The Seeker Posted April 5, 2002 Share Posted April 5, 2002 Right now, I have a AMD K6-2 500MHz processor in a Presario 7360 with 192MB of RAM and a GeForce 2 MX400 64MB PCI card. Needless to say, I need a faster processor. Now, my question is this: what does getting a new CPU involve? I just want to upgrade the CPU. I don't want to mess with my mobo, or my hard drive or anything like that, just my CPU. So, what would be a good one to upgrade that would be compatible with my system without having to counter upgrade my mobo or my case or whatever. Also, what do I need to know to install it. I would preferably not pay some guy at Best Buy to install it for me. I know the inside of my system, and how to do basic upgrades such as 3D cards and RAM, and can identify the hardware, but I need to know if installing a new CPU is just that easy, or if I would have to totally reconfigure my system or something. Also, what would it affect? Would I lose saved information or anything like that, or would it just make my system run faster? So, to tally my questions: #1: What does CPU installation entail? #2: What would it affect on my system? #3: Would I need to reconfigure my system once installed, or is it like installing RAM where you put in in, start your system, and it's done? #4: Would I need to counter upgrade anything else, or could I possibly just do my CPU? (I know that I will probably need more RAM, so that's no problem) #5: What would be an ideal CPU for my system? (I would like at least 1 Ghz, but that will probably require a new mobo, which will probably require a new case) So, those are my questions. Any help with those and anything else that you think pertinent would be great. P.S. Mods, please don't merge this with some other old dead thread. I have asked this question before, and it never got answered because of a merge. So, if this thread is seen as a space taker or a nuisance or a repeat thread, I'll delete it after I get a few answers. So, I'm not making this request to start a fight or to imply that you guys suck at your jobs, I just need help with this is all. So, thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPMaximilian Posted April 5, 2002 Share Posted April 5, 2002 Your hard drive will still have the same info, so you won't lose anything. Your mobo should have certain specs. If its a Dell, Gateway, Compaq, etc, its hard to tell what you can upgrade too, but your mobo will only allow you a proccessor of certain speed. I'd go into a computer specialty store, someplace small where they build custom computers and ask them for advice, since they'll be able to look inside the case. I'd need more hardware info to give you further suggestions. If you have a way of finding out what mobo you have that'd help a lot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darth Simpson Posted April 5, 2002 Share Posted April 5, 2002 If you can find out the brand of your motherboard, we could find out how fast a CPU it supports. It's pretty easy to install, you just take off the fan and heatsink over your current CPU, then you remove the CPU, insert the new one and put the fan / heatsink back on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPMaximilian Posted April 5, 2002 Share Posted April 5, 2002 Yeah, but you've got to be very, very careful, if you bend the pins.......well, just don't. It sounds easy, but I'd suggest finding someone whose done it before. Just my take on it, I work at a computer store and lots of Processors get ruined by people who bend the pins trying to install them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seanMO Posted April 5, 2002 Share Posted April 5, 2002 i THINK YOU SHOULD BE A LITTLE MORE RSPONSIBLE WHEN TELLING SOMEONE THAT INSTALLING A CPU AND HEATSINK CAN BE A PEICE OF CAKE. WHEN YOU DO IT THE FIST TIME OR ANY TIME AFTER THAT IT CAN BE DIFFICULT, AND DANGEROUS TO THE CPU IF NOT DONE RIGHT. YOU HAVE TO CAREFULL NOT CRUSH THE CPU OR DAMAGE IT. SOMETIMES THE HEATSINK CLIPS CAN BE REALLY STIFF SO BE CAREFULL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SenseiFrog Posted April 5, 2002 Share Posted April 5, 2002 Why the caps-lock, dude? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ham Yoyo Posted April 5, 2002 Share Posted April 5, 2002 If its a Compaq you need to start from scratch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Seeker Posted April 5, 2002 Author Share Posted April 5, 2002 Originally posted by JPMaximilian Your hard drive will still have the same info, so you won't lose anything. Your mobo should have certain specs. If its a Dell, Gateway, Compaq, etc, its hard to tell what you can upgrade too, but your mobo will only allow you a proccessor of certain speed. I'd go into a computer specialty store, someplace small where they build custom computers and ask them for advice, since they'll be able to look inside the case. I'd need more hardware info to give you further suggestions. If you have a way of finding out what mobo you have that'd help a lot. I'll call the tech support line and see what they can tell me. And, if it comes to it, i'll take your advice and bring my system to a computer guy and see what he says. So, now that I know that the major hazard is physical damage, is there any in system setup once I have it installed? Because, I can install stuff in my system physically no problem, it's when I have to set it up after I boot up that gets me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darth Simpson Posted April 5, 2002 Share Posted April 5, 2002 Your BIOS should dectect the CPU automatically, and you won't have to do any changes in most cases. There are a few instances where you have to flash, or upgrade, your BIOS so it can detect the new CPU. This is usually if a new type of CPU has just entered the market, and your BIOS have to be told what kind it is to detect it. Can't tell you if you have to do it though, until I know the brand of your motherboard. =) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matt-- Posted April 5, 2002 Share Posted April 5, 2002 While it isn't always necessary, it's a good idea to format after a major upgrade. Actually, I've was 'forced' to reformat the last time I upgraded my CPU. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrainStorm Posted April 5, 2002 Share Posted April 5, 2002 This is one of the few times I have tried to look up information on a Compaq. It was not easy then or now. First is the link to the specific product support page. Click here. The gist from the support pages is that the motherboard on that PC will only go as high as 733Mhz. (133 clock with a 5.5 multiplier) The problem is that the K6-2 was only manufactured with a top speed of 550 Mhz, which would not be worth the $ to upgrade. A K6-3 might work but I still dont think it would be worth it. You would have to reinstall the OS too. I recommend a new motherboard, chip, and case. You can recycle most of the other parts from that system. You will also have to reinstall the OS. If you are new to the "guts" of a PC, I would let someone else do it for you. Other than that, I would sell the whole system as is, and use the $ to buy a totally new system. I would not buy anything less than 1Ghz. as an FYI, I do this stuff for a living Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPMaximilian Posted April 5, 2002 Share Posted April 5, 2002 I agree with BrainStorm, you could get a new case with built in power supply, an Althon XP, a new mobo, and some ram, then transfer all of your other parts. That would give you a very speedy system, if you're satisfied with your video card. Check out Pricewatch.com for, you guessed it, prices. If you're unsure about what to look for I can make some suggestions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
acdcfanbill Posted April 5, 2002 Share Posted April 5, 2002 ya, a new mobo is probably a need and not a want... any AMD with speed wont fit your K6 socket... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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