A Beginners Guide: How to Upgrade an Intel CPU (core i3, i5, i7, i9)

Buying a whole new computer can be very expensive and kinda stupid when all you really need is just to upgrade one component. Upgrading your CPU can be a very cost effective way to increase you PC's performance. A more powerful CPU can do a lot of different things for you. It can get you more frames per second in games, encode video faster, blaze through multiple tasks more efficiently or just give you a better overall computing experience. Whatever your reason for wanting to upgrade this video has the info you need to make your upgrade experience smooth and successful. If you're simply looking for a tutorial on how to change out your existing Intel CPU for a new one that's the first thing we go over in this video. If you're a first time upgrader and are looking for information about upgrading an Intel CPU like learning what motherboard you have, what chipset (H310, B360, Q370, Z390, etc.) and CPU socket it uses (LGA 1151, LGA 1200, etc.) and the CPU's it supports then stay tuned after the removal and installation tutorial where I share the information I feel is most important to know and take into consideration when upgrading your CPU. I hope this video is both enjoyable and educational and helps you have a successful upgrading adventure.
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Wanna skip to a particular part of the video? Use the Time Stamps. :)
Time Stamps
0:00 - intro
0:46 - the first steps
2:02 - CPU cooler removal
2:18 - thermal paste cleanup
2:38 - remove your existing CPU
3:14 - installing your new CPU
4:35 - CPU cooler installation
5:10 - thermal paste application methods
5:36 - important things to know when upgrading
6:12 - know your CPU socket
7:04 - Intel's LGA 1151 socket is a little confusing
8:07 - motherboard chipsets
9:27 - K series processors
10:16 - cheap motherboard + expensive CPU = Please don't!
11:23 - Thanks for Watching! Like, Share, Comment & Subscribe! :)
Music in this video - "Flames" by Dan Henig from the KZbin Creator Studio Music Library

[@Maraksot78]

Wanna skip to a particular part of the video? Use the Time Stamps. :) Time Stamps 0:00 - intro 0:46 - the first steps 2:02 - CPU cooler removal 2:18 - thermal paste cleanup 2:38 - remove your existing CPU 3:14 - installing your new CPU 4:35 - CPU cooler installation 5:10 - thermal paste application methods 5:36 - important things to know when upgrading 6:12 - know your CPU socket 7:04 - Intel's LGA 1151 socket is a little confusing 8:07 - motherboard chipsets 9:27 - K series processors 10:16 - cheap motherboard + expensive CPU = Please don't! 11:23 - Thanks for Watching! Like, Share, Comment & Subscribe! :)

[@supxenz8541]

#6%Club

[@leohines8483]

This video has really broadened my horizons on upgrading CPU for my mainboard... z370-a pro (msi) my motherboard supports overclocking and 8th/9th generation CPU processors. 😁😁😁

[@loseta1234]

My laptop currently has a fourth generation Intel Core i7-4510U CPU. What would be a good compatible processor upgrade? Or where can I get a chart that would show me options? Thanks for your help!

[@shauncampbell969]

Hello, I have a Star Wars, hp laptop. The cpu got fried. I want to replace the cpu & upgrade the rams from 8 to 16. Can you please film a vid on this topic. All the best Shaun of NYC

[@chrisvillar640]

My cpu is a intel core i3-10100 whats a good upgrade for mine bought a core i5-10600k did not work plz help proper cpu for my computer

[@josefmprable]

the hand shake when grasping a cpu is inevitable :D

[@dethiusa2591]

Lmfao most true, just experienced it

[@complex12x56]

ikr bro i was just removing my cpu without my father i didnt even touch the damn thing my hand started shaking just hovering over it

[@panmicosplay4416]

For the first time my mind doesnt go blank by looking at this stuff. You deserve a lot more subs.

[@ladyb9704]

Thank you for the wonderful explanation. I am upgrading from i5 9th gen to a i7 13th gen with an upgraded mobo. I will be using this video to help me upgrade! Wish me luck!

