Replacing a Core I7 into a core i3 for processor

Replacing a Core I7 into a core i3 for processor

When your processor gets damaged and stopped working, you can always install a replacement but it should be compatible with the CPU socket on the motherboard. You cannot just buy a new processor for your CPU without checking your motherboard’s socket type or socket number because buying a wrong processor will only waste your money and it will not work.

If you plan on replacing the damaged processor on your motherboard, you need to check the CPU socket first so the computer shop or computer store will offer you the compatible processors for your motherboard. You only need to select the fastest among the available ones. The image below is an example of a socket 478 CPU socket. See image.

The socket number or type is indicated in the CPU socket itself. Aside from the CPU socket, you should also check the maximum FSB or Front-Side Bus and cache of your motherboard. Not all processors with compatible socket type have the same FSBs and cache level/size. There are ones that have high that might be above the limit of your motherboard.

For example, the 2 CPUs I’ve fixed that have the same CPU sockets but different FSB and cache. The first is a Pentium 4 3.06 GHz socket 478 400 MHz FSB 512 KB L2 cache processor while the other one is a Pentium 4 3.20 GHz socket 478 800 MHz FSB 2 MB L2 cache processor.

I tried installing the processor with 800 MHz FSB on the motherboard with 400 MHz FSB and it overheated.