Motherboard socket for a central processing unit.
In an industry where planned obsolescence is par for the course, CPU manufacturers often necessitate motherboard upgrades with the release of their cutting-edge processors. With so many new processors steadily arriving on the market, it can be difficult to know what will work with your motherboard. Even CPUs that fit properly in your motherboard socket might not be compatible. Knowing be sure of your motherboard's compatibility will help you determine the best possible upgrade for your money.
Instructions
1. Obtain the model number for your motherboard. This is easy if you download a free program from the CNET.com site (see the link in the resource section). The application is CPU-Z, which identifies your motherboard model number. This is necessary because most PC makers do not pre-install software that will tell you your motherboard model. CNET tests the program to ensure that it is spyware- and virus-free.
2. Click "Download Now." When the program finishes downloading, double-click the CPU-Z installation icon. This opens the setup wizard.
3. Click "Next" at the setup wizard's welcome screen. Click the bubble to accept the CPU-Z agreement on the next screen, and click "Next."
4. If you want to install CPU-Z and its shortcut with the rest of your programs and shortcuts, click "Next" on the next two screens. If not, click "Browse" at these screens and choose an alternate location for these items.
5. Uncheck the boxes in the "Ask Toolbar" screen to prevent the installation of the Ask Toolbar on your browser. If you want the Ask Toolbar, leave the boxes checked. Click "Next."
6. Check the box in the next window to install the CPU-Z icon on your desktop. Click "Next," "Install" then "Finish."
7. Double-click the CPU-Z icon on your desktop. Select the "Mainboard" tab from the menu at the top of the window. Make a note of the information in the box labeled "Motherboard," including manufacturer, model number and chipset. Also note your computer's make and model.
8. Type the motherboard manufacturer's name into a search engine and go to its website.
9. Different manufacturer websites are structured in different ways. Some offer a search window on the home page. If this is the case, type your motherboard model number in this window and examine the results to locate processor compatibility information. If this is not the case, look for something along the lines of "find a product." Once you find your motherboard, look for a list of compatible CPUs.
10. If you are unable to find compatible processors on the manufacturer's website, it might be because you have an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) motherboard. With the model numbers of your computer and motherboard handy, call the manufacturer's tech support and ask determine your motherboard's processor compatibility.
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