→ How to change pc processor step by step ??

That is why we have decided to create this small tutorial where we will see the complete process of how to change the PC processor and we will also give all the necessary information to solve all the doubts about the compatibility of the processors with the motherboards and their sockets. Let's start!

Index of contents

Socket and processor compatibility: Intel and AMD

It seems complicated, but knowing the market and knowing the processors and manufacturers that exist, you will see how to do a fairly simple task. The first will be the manufacturers, and this will be simple because we will only have two: Intel and AMD.

The next thing we will have to know how to identify are the generations of processors that are currently on the market. Keep in mind that technology advances, and possibly in several months this article does not cover the new processors that are going to come out. In any case, we will try to generalize the process so that you can do it yourself without having to see a tutorial from now on.

Processors and their generations

If we are going to buy a processor, used or new, we will have to identify its socket and its generation. This is necessary because not always being the same socket implies being compatible, we have already seen in the previous image that the motherboard that we have or in which we are interested, only supports 8th generation processors.

Generation basically means the upgrade that the manufacturer has carried out on its processors. It can be through the manufacturing process 14, 12, 7 nm, etc. Or just new CPU families hitting the market.

Intel generation

Let's put the ones that are currently on the market. The manufacturer will follow this same nomenclature throughout its Intel Core range:

Of course we are interested in that first number that has the name of the product.

6: 6th generation (Skylake) 7: 7th generation (Kaby Lake) 8: 8th generation (Coffee Lake and Kaby Lake R) 9: 9th generation (Coffee Lake Refresh)

We will also have Intel Pentium Gold and Intel Celeron processors from different generations. Therefore, instead of learning this by heart, what you have to do is go directly to the manufacturer's page, with the CPU model, since all this information will appear there.

AMD generation

Something similar happens at AMD, since its processors are divided into different generations. Among its products are the AMD Ryzen, the most famous and used, and the AMD Athlon. Let's focus on the Ryzen:

Again we are interested in the first number of the final product code. Exactly the same then:

1: 1st generation (ZEN) 2: 2nd generation (ZEN +) 3: 3rd generation (ZEN2)

The good news is that almost all 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation CPUs are, or will be, compatible with an AM4 socket board. In any case, do the same as before to be sure, that is, take the model and place it on the page and you will see all the information.

Sockets currently available

To mount a processor on the PC we will have to find out its socket and the motherboard. The socket is where the processor is installed.

Intel:

LGA 1151 socket: Intel Core, Pentium Gold and Celeron processors LGA 2066 socket: Intel Core X and XE processors from Workstation

AMD:

Socket AM4 - AMD Ryzen and Athlon 9000 processors Socket TR4 - AMD Ryzen Threadripper processors from Workstation

These four are basically the ones that have been used for new desktop computers for a few years now. In addition to the socket itself, we must know what family of processors it supports. How do we find out the motherboard socket? Well, very simple, we just have to take the model it is and look for it on the manufacturer's website. Then we must identify in its specifications and within the "support" section, all compatible families.

Here we see how this motherboard has the LGA 1511 socket and is also compatible with 8th generation Intel processors. In fact, in support we will have a complete list of compatible families, easier than possible.

Having seen this, and identified the processor and the motherboard that we need, now it will be the turn for the most delicate, although not complicated at all, which is to change the processor of the PC.

How to know the compatibility of my PC components

Change PC processor step by step

In the case at hand, we are going to carry out the change of a processor from one motherboard to another. This process will be carried out on a desktop computer, as is logical, also making the complete change of the motherboard for the new one.

The processor used for the change is an Intel Core i5 6500, that is, 6th generation (Skylake). The motherboard I was using was an Asus B150 Pro Gaming Aura, and we are going to exchange it for an Asus Prime Z270-P. In the previous image we will see that both components are perfectly compatible, in fact, it is the most powerful chipset that supports this type of processors.

Removing the motherboard

Step 01

Step 02

Step 03

Step 04

In our case, we have a liquid cooling system, so the objective is to remove all the wiring that is connected to the motherboard, but without removing absolutely any component that will not be the board itself.

