How do I upgrade a CPU?

[Constipated Crow]

Hi there, 

 

Before I go on, here's my current build:

 

-XFX FX-777A-ZNF4 Radeon HD 7000 Series; AMD; Radeon HD 7770; 1000 MHz; CrossFire; 2048 x 1536 pixels; 2560 x 1600 pixels (FX-777A-ZNF4)

-Intel Core i3-3220 3300GHz 3MB Cache Socket LGA1155 Desktop CPU

-Corsair CMX8GX3M1A1333C9 XMS3 8GB (1x4GB) DDR3 1333 Mhz CL9 Performance Desktop Memory Module

-MSI LGA1155 u-ATX Motherboard (Intel H61, 2x DDR3, GBE, LAN)

-500 WATT ATX POWER SUPPLY QUIET 20-24 PIN with SATA

-LiteOn IHAS124-04 24x SATA Half Height Internal DVDRW Drive

-Seagate Barracuda 3.5 inch 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB 6GB/S Internal SATA Drive

-Fractal Design Core 1000 Series Micro ATX Case

 

At Christmas, I'm going to upgrade my current GPU to a Gigabyte GTX 970 G1 Gaming, but before that, I want to upgrade my CPU too, just so there are no bottlenecks. My question (as nooby as it may sound), is: How do I actually upgrade the CPU and GPU? Let's say I got my new CPU now. Do I simply turn off my PC, open up the side and swap the CPUs out? I know that for a GPU, I have to disable it first in the device manager and delete all the drivers for it, but I have no knowledge on how to do it for a CPU. 

 

Thanks in advance to anyone who replies.

 

Cheers!

[byalexandr]

I suggest a 3570K for your situation.

 

 

As for upgrading, it's simple. Open up the case, remove the cooler, clean up the thermal paste, remove the CPU, swap the new one in, put thermal paste or apply the cooler.

And for GPU, since you're switching chip manufacturers, yes, ininstall all AMD video drivers. You don't have to disable anything in device manager, though. Just install the new GPU and remove the AMD drivers.

[Constipated Crow]

I suggest a 3570K for your situation.

 

 

As for upgrading, it's simple. Open up the case, remove the cooler, clean up the thermal paste, remove the CPU, swap the new one in, put thermal paste or apply the cooler.

And for GPU, since you're switching chip manufacturers, yes, ininstall all AMD video drivers. You don't have to disable anything in device manager, though. Just install the new GPU and remove the AMD drivers.

Oh, so I don't have to do anything for the CPU? I simply turn off my PC, swap the CPUs and turn my PC back on? Also, I was considering the 3570 (non 'K', because my MOBO doesn't allow CPU overclocking), but I'm going to go for the i7 3770, simply because lots of people said that the 3770 would excel performance-wise in games which are CPU-intensive.

 

Cheers! 

[byalexandr]

Oh, so I don't have to do anything for the CPU? I simply turn off my PC, swap the CPUs and turn my PC back on? Also, I was considering the 3570 (non 'K', because my MOBO doesn't allow CPU overclocking), but I'm going to go for the i7 3770, simply because lots of people said that the 3770 would excel performance-wise in games which are CPU-intensive.

 

Cheers! 

Yep, just shut it off and swap it out. I still recommend a 3770K just so you have the option to overclock if you got a new board or something.

[Constipated Crow]

Yep, just shut it off and swap it out. I still recommend a 3770K just so you have the option to overclock if you got a new board or something.

The price gap for potential overclocking is quite large for my liking. But I'll consider it if it's on deal or something anyway.

 

Cheers!

[byalexandr]

The price gap for potential overclocking is quite large for my liking. But I'll consider it if it's on deal or something anyway.

 

Cheers!

Trust me, you'll regret having a locked CPU, when it's only a few more dollars for top tier. I really suggest getting the K version.