Upgrading your CPU is theoretically an easy way to make your system faster or better without building an entirely new PC, but there are a few things you need to know first. For example, whether your motherboard can support a new CPU and, if so, do you need a BIOS update first?

Things I'm covering in this video:
Motherboard socket types
Checking motherboard info (CPU-Z https://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html)
Checking for CPU compatibility list (see manufacturer's site)
Using PCPartPicker to put your motherboard in and check for compatible CPUs (https://pcpartpicker.com/)
BIOS updates and how to do them
Steps for removing and swapping your CPU.

This is a brief guide on how to easily upgrade your Intel CPU. First check what new(er) generation CPU you can afford that will work with your motherboard, check for BIOS updates, and follow the steps in this video.

Then follow these steps for the actual replacement:
TURN OFF YOUR PC and unplug it!!
- Attach an anti-static strap to yourself and to an earthing point - a radiator works perfectly.
- Unscrew the CPU cooler/heatsink and detach any cables that might get in the way.
- Set the screws aside and carefully pull the cooler off.
- Use Noctua thermal paste cleaning wipes to remove thermal paste from your old CPU/cooler
- Remove the lever holding the CPU in place, lift up the flap and gently remove the old CPU by lifting it by the corners.
- Ready the new Intel CPU, remembering the gold arrow in the bottom corner should point that way when installed. You're installing the new CPU in the same way the old one came out.
- Carefully and gently push the CPU into place.
- Replace the flap and ease the lever back into place to hold it down.
- Ready the new thermal paste.
- Apply a small amount of thermal paste in a pattern that will cover the entire CPU but not come out of the edges.
- Replace the CPU cooler, reattach and tighten the screws to keep it in place.

Remember to plug all necessary cables back in.

Please note links listed here include affiliate links which may earn me a commission. Find out more below.*

Things to buy and use for this:

Noctua thermal paste wipes (for removing paste):
Newegg - https://newegg.io/nc7975939b
Amazon US - https://amzn.to/3i5TGsm
Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3U4jsKR
Amazon DE - https://amzn.to/3VmkyTE
Amazon FR - https://amzn.to/3OvA0KJ
Amazon IT - https://amzn.to/3Xmf8JY
Amazon CA - https://amzn.to/3VhEirb

Thermal Grizzly paste:
Newegg - https://newegg.io/ncc2a260f7
Amazon US - https://amzn.to/3AZRwS3
Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3ETivRi
Amazon FR - https://amzn.to/3ABnKCG
Amazon IT - https://amzn.to/3Vh7H4X
Amazon DE -https://amzn.to/3GIxHSV
Amazon CA - https://amzn.to/3goWLUf

Related videos:
How to build a budget gaming PC https://youtu.be/fLV7AfF4VEk
Essential things to do when you first build your PC https://youtu.be/nkjQjozmzlY
Essential things to do with your RAM https://youtu.be/3r3lR6QmNVY
Is your M.2 NVMe port slower than you realise? https://youtu.be/QDAjO-RtbuQ
How to upgrade your CPU easily https://youtu.be/CNvzVjI3YFw

0:00 Helloooo
0:30 CPU Socket type
2:30 CPU-Z
3:48 Motherboard compatability
5:27 BIOS Update
6:00 Basic steps to take
8:04 CPU install
8:41 Remove the cooler
9:10 Thermal paste cleaning
9:45 Removing & installing the CPU
10:15 New thermal paste
10:45 Installing the cooler

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PLEASE NOTE

Affiliate links*:

Disclosure: Shopping links within the description of this video generate a commission at no extra cost to you. These are added for your convenience but other retailers are available. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Products:
Products featured may also have been sent for free for review/testing purposes. Often these have to be returned by me, but not always. I endeavour to avoid bias in my videos wherever possible and try to give honest, subjective opinions.