[@Itsnotanymore-ku7dz]

Legit the easiest tutorial on CPU replacement I’ve seen today, and I went through 16 or so videos

[@tylergamecast2247]

Hey listen, out of everyone gaming pc tech, channel I grow the most and get the most knowledge from watching your video’s there so helpful you don’t play games and are straight to the point and explain things right THANK YOU FIR EVERYTHING

[@controllagary5661]

Thank you for this vid! You explained everything thoroughly and if I do decide to upgrade my i7, you’ll be the first vid I’ll go to! 👍

[@JuxThePosition]

You make this shit so simple. You are the real MVP. Upgrading my i5 to i9 today.

[@msterofficial]

Thank you sooo much. I went from clueless to almost understanding. Really informative and just really great. Thank you!

[@kevincurtis5476]

Loved the vid man, quick, concise, entertaining,, informative,.. Actually enjoyed the time refreshing my PC knowledge,.. Thanks much and keep it up!

[@samplaying4keeps]

This was an immense help. everything was so clear and I learned so much. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[@Maraksot78]

You're welcome. Best of luck to you on your upgrade. 🙂

[@missedem]

Here on the heels of installing new RAM from the other video, and grabbed an i7 on sale (currently using i5). Not quite brave enough to upgrade it yet (there's a few assignments I'd like to get out of the way first in case things go terribly wrong), but will be following this process when I do! Thanks for making the steps clear and easy to follow.

[@jonrimator3204]

This channel helps a lot of people and a lot of there thinking this channel must have a millions a subs rn

[@acidstorm001]

Glad to see a proper explanation when doing a CPU upgrade. I've seen so many that overlook the motherboard sockets. Specially since Intel did what they did with LGA1151. Just as AMD AM4 socket depending on generation only supports certain gen Ryzen CPUs as well.

[@nuyokah]

6% club. Tnx v much. Very clear instructions

[@NathanielSolomons]

If you have an LGA 1150, does that mean all CPU'S that fits in the 1150 will work?

[@acidstorm001]

@@NathanielSolomons Depends on the board and the BIOS. Sometimes support for CPUs needs a BIOS update, but should fit most other LGA 1150 processors. Just have to check the motherboard specs to see which CPUs are supported.

[@asfandyarkakar9898]

I value and respect your content. It was super informational and very helpful. I was so confused about motherboards and couldn't figure what's the difference among H-B-Q-Z Series. Sir! Thank you so much. #6%club all the way.

[@sargento1900]

learned new information about MB and the processors. Thanks

[@TheSqueakerNerd]

Thank you. I wasn't sure what to do about the wrist strap thing since I don't have one. I'll use that technique you mentioned. Thanks a lot!

[@rossherbert1591]

Clearly explained and easily understood. Thanks for the tutorial.

[@paulspencervideo]

Very well presented - I reckon you handled this complete fog of a topic very well! Thank you.

[@Maraksot78]

Thank you. Glad it was helpful! 🙂

[@sidiskieeldani71]

Thanks for this video because Im planning to upgrade my cpu and this will be my first experiece hopefully it will be good at all

[@TheMarcoboricio]

thanks man it was exactly what i needed, i searched for the compatability of my motherboard found a cpu and everything, but was unsure about every information, you confermed all of them and encouraged me to go for the upgrade, can't guarantee i will not fuck this up but you put me on a good road to success.

[@TheMarcoboricio]

btw upgrading from an i5 6400 to an i7 7700

[@T3SLA69]

First time watching and I'm already a member! 6%er's baby!

