Are you tired of your old PC’s slow performance and wondering if there is a cheaper alternative to buying a new computer? Look no further, as c’t editor Christian Hirsch may have the solution for you in the latest podcast episode of c’t uplink. Hirsch demonstrates how to swap your PC’s main processor for a faster one, making it fit for new tasks and potentially able to run Windows 11, which Microsoft has yet to allow on some older computers.
Before you start unscrewing your machine, it’s important to determine how much faster your new CPU should be to make the upgrade worthwhile. Additionally, make sure to update your computer’s BIOS and turn off hard drive encryption if necessary before beginning. While notebooks and mini PCs generally cannot be converted, DIY PCs are more suitable for upgrades, such as the ones recommended in c’t’s annual “The Optimal PC” publication.
Once you’ve selected the appropriate CPU for your motherboard and made necessary pre-upgrade adjustments, the podcast provides tips for the actual exchange, including considerations for fans, thermal paste, and AMD and Intel socket types. After the conversion, there may still be driver updates, so be sure to stay vigilant and reactivate hard disk encryption if necessary.
In addition to the CPU upgrade tutorial, c’t uplink’s latest episode also covers the surprising limitations of multiple sockets with USB-C charging capabilities, as well as how to save money through prepaid cards for your smartphone. Check out the episode on YouTube or other platforms, and consider picking up a copy of c’t 10/2023 for even more tech insights.
