Can CPU's be replaced?

[KSP]

Hello. I am really new to computer and PC building. My first build will be in November. Anyways, I was doing to down the road planning for my new PC ("Riptide"). I was wondering whether you can replace a CPU in a computer withought the system resetting (I heard a computer resets when you replace a CPU from a friend, but I don't really know if he knows what he is talking about). Thanks all.

[TheRandomness]

Yes, you can. The OS only really shits itself if you replace the motherboard. Following on from that, make sure the new CPU is compatible. 

[toastythomas]

Of course you can replace your CPU! All you need to know is what socket type your current CPU is. You must use the same socket type.

 

[Guest]

What is your build? As everybody said you can replace it with ease

[Coaxialgamer]

As long as you don't replace the motherboard you're fine. Just make sure your cpu is compatible with your board though

[ForsakenLive]

Yes, as long as it's compatible with your motherboard, you can replace it. The OS likely won't need re-installing (desktop OS don't factory-reset like Android) if it's just a CPU change.

[ARikozuM]

You can replace your CPU. Go to My Computer > right-click "This PC" and select Properties. Search for your CPU and look it up on ARK via Intel's website. Find your CPU socket and get a CPU that is compatible with that socket. 

 

If you need any more help, just re-post.

[SLAYR]

6 minutes ago, TheRandomness said:

Yes, you can. The OS only really shits itself if you replace the motherboard. Following on from that, make sure the new CPU is compatible. 

 

3 minutes ago, Coaxialgamer said:

As long as you don't replace the motherboard you're fine. Just make sure your cpu is compatible with your board though

That only applies to Windows 10, and even with that you can replace the board, you just have to reactivate the license which isn't too hard at all.

[Coaxialgamer]

Just now, SLAYR said:

 

That only applies to Windows 10, and even with that you can replace the board, you just have to reactivate the license which isn't too hard at all.

i've done so before on xp and win7 machines without needing to reactivate or anything...

[Ostardva]

As everyone has said: Yes you can.

 

However...

 

CPUs come in different forms, let's say... different sizes that fit different sockets (like the different power sockets around the world, 2-pin for US and 3-pin for United Kingdom). When replacing your CPU you need to find out what socket is on your motherboard. Another way of putting it is that CPUs are made to fit in certain holes (sockets) so you need to make sure your new CPU will fit in your Motherboard's socket.

 

My PC uses an AMD A8-7600 APU (CPU essentially) that will only fit in an FM2+ socket, so I have to check my motherboard has an FM2+ socket. Don't worry about what FM2+ means at this point, just think "Yeah, that's the name of it and it needs to match the motherboard's socket."

Sorry if that was a ramble. First time trying to explain that to someone, but fancied a go!

[ARikozuM]

2 minutes ago, Coaxialgamer said:

i've done so before on xp and win7 machines without needing to reactivate or anything...

Some people buy OEM licenses and those are usually locked to the motherboard due to policy.

[KSP]

50 minutes ago, dexxterlab97 said:

What is your build? As everybody said you can replace it with ease

6900K (I believe it's a 2011-3 Socket, right?) and a MSI X99A Godlike Gaming Carbon motherboard. Rest of the parts found on my profile

[Guest]

6 minutes ago, KSP said:

6900K (I believe it's a 2011-3 Socket, right?) and a MSI X99A Godlike Gaming Carbon motherboard. Rest of the parts found on my profile

Holy shit a 700$ mobo why would you want to replace 6900k

[Alexcalibur]

As long as you don't replace the motherboard you are good

[Mobby Dick]

11 minutes ago, KSP said:

6900K (I believe it's a 2011-3 Socket, right?) and a MSI X99A Godlike Gaming Carbon motherboard. Rest of the parts found on my profile

I don't see any reason to replace that cpu

[typographie]

2 hours ago, KSP said:

Hello. I am really new to computer and PC building. My first build will be in November. Anyways, I was doing to down the road planning for my new PC ("Riptide"). I was wondering whether you can replace a CPU in a computer withought the system resetting (I heard a computer resets when you replace a CPU from a friend, but I don't really know if he knows what he is talking about). Thanks all.

CPUs can be replaced. Your motherboard has a specific socket type on it, and there is usually a whole generation of CPUs that are compatible with that socket. The process of replacing it is slightly involved, but easy enough to learn by watching Youtube videos. However, whether or not your CPU has a meaningful upgrade path that is worth the cost is another question completely.

 

You don't have to reformat/reinstall the system software when you replace the CPU. CPUs have no driver in Windows, and therefore there isn't much tying the CPU to the installed system software. Replacing a motherboard is usually a good opportunity to reformat the system because motherboards have many devices built into them that need driver. But even then, you still choose to wipe the system, it doesn't happen automatically or whatever.

[KSP]

1 hour ago, dexxterlab97 said:

Holy shit a 700$ mobo why would you want to replace 6900k

 

1 hour ago, Mobby Dick said:

I don't see any reason to replace that cpu

Ah, you guys misunderstand. In my originally post I said I like to plan ahead (I'm the type of guy who chooses friends BirthDay gifts 3 years in advance). I will probably replace my motherboard/ CPU in 3 years, depending.

[KSP]

26 minutes ago, typographie said:

CPUs can be replaced. Your motherboard has a specific socket type on it, and there is usually a whole generation of CPUs that are compatible with that socket. The process of replacing it is slightly involved, but easy enough to learn by watching Youtube videos. However, whether or not your CPU has a meaningful upgrade path that is worth the cost is another question completely.

 

You don't have to reformat/reinstall the system software when you replace the CPU. CPUs have no driver in Windows, and therefore there isn't much tying the CPU to the installed system software. Replacing a motherboard is usually a good opportunity to reformat the system because motherboards have many devices built into them that need driver. But even then, you still choose to wipe the system, it doesn't happen automatically or whatever.

Thanks! And thanks to all who replied