If you go to Computer/My Computer and right click on your hard drive, then go to properties there is a hardware tab. It should show a disk drive, your optical drive. The disk drive is most likely a few letters and then a bunch of numbers.
Example, my computer i'm on is running a Seagate 500GB. ST3500413as
The first two letters are generally the manufacturer. ST = Seagate, WD= Western Digital.
I like how people mention overclocking but fail to mention a few things that can happen when overclocking.
1.
IT VOIDS YOUR WARRANTY ON CPU/MOTHERBOARD
2. You need to get an aftermarket heatsink/fan as generally most stock heatsink/fans won't do that job well enough.
3. You may need a new case with better airflow or increase the fans you have.
4. You may need a better PSU than you have now.
5. Generally, overclocking only nets a 5-15% increase. However you may experience system lockups in an OC state.
Granted your motherboard might be great at overclocking, but is it worth it.
Changing an Intel CPU isn't that difficult. If you don't feel up to trying a local computer shop can swap it out in less than 10 minutes. Granted they might charge you an hour service, but if you buy the CPU from them they will probably do it for free.
Removing the heatsink part requires a flat head screwdriver most times.
1. Power down system
2. Leave power cord plugged in so the case is still grounded.
3. Ground yourself, touch the metal part of the case and don't wear socks on carpet.
4. Remove the CPU FAN Power, generally 3/4 wires coming from the cpu fan that plugs nearby into the motherboard.
5. There are 4 posts on the outside of the heatsink. There is an slot where you can put in the flat head screwdriver and turn it counter clockwise(I think) 90 degrees. Do all 4 pins then the heatsink/fan should pull straight up out of the motherboard.
here's a quick video I found on it. Not the greatest quality, but it shows how to remove the heatsink.
At 2:36 he shows a closeup of the CPU. On the left here is a U shaped metal piece, that holds the cpu in place. It might look a little different, I think that first video is for a 775 motherboard, but there is still a lever on one side. You move that to the side and it will release the cover over the CPU. Then grab the cpu and remove it.
You will want to use your new heatsink/fan if you got one. Generally you will always get a new one unless you buy one that says "CPU ONLY"
The new fan/heatsink will have thermal paste already on it. However if you want to, you can replace that thermal paste with an aftermarket, paste. If you do use aftermarket paste, you'll want to remove the existing paste that's on the new heatsink. You would apply a small amount of paste to the cpu once it's installed in the motherboard.
Antec Thermal Paste
If you do all this then install the fan/heatsink. You will get instructions with your new CPU, but it's easy.
Once your all put back together Windows might ask you to re-activate as you've changed some hardware. But that should be fine, and worst case you have to call the 800 number and talk to someone, but it's not a big deal. I don't think it matters much on just a CPU replacement.
) which runs superb on my PC. But I just prefer the other game, it's much easier to understand because I've been playing that series since 2004.
