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Can a CPU be upgraded?
- Check if your device allows CPU removal before attempting an upgrade to prevent unnecessary complications or damage.
- Understand socket type compatibility to ensure the chosen processor fits and communicates correctly with your motherboard.
- Basic technical skills are needed to replace a CPU without damaging the device, but professional help is always an option.
The beautiful thing about computer systems is that they are so highly customizable. Instead of outright buying a new device, you can almost always upgrade individual PC components, including the CPU — the all-important brain that processes instructions in a PC. However, the operant term there is “almost.” Despite the modular nature of computers, it’s not always a guarantee that you can upgrade the CPU on any given device. So, while CPUs can indeed be upgraded in a general sense, you need to ask a few important questions before determining if your specific device’s processor can be upgraded to a high-end CPU.
Can you remove your current CPU?
An important prerequisite to check
Before you move forward with upgrading the CPU of your computer, you need to determine if you can remove the current CPU. Being able to swap CPUs isn’t a guaranteed feature on any machine, as manufacturers have been known to prevent unofficial upgrades in several different ways.
Laptops typically don't let you replace the CPU as it's often fused to the motherboard itself. You could replace the entire motherboard in the name of upgrading, but that's simply not ideal for upgrading a CPU. Not to mention, it's not the most economically viable option, either, as replacing an entire motherboard complete with all the other components will cost you significantly more.
A few manufacturers don't even let you access the internals very easily. Apple’s MacBook Pros are famously difficult to open up, for example. That being said, you also have laptops from manufacturers like Framework, whose modular laptops — like the Framework Chromebook we reviewed — let you swap out its modules ranging from mainboard (including CPU), battery, display, and more. The overall process isn't as simple and straightforward as pulling the chip out of the socket and adding a new one, but it's still doable with some effort.
As for desktops, these obstacles are far less common. Most desktops are designed to be modular, and it would be a rare occasion where a pre-built desktop would have any components soldered, let alone the CPU. Either way, it is always good to research if your device’s CPU is accessible before shopping for a replacement.
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Is a better CPU compatible with this socket type?
Socket compatibility is important
Once you’ve determined that your device’s CPU is removable, you must also determine if any compatible CPUs would be an upgrade. You can’t just pick the latest and greatest processor and slot it into your machine. Each device’s motherboard has a specific socket type that is compatible only with specific CPU models.
It's important to pick the right CPU socket otherwise your processor will not physically sit and communicate with your motherboard. Keep in mind that an AMD processor will not fit on an Intel socket and vice-versa. In fact, different generations of processors from the same manufacturers also use different socekt types, so it's important to identify the compatible socket before buying a new CPU. Notably, you also have to consider things like motherboard chipset, memory compatibility, and more.
Do you have what it takes to replace the CPU?
Even a small mistake could cost you a CPU
While replacing your computer’s CPU isn’t terribly difficult, it will require some basic technical skills. Therefore, you should make sure that you at least know the basic CPU installation instructions before you purchase a new CPU. After all, making a mistake at this step could render your new CPU useless, or worse, permanently damage the CPU socket on your motherboard. The most important thing to be careful of is not bending the CPU’s pins, which can be done if you don’t correctly insert the CPU. Thankfully, there are usually multiple visual indicators to guide you.
Aside from this step, the only other tasks you’d have to do are disassembling and reassembling your computer and applying thermal paste. Of course, if you don’t feel up to the task for any reason, you can always take your device to a computer repair shop. However you get it done, upgrading your CPU and refreshing your OS are much better options than simply discarding your slow laptop or PC. And they will always be cheaper than buying a new device. Just remember that it’s not possible with every machine.
Intel Core i9-14900K
The Intel Core i9-14900k is the CPU that power users dream of. While it is not likely to fit your specific laptop, it is an example of a high-end processor that would breathe new life into any compatible device.
