Quad Core CPUs contain four separate processors on one chip.
Quad core CPUs offer an abundance of power for all users, whether interested in gaming, business applications, or just browsing the web. Many standard computers will accept a motherboard that supports a quad core CPU without any major modifications. Power supplies without the 20+4 motherboard connector will often need to be replaced with the motherboard, as will low-output power supplies, but new power supplies are inexpensive and readily available and adapters to supply the +4 power are sold. Some proprietary machines that don't accept standard size motherboards or power supplies may not be upgradable to quad core.
Instructions
Matching the Components
1. Determine whether the existing motherboard will support the desired quad core CPU and obtain a new motherboard if necessary.
2. Determine whether the existing power supply will support a quad core CPU and all of the desired components by checking the wattage as well as checking for the 20+4 motherboard connector. Replace if necessary.
3. Determine whether the system RAM is supported by the motherboard and replace if necessary.
4. Determine whether the CPU cooling solution will handle the wattage produced by the CPU and replace if necessary.
Preparing the Case for the New Motherboard and CPU
5. Power down the system and disconnect all cables. Remove the case cover.
6. Remove all expansion cards and disconnect all cables that lead to the motherboard. Depending upon the amount of room inside the case, it may also be necessary to remove hard drives and optical drives and possibly even the power supply.
7. Remove the rear face plate where the motherboard connectors show through the rear of the case. Replace with the new face plate that came with the new motherboard.
8. Align the screw holes of the new motherboard with the standoffs inside the case and add or remove standoffs to ensure there is one standoff for each hole in the motherboard.
9. Install the CPU onto the motherboard and install the CPU cooling solution. Install the RAM onto the motherboard prior to installing the motherboard into the case.
Installing the Motherboard
10. Install the motherboard into the case.
11. Reconnect all necessary cables and wires.
12. Reinstall all drives, expansion cards, and the power supply.
13. Check all of the components carefully before replacing the cover and connecting the system back to power. Tie any loose cables with nylon cable ties to allow better airflow and make the installation more professional looking.
14. Power on the system and set the new date and time in BIOS. Insert the driver disk for the new motherboard if necessary when prompted by the operating system.
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