Repairing and Upgrading Your PC

Processor Characteristics

Here are the important characteristics of processors:

Processor make and model

The primary defining characteristic of a processor is its make—AMD or Intel—and its model. Although competing models from the two companies have similar features and performance, you cannot install an AMD processor in an Intel-compatible motherboard or vice versa.

Socket type

Another defining characteristic of a processor is the socket that it is designed to fit. If you are replacing the processor in a Socket 478 motherboard, for example, you must choose a replacement processor that is designed to fit that socket. Table 5-1 describes upgradability issues by processor socket.

Table 5-1. Upgradability by processor socket type

Socket	Upgradability ...