To remove the heat sink, remove any cords and unclip it from the motherboard. Depending on your motherboard model, you can either unscrew it or slide it out.
There are heat sink designs. If you have no idea how to remove and install the heat sink, check the instruction manual.
Step 6 – Remove your old processor.
To remove the old or current processor installed in your motherboard, carefully lift the unit. The processor resembles a square chip.
Step 7 – Install the new processor.
Your new processor should easily fit into the slot. You should not force it or anything. Carefully place your new processor in its slot and ensure it is correctly installed.
If the processor doesn’t seat properly on its socket, rotate it until it fits. Also, make sure not to touch the connectors on the bottom of your processor as it may damage the unit.
Step 8 – Reinstall the heat sink on top of the processor.
Once your processor is installed, you need to place back the heat sink. Before you do, you can apply a new thermal paste on top of the processor. You can check this guide: How to Apply a New Thermal Paste on your CPU.
After you have applied a new thermal paste, gently reattach the heatsink. The thermal paste should bridge the space between the processor and the heatsink.
Step 9 – Plug back all of your cords.
Once the heatsink and fan are installed in their proper place, the next thing you need to do is replace the side panel back to its case. Plug all the cables back into their slots and move your unit back to its place.
Step 10 – Boot your computer and test your new processor.
Restart the unit once your gaming PC is plugged in and set up your new processor. Install the latest drivers you need to run your computer. Once done, your gaming PC should run the way it used to, except for its improved speed and performance.
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If you need help upgrading other components of your gaming PC, you can check out our blog for other guides and how-to articles.