Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Changing your mainboard and processor?

i'm still trying to learn about computers and how they work, so lets say that i found a good deal on a computer but the mainboard only accepts a dual core processor..... what do i need to know and or find out before i log on to newegg and get a motherboard that will handle a quad core?Changing your mainboard and processor?Are you talking about a build-it-yourself kit or a brand-name computer?



For custom machines, you can just pick a motherboard which supports the processor type you want. Many merchants who sell systems like that will often let you specify the changes you want before it's built (which is the way to go)



On brand-name computers like Dell, Sony, HP, Compaq etc- switching the motherboard invalidates the factory-installed operating system. You'd have to buy another retail copy of Windows to install because the preinstalled OEM versions are tied to the original motherboard. If that changes, their restore programs or CDs no longer work.



What applications do you need the computer for? Quads offer big advantages for video editing, 3D design/animation work and heavy mutlitasking, but not for gaming. The 3Ghz dual-core E8400 is much faster at gaming than the 2.4Ghz quad-core Q6600 and actually costs a little less.



The only info you'll really need is the existing computer's physical case form factor (either full ATX, Micro ATX etc) Just log onto Newegg, choose whether you're going Intel or AMD, and start searching motherboards of the appropriate type (Socket 775, for example) and make a note of which processor types are supported.



Be sure to read the customer reviews of motherboards you're considering.Changing your mainboard and processor?You need to know the form factor of the motherboard and the case. Its best to check the manufacturers website to get the exact dimensions of the case just to see if your going to have enough room for power supply unit, fans, hard drives and your add on cards. You want enough room to work in there and allow for some decent airflow.



You need to make sure that your power supply gives enough output for what you need, is there enough RAM slots, PCI express if you want it, does it use SATA or PATA connections for the drives.



Try finding reviews for boards your interested in on sites like toms hardware to give you and idea of what they perform like.

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