[@chungledorf350]

thank you i currently have to upgrade to an i7 with a rtx 2070 and this really made things easier to understand

[@CanuckIV]

I have a Dell G5. Thanks to your video I was able to determine the best CPU to buy for my specific motherboard. I currently have a i5-10400F and wanted to upgrade to some sort of i9. I used the command prompt as instructed, used the number to google it and I can only upgrade to 1 type of i9 which for someone like myself that isn't overly tech-savvy I am not overly picky as long as it gets the job done for a few years to come so It ended being a i9-10900KF. It's reasonably cheap at over $500 with taxes. Looks like I made my decision thanks again to your video

[@chrisjilek3110]

Doing my first build. Recently put my 4080 in my current pc, decided I'd do a completly new build. So i got a Z790 ROG Maximus Hero and i9 13900k, putting in a corsair 5000d airflow. Love watching videos like this lately. Looking forward to seeing the improvement from my b360m-a with i7 9700k.

[@Anabriella]

Lovely, calm, clear instructions. Thanks! 👏

[@milesowens3273]

Learned more about cpus in this vid than i have from any other vid on the subject

[@syedzaidi3719]

Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful and valuable video very informative and helpful

[@belle1256]

#6%club...thanks for a great video. Knew how to buy the CPU but was a bit leery about changing it out. You made it really easy and I am less nervous know. Shouldn't be nervous since I built my computer a while ago, but was-lol. The antistatic wrist wrap bit was hilarious, lol I think I still have mine somewhere with extra cables and fans in a box somewhere. Waiting for my graphics card to come in (old one just up and died, think a power surge got it) then will change the CPU and GTX out at the same time. Thanks again for a great video, nice and clear info is much appreciated.

[@aaronvonbuseck7478]

Super helpful! I have a 1150 motherboard and an i5-4960k cpu... and I do heavy rendering of visual effects, motion graphics, and unreal engine work. It's time for an upgrade. I still need to figure out if an i7 is enough or if I need an i9, though.

[@TimmyTheSnail]

How did you manage to seem so confused but at the same time explain everything perfectly and know exactly what you’re talking about 😂 :’)

[@joakim8980]

I’m on an intel i7 47-something, so this tutorial was well needed!

[@Chucky_2]

This is such a helpful video. Much less confusing than anything else I’ve seen.

[@chryx3503]

Man your videos are so informative love it you deserve more views and subs keep it up 👍👍👍👍👍👍🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥😀😀😀😀😀

[@wereadcomicstoo]

6% and a new sub! I just learnt a lot in 10 mins! Thanks

[@Famous_Frosty]

Easy to understand, I’m glad I have a z390, I’m upgrading my i5 9600k to a i9 9900k, I’m super excited.

[@blo0buryz__745]

Haha I loved the stake in the ground for the wrist strap.

[@Julzrulz28]

I learnt so much from this video, I genuinely don't think it could have been broken down and explained any better. #6%club. Thank you very much.

[@yam6189]

How is this not flooded with views. Super helpful

[@haroutyonkrekorian6350]

good explanation of motherboard chip set and board types great job

[@fc2078_]

You helped me very much in CPU upgrading, thanks! I’m subbing then

[@fc2078_]

Oh and #6%Club

[@TrungNguyen-uy9ky]

#6%Club Thank you for the tutorial, it helps me a lot. Keep up the good work.

[@Neillyy]

Extremely informative, gonna go have a look to see if you have a video on how to overclock now! :)

[@NeoTrggrTheGammer]

wanted to thank you for the video cause I been looking to upgrade from a i5 to a i7 and now I have a better idea what to look for

[@Her_Sisko]

#6%Club great video, keep it up :)

[@nerdsofmetal4318]

#6%CLUB Thanks for making this video. Super informative and straightforward. Cheers for that! Got A quick question, I am upgrading my Z370 motherboard i5-8500k to A i9-9900k is there any software I need to update before doing the swap? Thanks again.

[@zilenthawk4111]

thanks you saved me alot of money i was going to try upgrade my i7 7700k processor to a reyzon amd im glad i found this video

[@darensworld2221]

Great video! I learned so much from this. Thank you!

[@shina4574]

#6%CLUB Thank you for this, I learned so much. I've been having issues deciding and figuring out how to upgrade my CPU.

