Processor Upgrade

My son is upgrading his gaming PC with a new processor and graphics card.

The graphics card swap is straight forward enough but is there anything I need to be aware of when swapping the processor? I built the PC for him back in 2017 so I’m not a complete numpty when it comes to PC assembly.

MoBo is an MSI B350 Gaming Plus ATX AM4 and is currently running a Ryzen 5 processor. He has bought a Ryzen 7 which PC Part Picker say is compatible and a Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black 82.52 CFM CPU Cooler (which is massive). We have an anti-static mat and strap and thermal paste. The power requirements are estimated at 410W and the current PSU is 600W.

TIA.

Check if the motherboard needs a bios update for the new processor.

You basically need to add up the power requirement for the CPU and the graphics card +100w to account for fans and RAM etc.

Also as above, you may need a bios update if you drop in a newer CPU..

I have a lot more knowledge on Intel than AMD CPUs.. But depending on the existing CPU,  being AM4.. There might will be a  better CPU you can put in for a tasty upgrade, subject to a Bios update.

Also..

And very relevant in keeping costs down.. You mentioned the

Noctua NH-D15.

This is a very good air cooler, bit it also costs about a hundred quid.

The ‘thermalright silent assassin’ cooler performs almost as well, and costs half the price.

So you can save a few bucks there.

I have both coolers in 2 PCs..

I’d argue the noctua is the superior cooler.. But the thermalright assassin comes a close second for half the cost.

All the bits are here; Ryzen 7 5800X3D, Noctua cooler and Gigabyte WINDFORCE OC GeForce RTX 4070 12 GB Video Card. He did his research on the cooler and cost wasn’t a major factor in the decision making process, I just hope it fits…

I wanted to check if there was anything I needed to do before we start on the upgrade (like the Bios).

I think we’re ok with the power requirements. He’s just done the Bios and all the drivers so I assume we’re good to go?

Triple check it is oriented the correct way before locking in place and before you start pull the power cable out and then push the power button in to dissipate any stored power (you’ll see the fan spin a little if it’s got one) .

Glhf as they say… Fingers crossed it will all work first time.

Oh and don’t go mad with the paste. A little goes a long way. Follow the instructions in the CPU box.

All done, just waiting for the squeals of joy or screams of frustration…