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I can't seem to find a decent guide to upgrading processors. My main problem is that I don't know what processors are compatible with my computer. Then again, would a CPU upgrade be a good idea for me at all?

This is a common question, so we tested three different PCs with several CPU upgrades. In a few cases, the speed boosts were remarkably satisfying. But before you check the benchmark results, you need to determine whether your computer is a likely candidate for an upgrade in the first place; and then you must decide whether opting for a motherboard upgrade or for a packaged CPU upgrade--or just swapping in a raw new processor--would be the best course of action.

To determine whether to upgrade, you often need more information than the class and clock speed of your current CPU--and in any case, you should verify the CPU you have. So start by downloading, installing, and running a system information utility from Power Leap or Evergreen Technologies, the companies that manufacture the processor upgrades we tested. (Don't rely on the General tab of the System Properties dialog box--it doesn't always positively identify your CPU.)

Once you've verified the chip and clock speed, it's time to see if you qualify as an upgrade contender. Your CPU will fall into one of three groups:

  • Group 1: Intel Pentium or 486; AMD K6; or earlier. So you want more speed? Buy a new computer. CPU upgrades for these oldsters are available, but you'll probably be left with a slow hard disk, an old graphics card, and too little memory. Upgrade everything you need, and the components will cost more than a new PC. Give that old hand-me-down system to someone you love. Or hate.

     
  • Group 2: Intel Pentium II, Pentium III, or Celeron; AMD Athlon, or Duron. You may already be a winner. The (very) general rule: If you can find an inexpensive processor upgrade that will double your machine's original clock speed, go ahead and give it a whirl.

     
  • Group 3: Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon XP. These are fast already. You may be able to find a compatible CPU with double the clock speed, but it will be expensive. Probably too expensive. Look at upgrading other components of your system first.

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