If your Computer is getting a little older, or not running as fast as it used to it may be time to consider upgrading some of the components. In this guide we will discuss upgrading the CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the Brains of the Computer. We will be providing guides over the next few weeks for upgrading other components.

This upgrade is relatively simple to do. Before you begin any upgrade, you must do a little research into new components and prepare yourself for the upgrade. We are writing this guide for the Beginner, but are sure others will find it of value.

The guides gives step by step instructions for purchasing the new CPU, and how to do the actual upgrade. So, let the upgrade begin.

You will need:

1 x New CPU to install.

Thermal Paste.

1 x Heat sink and Fan Unit.

1 x Antistatic Wrist Strap.

Other Tools for example a Flat Head Screwdriver.

Preparing for the Upgrade.

This is the most important part of the upgrade. Spending a little time doing some research will save Money and Time later. You will need the following information:

Make and Model of Motherboard.

This can be found in the Manual or from the Manufacturers Website. This information is needed to see just how far you can Upgrade your CPU. It will also give information like what type of CPU, Maker, Maximum Speed. You can also open your Computer and get the information from the Motherboard. You will need the make and model of the Motherboard, then do a search online for the information.

As for upgrading the CPU, we are looking at the Most Common Home Computers. We are not looking at Servers and Specialized Computer Systems. So, what CPU does your Motherboard support?

Intel CPU's.

Socket 370.

Several Different Versions of this CPU are available. Make sure to get the right one.

PPGA: The Original Pentium 3/Celeron Socket.

FCPGA: The Intermediate Pentium 3 Socket. Supports Coppermine CPU's up to 1 GHz. This can be upgraded to 1.4 Tualatin Processors by using a Socket 370 Adapter.

FCPGA 2: The last of the Socket 370's. Has full support for Tualatin CPU's.

Socket 423/478/775.

These are all Pentium 4 CPU's. The successor to the Socket 370 CPU's. The Socket 423 was the first series to come out, while the Socket 775 is the latest version. Socket 423 Motherboards can be converted to Socket 478 by using a special adapter. Socket 423/478 Motherboards can not be upgraded to Socket 775.

AMD CPU's.

Socket A 462 Pin.

This Socket includes the Duron, Athlon, Athlon XP, Early Sempron and A64 CPU's. This Socket offers great upgradability.

Socket 939.

This socket includes the later model A64, A64 FX, A64 X2 Dual Core and Sempron CPU's.

Purchasing your New CPU.

Once you know which type of CPU you have, and which Socket you have, then it is time to purchase your new CPU. EBay has alot of deals on Computer CPU's. We will take a look at what is available:

Retail Boxed: New and Used.

This is the most expensive way to purchase, but also the best. Retail Boxed CPU's come with a Heat sink and Fan unit, and a 3 Year Manufacturer Warranty. They may also come with Thermal Paste. With a Used Unit, the Warranty is Transferrable.

OEM: New and Used.

This is similar to the Retail Boxed, but normally do not come with a Heat sink and Fan unit or Thermal Paste. They also only have a 1 year Warranty. They are a little less expensive.

System Pull.

These are CPU's which have been removed from other Computers, normally due to upgrading. These are the least expensive. They carry no Warranty. Some may come with a Heat sink and Fan unit, but normally they do not. Also, no thermal pastes comes with them.

Remember to ask the Seller any questions prior to bidding.

Once you have all the New Parts needed, it is now time to do the CPU upgrade. We will give you the basics.

Installing the New CPU Unit.

Before we begin, here are a few basics.

DO NOT force the CPU into the Socket. it should just drop straight in if you have all the pins lined up correctly.

Ground yourself using an Anti-Static Wrist Strap before touching any components. Static Electricity does serious damage to Computer PArts.

If you look closely at the pin side of the CPU, you will see that there are corners that are different, or have different pins. So, the CPU will only go into the Socket one way.

First, align the CPU pins with the Socket, then just drop it into place. Once the CPU is in place, lock it down for the Locking handle.

Next, apply a thin layer of Thermal Paste, making sure the whole Core of the CPU is covered.

Lastly, put the Heat sink and Fan unit on top of the CPU. Make sure it is on correctly, and lock it into place. Attach the wires to the Motherboard.

Now, put your System back together, and start it up. The Motherboard should recognize the New CPU, and you are ready to begin using your New System. Your Upgrade is now complete.

We hope this guide helps you. If you have any questions, or need help feel free to contact us, or look for help on EBay's support/user Forums.

Note: We are a Registered and Certified Reseller of AMD and Intel CPU's. We have had 4 Years experience in building Custom Computer Systems. Again, if you need any help just ask.