What do I need to know before swaping my i3-3225 with an i7-3770?

TheBretMan

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Aug 19, 2013
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I want to change the CPU out from my first build. I'm going to replace my i3-3225 with an i7-3770. They are both LGA 1155 of course, but before I rip the old one out and just throw the new one in is there anything else I should do/know?
 
Solution
Are you re-using the cooler or using a new one (possibly the one that came with the i7-3770) ? If you are re-using a cooler, you will need to clean the thermal paste off of it and apply new paste. For the cleaning, I use 91% isopropyl alcohol, commonly available in drug stores/pharmacies/chemists (for our UK friends). New paste can be obtained from where you're getting the new CPU, or from a local computer store. If there's a Radio Shack near you, it probably has AS5.

Edit: Unless you were redlining your existing PSU, the power-draw difference will not require a replacement.
Are you re-using the cooler or using a new one (possibly the one that came with the i7-3770) ? If you are re-using a cooler, you will need to clean the thermal paste off of it and apply new paste. For the cleaning, I use 91% isopropyl alcohol, commonly available in drug stores/pharmacies/chemists (for our UK friends). New paste can be obtained from where you're getting the new CPU, or from a local computer store. If there's a Radio Shack near you, it probably has AS5.

Edit: Unless you were redlining your existing PSU, the power-draw difference will not require a replacement.
 
Solution


I am using the new cooler that came with it, but selling the old cpu/cooler to my brother for his first build. So thank you much for the advice! I'll have to clean the old stuff off for him.
 


I plan on upgrading my GPU soon from the amd radeon hd 7850 to the 9000 series when released next month as well, and wouldn't mind the extra processing power all around. I do not currently overclock either, but since my brother is willing to buy my CPU and GPU I figured now would be the best time to upgrade to i7 so at least that's one component I wont have to worry about for awhile.
 
The reason I ask is because most people don't know how the components in their computer are used and they can tend to think that I'll just get the best available parts.
If your using the computer for gaming then the best CPU that you can go with for that is the i5-3570k if staying with Ivy Bridge, if your doing video editing and photo editing and other types of video work then that's where an i7 is best.
 


This is also very helpful! Thank you very much for your input.This is my first upgrade and I did not know that, thank you again!