Question Do i need a bios update?

[nicklas0330]

Hi,
I have a "7th gen i5 7400" and i am going to buy a "7th gen i7 7700", do i need a bios update.

 

[-Fran-]

It all depends on your Motherboard. Since they are of the same generation, I would imagine no, but just to be sure, can you tell us your Motherboard brand and model, please?

Cheers!

 

[Hazzahead]

She'll be right

 

[nicklas0330]

YEAH, thanks for answering so quickly. My motherboard is Acer Aspire GX-781. thanks in advance .

 

[-Fran-]

Uhm... It's a pre-built system, so it will be tricky to upgrade as they don't have a proper CPU compatibility list of their own. Even more, they usually pack the bare minimum in terms of PSU for power requirements...

As you're willing to open the PC case, can you take a look at the PSU (power supply unit) power numbers and let us know? I'm going to take a leap of faith and assume they did not lock the Motherboard to that specific CPU and will allow an upgrade, but I'm more concerned about the power delivery, as the i7 consumes more power than the i5.

Cheers!

 

[Obakasama]

Follow up on Yuka's point about the PSU.

https://www.acer.com/ac/en/SG/content/models/desktops/aspiregx
This would suggest there was a configuration which used the i7-7700. Assuming the BIOS is the same at the factory it should be fine.

 

[nicklas0330]

is this it Yuka?

Obaksasama it is i am only upgrading it to a better model, if that makes sense.

 

[-Fran-]

is this it Yuka?

Obaksasama it is i am only upgrading it to a better model, if that makes sense.

If you posted a picture, I can't see it...

Cheers!

 

[nicklas0330]

oh okay
PS-7501-5 hope this is it.
And why do you write cheers are you from England.
my best regards Nick.

 

[-Fran-]

Ah, the PSU, in terms of power delivery, looks fine to me. It's a 500W with 14A in the 12V rail, so you're good with it.

And I'm living in the UK, but I'm from South America. I've had this habit since I was little when I learned english (~10 y/o). Old habits die hard, I guess

Cheers!

 

[nicklas0330]

So i just need to buy the cpu and stick it in?
Thanks to you both for the enormous help, i am a noob when it comes to PC so thanks.

 

[Obakasama]

Should be as simple as that.

 

[-Fran-]

Yeah, swapping it should not be complicated, but it's not a trivial thing to do either, as you need to be careful when removing the Heat Sink. You will also need to re-paste the HSF before putting it back.

Cheers!

 

[nicklas0330]

Can you write that in english, please? What is HSF and Heat Sink?

 

[Obakasama]

Heat sink is the CPU cooler (the big metal thing with a fan on it). I am assuming it's an air cooler rather than liquid.
HSF should be the top of the CPU (technically more complicated).

 

[nicklas0330]

so ist a fan? and HSF stand for Heat sink and fan?

 

[-Fran-]

so ist a fan? and HSF stand for Heat sink and fan?

Yes, that's why I wrote "Heat Sink" first. I guess I forgot the "Fan" and the end.

In short, the HSF is the metal thing that sits on top of the CPU to cool it and, typically, has a fan or two for moving the hot air out of it.

Cheers!

 

[nicklas0330]

thanks a lot to both of you i will try my best not to **** up.