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What Are the Risks of Upgrading a Computer Processor?

by Elizabeth Mott

Computers offer greater value when you can keep them running for a long and productive working life. Replacing your CPU's current processor with a faster upgrade can enable you to extend the usefulness of the rest of your system’s components. To avoid damaging your hardware instead of improving it, take the time to understand the procedures involved in each upgrade step and the risks that accompany an installation mistake.

Socket Compatibility

Your processor plugs in to the computer's motherboard, the circuit board on which all your system's components connect, through a processor socket. Because different motherboards use different socket types, choosing a processor upgrade for your current system means limiting the processors you consider to those that use the same connection as your current hardware. Otherwise, you may face a cascading list of upgrades from motherboard to RAM and video card, as the components you replace may require you to replace others that no longer remain compatible with the rest of your system.

Socketing Procedure

Physically removing one processor and installing another requires a deft, steady hand, a thorough understanding of the installation instructions and the use of a grounding strap. Before you remove the current processor, you must remove its heat sink and fan. If you try to force the new processor's tiny connection pins into the socket with the processor oriented in the wrong direction, you risk damaging both motherboard and processor. The discharge of static electricity from your body to computer components can render them unusable, which makes the proper use of a static dissipation device a critical part of your installation routine.

Thermal Protection

Processors use heat sinks or coolers to dissipate the byproduct heat they produce. At the point of contact between the cooling device and the processor, you apply a thermal paste made of silicone mixed with zinc oxide, ceramic or silver. This paste fills in air gaps between cooler and processor, improving heat dissipation by perfecting the process of heat transfer. If you apply the thermal paste unevenly, use too much or too little, or choose a paste with metallic ingredients that can cause electrical problems, you risk damaging the processor and shortening its working lifespan. Some processors include pre-applied thermal paste or tape, which may not dissipate heat as well as other compounds.

Heat Sink

A heat sink or cooler consists of a finned chunk of metal that conducts heat away from the processor so a fan can exhaust it. Selecting a heat sink means choosing one that matches your processor socket type or manufacturer. Just as the processor only plugs in to the computer motherboard in one direction, the cooler you add to it must orient correctly relative to the processor. To avoid damaging the fragile -- and expensive -- processor, attach the heat sink without applying undue force. Neglecting to connect the power plug for the heat sink's fan negates the value of this critical thermal protective device.

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