Are CPUs Plug n Play?

[Bravionic]

I'm running Pentium G3258 right now and have finally saved enough for an upgrade. I'm thinking of getting an i5-4460.

Do I need to do anything special before or after I install the new CPU? Or can I just pop the old one out and the new one in and turn on the computer?

 

[Robert Cook]

technically it is that simple. you will want fresh paste on the cooler you already have ( if it is aftermarket) or to use the new stock cooler that comes with it make sure it is unplugged, you are well grounded, and there are no distractions. If you get a bent pin it is a real pain to fix.

 

[maestro0428]

You may need to reset the BIoS, but thats it.

 

[TechyInAZ]

Typically, yeah it's plug and play. However don't expect windows to play nicely. You still might get a few bugs every now and then which can only be fixed by reinstalling windows.

 

[Gnuffi]

Typically, yeah it's plug and play. However don't expect windows to play nicely. You still might get a few bugs every now and then which can only be fixed by reinstalling windows.

this, expect this
its often advisable in order to "be safe" and limit issues to simply do a fresh clean windows install after dropping in a new cpu
so before taking the old out and putting the new in , make a backup of your data you want to keep
while it may not be "needed" as in everything could go fine, you do run the potential risk that Windows decides to be stubborn and act up 😉

 

[celtic_warrior99]

There is no need to reinstall windows just because of upgrading the CPU. Its not like a whole bunch of new drivers have to be installed or something. A CPU upgrade will have 0 impact in terms of bugs and glitches because of not reinstalling windows.