We completely shut down the PC. We remove the wiring in question. Internal USB connectors, boot system, EPS and ATX cables and expansion cards. We also remove the heatsink or refrigerator that we have. If it is a heatsink, we can do it once the motherboard has been removed. Finally we remove the screws from the motherboard and remove it from the chassis.

In these steps we must make sure to touch something metallic or earth to discharge static electricity. It is not strictly necessary but we always recommend it , since the electronic components are sufficiently protected to withstand static electricity.

Step 05

Step 06

Step 07

Well, it's time to work on the processor, now it's time to take it out of its socket to change it.

We clean the IHS (encapsulated) of the processor, for this we use a dry paper napkin or some not too wet wipe. In any case, we should not wet or touch the electrical connectors. Now we are going to take the right side rod, we are going to push it down and simultaneously to the right to disengage it from the metal fixing plate. We continue turning it upwards to fully open the fixing plate.

To take the processor and extract it from the socket, we must do it from the IHS taking care not to drop it. As soon as it comes out we can take it from the sides of the PCB for added security.

We should not worry about static electricity, a priori it would not have to damage a CPU, but the less we touch the contacts, the better.

Step 08

Step 09

Step 10

Step 11

Step 12

It is time to take out our new motherboard, do the same procedure to open the socket fixing plate and connect our processor. We don't even need to remove the plastic protector, because it will go off the moment we close the plate.

The first thing to do is make sure that no contact on the new board is bent. All this must be perfectly aligned and at the same height, otherwise we have to return it or repair it ourselves. So we open the socket plate. We are going to correctly place the processor on top of it. Note that in the upper area there are two semicircular grimaces, below there are not, so the correct position will be this, because otherwise it would not go in. And it is not all, since in the lower left area we have an arrow on the CPU and a point (or arrow) on the motherboard. These two should be aligned. Once the processor is in place, we are going to close the metal plate until it is placed under the front screw. Next we are going to take the lateral rod and we are going to close it tightly until we leave it in the desired position.

Do not worry about having to put too much force on this rod, it is normal since the metal plate what it does is compress the CPU on its contacts to ensure energy transport.

How to straighten the pins of a processor or motherboard

Now don't forget to put your heatsink adapter on the new motherboard. As long as it is a custom heatsink, it will have a board installed on the back of the board that is responsible for attaching the heatsink to the board and thus putting it in contact with the CPU's IHS. Just align the screws in the four holes in the plate and then thread the fasteners into the main area.

We can already put the board inside the chassis, or if you prefer, put the heatsink outside and then put it.

Step 13

Step 14

Step 15

The end

Now it is time to put it back inside and finally connect all the cables in place. With the heatsink on, unless it is the one with a small stock, you will have more difficulties, although this always depends on the chassis that you have clear.

It is time to apply the thermal paste, we do it by means of a fine bead in a straight line in the center of the CPU, but you can do it as you want, for example, putting it in the center. We only recommend not leaving gaps closed because there could be air inside. The next thing to do is put the heatsink or refrigerator and simply connect everything the same way. Finally put the expansion cards and everything will be ready to start.

Do not apply too much thermal paste, because not always more is better, although it is not conductive in most cases, the excess can fall into the socket itself, dirtying everything in its path and it is something that we must avoid at all costs.

Also do not throw too little, a small fine cord will suffice to spread throughout the area, note that both elements are practically glued together, so the thickness of the paste will be minimal. The thermal pastes that we recommend are:

Arctic MX-4Corsair TM30Noctua NT-H1 and H2

And finally, once the heatsink is in place, do not take it off to see if it has turned out well, because in the second paste everything will be worse. It is an action in a single movement, then in the system you can check the temperatures, if they are very high compared to what you had previously, then you should consider that you have applied little paste or you have placed the heatsink incorrectly.

Conclusion about changing the PC processor

The explanation may have been quite long, but the entire process takes no more than 30 minutes for someone inexperienced. You just have to be careful and treat the electronic components well, and above all, pour the right amount of thermal paste. In addition, we recommend these tutorials to expand your knowledge:

And as a final colophon, we leave you our impressive hardware guides in case you have not yet decided which CPU or motherboard to buy

Has this tutorial helped you? We know that for the most expert it is very easy, but in recent years many users have been encouraging themselves to carry out their own maintenance or even their own assemblies.