If you would like to upgrade your processor to a new generation Intel® Core, compare Celeron® or Pentium® processors, or compare different processor families, you can watch the videoFinding Information on Intel Processors or review the steps inHow to Compare Intel® Processors Using Product Specifications Page [ARK].
Contact your system or motherboard manufacturer before upgrading your desktop processor. Your manufacturer is familiar with your system specifications and the different upgrade options available, and they can tell you which processors your system or motherboard supports.
Even if your processor and motherboard socket match, it's critical to make sure that your motherboard BIOS supports your new processor. Older motherboards frequently don'thave BIOS support for newer processors. Lack of BIOS support for your processor can cause the system to not boot or display erratic behavior.
Another upgrade consideration is that faster processors, and processors with more cores, can also affect the temperature of your system. You need to make sure your chassis and thermal solution work with your upgrade from a thermal perspective.
One way to verify processor compatibility is to use the Intel® Desktop Compatibility Tool and search by processors or motherboards.
For more information on your Intel® Processor or Intel® Desktop Board, select one of the links below:
| Intel® Desktop Processor Resources | |
| Compare Intel Desktop Processors | Use comparison chart to compare desktop processors and features. |
| Intel Desktop Processor support resources | This document has useful links to installation videos, integration documents, and warranty information. |
| Find compatible motherboards for Intel® Desktop Processors | Use this tool to enter your Intel desktop processor to find compatible motherboards. |
| Intel® Processor Identification Utility | The utility identifies your processor and if it's working at the correct frequency. |
| Intel Product Information | This resource shows detailed specifications for all Intel products. |
| Related topics |
| How to use the Intel® Desktop Compatibility Tool |