[@thebigphenom]

6% club :) quick question how do i know whether a new cpu will need a bios update Edit: I installed new cpu and on a updated bios, thank you for the video

[@riley4198]

Thank you so much, I successfully installed a new cpu because of you!!

[@Maraksot78]

Great to hear! Enjoy. :)

[@mxcollin95]

Great video! Thank you…this was exactly the help I was looking for! 👍

[@nfhfhdhr]

I am actually going to buy one and i am doing my research :>

[@neilrobertson5194]

Excellent video. Looking to upgrade from my i5-7600K. Was curious to see that no 8th or 9th gen options were compatible (using the CPU-upgrade website), but your bit on motherboards explained that as I have a Z270-P so would have to upgrade to a "300" number for 8th/9th gen options. Now I'm wondering if I should go upgrade the motherboard as well as the processor or just go with a i7-7700 or i7-7700K processor upgrade. Any thoughts?

[@googlestoleyoutube]

Definitely

[@Soupdope]

If moneys an issue then dont

[@CFHoneyBadger]

This has been really helpful. Thanks!

[@DanGleesac]

3 years later thank you for being here for my next upgrade :)

[@Arts-gadgets]

#6% club all the way, great video thanks for the help

[@spencerloughead5442]

Thanks for the help looking to upgrade the 10400f to the 117000f 6 cores just isn’t cutting it for my 3070ti😂

[@shoronhossain2443]

Did you upgrade? Which motherboard are you using?

[@spencerloughead5442]

@@shoronhossain2443 actually switched to AMD and I’m now using a b550

[@apeman8985]

Thank you very much. This helped me a lot!

[@user-cr4tu1qq5j]

as far as ik im on a i3 and i do want to upgrade it because my pc isnt up to date so i need to know what to buy for it and this video helped me alot thank you

[@thinzzo2664]

I need help I have a cyber power gamer xtreme I’m upgrading to 16 gb of ram I have a as rock b360m xtreme with 9th gene my power supply is unknown but read it’s around 800 wat I’d like to upgrade to a i7 9th gen I need some help could you help me out maybe I hope you see this please respond

[@overdonegaming5199]

Can I just work on it while naked, would that help with static electricity

[@zuni3456]

goood question!

[@jusalii]

Ye it will

[@Miguelskytwins]

Very informative video. Thank you!

[@thenuggywuggy8389]

Ty for the tutorial! Now I know how to upgrade my CPU

[@OtherMisterRogers]

#6%CLUB The most information I've been able to find so far. Great job with this video, thank you for taking the time to make and share it.

[@thealterrazero]

Thanks for making this! Was super helpful :) #6%club

[@Maraksot78]

You're welcome. I love hearing my videos are helping peole out. That's why I make 'em. And welcome to the 6% club! Cheers! :)

[@chanonekniran4538]

A very good organized video content, thank you I enjoy and learn a lot from here. ^_^

[@markangelojuacallanativida9754]

Very educational, keep up the good work 👏

[@EricA-mm5gi]

#6%club! NAS NAS NAS NAS! 😉

[@EricA-mm5gi]

PS, congrats on 20k man!

[@Maraksot78]

Thanks man. 😅

[@ByteBeacon9660]

I'm using i3-4170 and I'm upgrading to i7-4770

[@Platinum_XYZ]

Nice

[@monkeywheel5522]

Did it work?

[@hangingbat5439]

You also change your mother board 😂😂

[@ByteBeacon9660]

No I didn't have to change my motherboard. It's a CPU from the same generation and for the same socket.@@hangingbat5439

[@ByteBeacon9660]

Of course@@monkeywheel5522

[@ramgarhia9945]

Thanks bro. This is really informative vedio. Highly recommended.

[@lukeelliott2128]

This may have been added to your comments already, but a great app you can use to ID your motherboard is CPU-Z, and it is free! I'm using an H170 series Core i5 6400T and want to upgrade to a Core i7. Still working out the kinks, but this video has helped me get closer! Thanks!

