Can I change the guts of my computer?

Chamber005

Chamber005

Carbonite Member
So I've been working with a Pentium D for a while now and I really, really want to move to something like a Ci7, which I can get for about 70% off right now as they're on sale at a nearby store. What I absolutely do NOT want is a new computer. I have like 3 computers, I just want to upgrade the guts of one of them.

From what I understand it's possible to just change out processor chips, but not always. Could someone here maybe give a shout out so that I know if I'm able to just change the chip out and what exactly to look for to know that?

If I'm unable to change the chip out, is it just a matter then of also purchasing a motherboard that supports the chip?

It seems like there's so many components going on (fan, power, etc) I would think that they would also play a role in changing the chip and/or motherboard, but maybe I'm mistaken.

I just really do not feel like buying another entire computer -- just seems so wasteful when I already have three (Penny D, AMD Sempron and an Intel Penny 4).

Additional concern: The motherboard and the chip have nothing to do with the memory on my computer, right? Like, the RAM, etc -- other than possibly not being compatible, I mean. There's no risk of losing or erasing the memory/operating system if I just change out the motherboard and chip?

THANKS!!!!
 
depending on the tower you have, you can probably keep that and maybe the power supply. Chances are, you are going to have to buy a new motherboard, ram, processor, and video card and maybe a hard drive (if you are still using IDE drives).

check out newegg for components, but you should look at the videoguys.com website. They have some good builds on there.
 
You'll likely have to change the motherboard as mentioned. RAM should be backwards compatible, however it does depend on the board. Like natxbrotha said, if you're using IDE drives still the chances of there being connections on your new i7 board is rather limited.

Power supply...well it all depends - check the wattage, as different processor/motherboards have different consumption rates and it completely depends on what you're using it for.

Either way, you losing your information is highly unlikely as long as you don't change the hard drive.

Kegan
 
First and foremost, you should let us know what brand/model the system is, if it's not a branded type, then a list of equipment it contains(motherboard model, ram type and amount, hard drive, etc., etc.) can help to pin down what you can and can't do.

Almost any system can be made to contain the latest and greatest, but how easy this can be depends on too many factors....I've seen modern super cooled system shoved in 80's towers...I've also seen whole computers housed in used pizza boxes....anything is possible.
 
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