Upgrading from a i3 Ivy Bridge to a i5

[Kumquat Caper]

Back when I built my computer a few years ago. I couldn't really afford an i5 and was okay with an i3, but I kind want something better now since I'm doing more gaming.

Can I just take out my i3 and put in an i5 or do I have to do more than that (e.g. reinstall my OS)? My mobo is an ASRock Z77m.

 

[smorizio]

if it a newer i5 you may have to update the bios on the mb first then swap the cpu.

 

[LookItsRain]

Since its 1155, any ivy i5 should be plug and play, just reapply thermalpaste etc.

 

[boosted1g]

You will want to check your motherboard for compatibility. Go to the OEMs website, look up your board and its cpu support list. It will have a list of cpus and what bios version you need to support it. Restart and go into bios and check your version number, if your number is > then the number from the website then you are fine, if it is < then the webistes number you need to flash upgraded bios.

As far as installation, any socket 1155 i5 will fit. You just remove your cpu cooler, remove the cpu, put the new cpu in matchinging the arrow ot the corner like your old cpu was, apply new paste (if you are putting on your old cooler), and install the heatskink and boot the pc.

 

[maddogfargo]

You will want to check your motherboard for compatibility. Go to the OEMs website, look up your board and its cpu support list. It will have a list of cpus and what bios version you need to support it. Restart and go into bios and check your version number, if your number is > then the number from the website then you are fine, if it is < then the webistes number you need to flash upgraded bios.

As far as installation, any socket 1155 i5 will fit. You just remove your cpu cooler, remove the cpu, put the new cpu in matchinging the arrow ot the corner like your old cpu was, apply new paste (if you are putting on your old cooler), and install the heatskink and boot the pc.

+1 for this

You may also need to update any CPU driver support to reflect the new CPU features.

 

[nikoli707]

its a z77, so its built for ivy bridge. there are no ivy refreshes, so it will accept any sandy bridge or ivy bridge processor(1155 socket, not 'E' processors which are 2011 socket). there should be no need for a bios flash. since you can overclock with that z77, you should look for a K processor... 2500k, 2600k, 2700k, 3570k, 3770k. though if your not interested in overclocking, you can find a used i5-2400 for fairly inexpensive.