[@KeyBordWarrior]

love the video dont know why i didnt find your channel first.....like how u explain stuff....

[@Maraksot78]

Thank you. I appreciate you saying that. I'm always happy to hear when one of my videos is helpful to someone. Cheers. :)

[@monoral41]

thanks a lot mate for the great video!

[@Javontee]

This is a very helpful and informative video thank you for this!!

[@Gamerboychase1]

Thank u so much u helped me figure out if my cpu was compatible with my motherboard

[@jakesailo6207]

I learn a lot from you thank you love the video

[@kimverizo]

Very clear! Thanks a lot!

[@jbsees4102]

Excellent explanation .... thank you very much for that wonderful knowledge.

[@wcgIIvideo]

Thank you for this video! My 14 year old son was able to change out his i5 for an i7 for the first time. I supervised on a video call as he did the actual work.

[@Maraksot78]

That is awesome!

[@potaxe8048]

I was already dead about to build my own computer… then, by chance, got on this video. And Maraksot (who was born 1978) resuscitated a light of interest, and delight in back to do it. Thanks. #6%club.

[@lightingbug7825]

Man awesome video this help out a lot ty

[@andrewkincare1916]

Thank you for the helpful info!

[@BuddyBair-ss6bu]

The last comment nailed it ... Dude! You seem so familiar ... Makes you a natural. Figure out your hands tho... Maybe wider view so your hand movements don't seem rehearsed. Otherwise (hard to get actual constructive criticism) your videos gave me what I needed, didn't lose topic and didn't seem to leave anything out. I kinda want to work for or with you I'm so impressed. Thankyou

[@priyak6014]

Keep grinding YT ur a beast great tutorial

[@tosh2613]

Very helpful video. Thank you!!!!!

[@MattGouldphotography]

Massive help this! Saved me from making some crazy mistakes :D

[@SeryamRNG]

Thanks for the info!

[@mimisarmiento7331]

I appreciate you patience so much!

[@riggz5496]

This was an amazing video. Thank you. Got a gen 2 intel over here holding on for dear life pushing it to the limit before I scrap the whole thing in 2023

[@evansdonkor5230]

Have you been able to upgrade it??

[@riggz5496]

@@evansdonkor5230 yes I was! I went from an I-5 2330 I believe to an I-7 3770k. My motherboard is limiting me but my new setup has been working 10x better. I went from a 12 year old desktop to about a top of the line 6 year old PC lol

[@wanazim39]

Awesome video mate! Keep it up!

[@yumavaldez5203]

very grateful. i learned a lot

[@jackmcguire8297]

good stuff; seems a little complicated; I will post my specs and get your advice to upgrade my CPU! thanks!

[@chriskelly824]

#6% club! Thanks for all the guides. Easy to follow and very informative.

[@fight1st]

#6% club great video learned a lot about the information I needed. I’ve been kinda rebuilding an old z170 motherboard and I have an i5 6600 in it. I was thinking of picking up a new i7 7700 for it because price point is just better for me right now I felt like I had the right choice but your overclocking info really helped me figure it out. As a person who hasn’t built a pc in forever I’ve missed a lot of information and creation of a lot new technology.

[@teridonna]

#6%club# loved the detailed explanation. You saved me ALOT of reading in understanding the meaning of those processor codes, thank you!! Keep up the good work!

[@fez_flix682]

i know jack about computers. let alone building them. but after watching this, even i could do my upgrade (with a little running around the net for parts). very impressed. 👍

[@nanatirimude7484]

Thanks for your good explanation

[@Imheter]

such a great video, thank you i got a more clear understanding and you answered my questions. im planning to upgrade soon and looks like i need to get a new motherboard because mine is way outdated lol prob like 10 years old. these new gen and prices are no joke

[@SwiftyRust]

wow so easy! you explain so well thank you sir!