Windows and CPU

[bstanko6]

I’m thinking of upgrading into the Ryzen series from the Fx. Never upgraded a cpu before.

I’ve upgraded gpu, psu, cooling fans and RAM.

When I bought my pc everything came with it to start. Windows, various programs and such.

If I get a new CPU does it come with all programs needed? Or do I have to figure out what I need?

[bstanko6]

I guess what I’m asking is...

Is changing CPU as easy as just changing it, and hooking hard drive and stuff and that’s it?

[Commander Wallace]

If you change out the CPU, the voltage requirements sometimes change as well. If the CPU is listed as compatible with the existing motherboard, you may not need to do anything. Once the CPU is installed, the bios is refreshed so it can " sense " the new CPU and make sure the required power in voltage is supplied.

https://www.quora.com/Can-you-upgrade-a-CPU-without-having-to-update-the-BIOS

The newer UEFI, which is firmware and somewhat similar in nature to a BIOS may be different. I never tried a CPU change in a UEFI equipped computer. The UEFI replaces the BIOS in newer computers.

https://www.howtogeek.com/56958/htg-explains-how-uefi-will-replace-the-bios/

Take a look at the links and see what you think. I hope this helps. At least this points you in the right direction.

[Catfish]

^ What the Commander said,

either you ask the seller of the CPU whether it is suited for your special mainboard (and the exact name and version(!) of the latter will be needed, there are always updates and versions even within one mainboard series), the rest will go automatically if the CPU is suited.
Maybe a firmware update for the Bios/UEFI should be made beforehand, if you did not do this before maybe let your local store do that.

You can later enter the Bios or UEFI to look and maybe change some settings - but this should not be necessary - thing is you have to install the CPU of course before you can enter the Bios/Uefi anyway, so make sure both components (mainboard and CPU) are compatible (voltage applied etc.).

edit: One more thing, if you never did this before - taking the old CPU out and install the new one, never apply pressure, the new CPU should glide or fall into the socket without resistance, let it slide in and then lock it. Usually one of the edges of the CPU is cut off diagonally, so the orientation is clear.
If the cooling fan mechanism is not yet fixed to the cpu, apply some thermally conductive paste between CPU and the cooling device.

Other than this it is easy and straightforward, hardware-wise. I think you will have to re-install the OS though, so backup your personal data. Windows reacts to hardware changes.

[Jimbuna]

Two great answers above suffice to say....CPU and motherboard must be compatible.

[Skybird]

Check/research the new CPU for to-be-expected temperatures with your existing CPU cooler.

[AVGWarhawk]

It is plug and play but the bios will need an update. Get a good cooler if you don't have one and thermal paste.

[Moonlight]

Just my opinion here, I've built hundreds of computers over the years and just upgrading the CPU while keeping the motherboard is a bleeding waste of time and money.
You're gonna have to make a checklist first or it could all blow up in your face.
Just for starters.
How old is the PC, if its too old its pointless.
How much Megahertz will you get after the upgrade and how much will it cost, bang for your bucks matey that's the name of the game.
Will your present cooler cope with the new CPU, if not you'll fry it.
Keep the same CPU chip type, even if its more expensive, you cannot put an AMD CPU into an Intel motherboard and vice versa .
You are upgrading a CPU which is hardware which doesn't come with any windows software programs as they are already on your SSD or Hard Drive.

You're looking at this as though you're buying a new ironing board matey, its more complicated than that.
Link below for you, read it first and then make your decision, and if that's not enough read some other links. :yep:

https://www.extremetech.com/computing/298783-the-eternal-pc-question-is-it-better-to-upgrade-or-to-buy-a-new-system#:~:text=In%20some%20cases%2C%20it%20may,835 0)%20of%20the%20same%20generation.&text=In%20most%20cases%2C%20the%20end,for%20a%20CP U%20%2B%20motherboard%20upgrade.

https://www.google.com/search?q=is+upgrading+a+cpu+worth+it&rlz=1C1CHBD_en-GBGB912GB912&oq=upgrading+a+cpu&aqs=chrome.2.69i57j0j0i22i30j0i22i30i395l5.14677j1 j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

[Commander Wallace]

^ well, this certainly puts things in perspective. The only real question is do you build your own computer or do you purchase one ? I would prefer to do my own build although it's not to be taken lightly because of all the points you just made. the one thing you left out was the choices for an operating system. :yep:

[Buddahaid]

The last two systems I purchased I used a local boutique computer business. You can opt for what components you're interested in tailored to your needs and they build it as well as support it. A bit more expensive than off the shelf gear but you do have choices.

[Commander Wallace]

The last two systems I purchased I used a local boutique computer business. You can opt for what components you're interested in tailored to your needs and they build it as well as support it. A bit more expensive than off the shelf gear but you do have choices.


That's pretty much the way to go. Doing it that way, you can tailor a system to your specific needs, as you said. If you plan on gaming, you can devote more of your budget to things like video cards to support that. Really, It's not much if any to build a system that way if you do the research which everyone does if they plan on building a system like this.

[Buddahaid]

Anyway this thread should be in the...

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/forumdisplay.php?f=235