Is it possible and safe to replace CPU on current motherboard?

[XiLI]

Hello guys,

Currently, I own intel i5 - 4670 CPU (haswell serias). I'm running well with this in the last 2 years. Lately, i've started to work with 3DSmax and Unity (making games, wehu 😀)

Anyway, my pc starting to stuck around when I'm gearing up to more serious tasks like rendering and importing big textures. I already own 16GB DDR3 memory, and GTX1070.

The question is - can I get an i7 processor from haswell (or even broadwell) series and just, like, pulling out the i5 and put the i7 instead?

I've been looking around the web and almost every tutorial says it safe to make this action. Its seems me a little weird to have it so fool-proof way. Am I missing something? The replacement won't screw up my system? My bios? I have quite load of important things on PC and I can't really afford the risk to have everything crash right now. I don't have the time to restore my files and re-install all the softwares.

If there is anything I'm missing, id really like to have head ups and prepare for this task correctly.

 

[Justiceinacan]

Get an i7 for socket 1150. If a BIOS update is needed, you can use the 4670 to do it.

If you don't have a Zxx chipset motherboard, you cannot overclock if you choose a "k" CPU. It will work though.

 

[XiLI]

Get an i7 for socket 1150. If a BIOS update is needed, you can use the 4670 to do it.

If you don't have a Zxx chipset motherboard, you cannot overclock if you choose a "k" CPU. It will work though.

I'm using the simple Hxx chipset. Was thinking of upgrading the motherboard as well but ive read it going to be pain in **s to upgrade it and I might risk the whole system.

So let me understand. Ive already checked out and aiming for the i7 4790/4770 (without the "k"). What you mean about BIOS update? How should I check it out - before replacing or after? And last question - should I buy a tray box and use the existing fan of the i5, or I should buy the retail box with a new fan?

Thanks!

 

[USAFRet]

Assuming a compatible motherboard and new CPU, yes, it is that easy.

However, 2 things first.

1. Look to your current software stack and see if that might be the issue with performance. Often, a clean install of the OS can make things feel all better.

2.

and I can't really afford the risk to have everything crash right now. I don't have the time to restore my files and re-install all the softwares.

You are skating on thin ice here.
Changing the CPU for a new one is the least of your possible fail modes. You are a single drive fail or massive virus infection away from losing everything.
Creating an image of the whole C drive is easy and (mostly) free. You should be doing this anyway...new CPU or not.

 

[Justiceinacan]

I believe you will need a BIOS update to use a 4790 but a 4770 should work fine.

USAFRet has a point.