The CPU, or, central processing unit (commonly referred to as "processor"), can be considered the brain of the computer. It carries out logic operations to manipulate memory and interact with hardware.

If you are satisfied with your computer's current performance, there is really no reason to upgrade your processor. However, if you are an avid game player or frequently run multimedia applications and would like an increase in speed, this upgrade is worth considering. Upgrading a CPU may seem intimidating, but it is really quite easy and can boost system performance greatly.

Not just any CPU will work with any motherboard. At the time of this writing, there are currently two types of processors for home computers, each with a distinct interface. The older interface is called Socket 7 and is used on Intel Pentium processors, as well as processors made by AMD and Cyrix. The newer interface is called Slot 2 and is used with Intel's Pentium II processors. At the time of this writing, Pentium II processors are the fastest for typical home computing, but there are still some good, low-cost alternatives in the Socket 7 category.

Every few months, a newer, faster CPU hits the market and pushes all other processors one step closer to obsolescence. This trend, however, has a positive effect in that the prices of older, slower CPUs and the computers built on them are driven significantly lower. While it may make sense to buy a slightly slower processor at a better price, keep in mind that new games and applications will almost always be more computationally demanding than their predecessors. To make a wise selection in the ever-changing CPU market, you must carefully balance price with performance. Since the processor market is constantly changing, it is hard to give an accurate price estimate for any given time period. However, judging from past CPU prices, one can expect top-of-the-line processors to range from $500 to $1000.

A Phillips screwdriver and about 30 minutes of time are required to install a CPU.

Click here for a list of links to CPU manufacturers.
 

the installation

1. Make sure the computer is turned off.

2. Carefully disconnect all of the cables from the back of your computer, place the computer on a stable working platform, and remove the outer case. Discharge any static electricity from your body by touching the computer's power supply.

3. Depending on the layout of your case and motherboard, you may need to remove the motherboard tray to gain access to the processor slot or socket (usually only with tower cases). To remove the tray, you may need to remove some screws surrounding it before you pull it out. Either way, once you have access to the processor area of the motherboard, proceed to the next step.

4. Carefully remove the new CPU from its packaging.

5. If you are installing a Socket 7 processor, proceed with the following steps:
   • Locate the processor socket, then lift the lever (90 degrees) on the side of the socket.

   • Carefully pull the older processor out of the socket.
   • Find the white dot on the corner of the new processor. This is the missing pin. Find the missing hole in one of the corners of the socket, and line it up with the dot on the processor.

   • The processor will fit into the socket with no force at all. All Socket 7 sockets are Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) sockets.

   • When the processor is flat and all the way in, push the lever on the socket back down.

   

6. If you are installing a Slot 2 processor, proceed with the following steps:
   • Locate the processor slot, then slide the retention mechanism (included with the CPU) onto the four protruding screws surrounding the slot.

   • Gently screw the retention mechanism into place at each of the four corners, being careful not to overtighten.

   • Push the two heatsink/fan support pegs into the appropriate holes a short distance away from one side of the CPU slot. Slide the included supports onto each end of the cooling device (if applicable).

   • Push the spring-loaded CPU latches inward (located at the top two corners of the cartridge) and gently slide the processor into the retention mechanism. Make sure the heatsink/fan supports are aligned with the pegs (if applicable).

   • Push the CPU latches outward, then slide the cooling device support clips forward until they latch onto the support pegs (if applicable).

   • Use the included fan cable to connect the fan to the appropriate connector on the motherboard.

7. Replace the motherboard tray and the expansion cards if you had to remove them. Then replace the outer case and move the computer back to its original location. Reconnect all of the cables.

8. Start up the computer. If you can see the initial BIOS output, you have installed the CPU correctly. If not, turn off and unplug the computer, then go back through the installation steps. If you still can't get your system to work, contact the CPU manufacturer.