Should I Upgrade My CPU?

Summary: Is it worth doing a processor upgrade? Learn the signs of a bad CPU and how it can affect your computer’s functioning. You might need to upgrade your CPU. If computer repairs and upgrades are not within your skill set, there are professional computer repair services that can help you analyze processor problems and help you decide if your PC is a candidte for processor upgrade.

Much of the time, issues with computers are minor and easily fixed by reinstalling an app or rebooting a device. However, the issue may be more complicated if the “easy fixes” are performed but do not resolve the problem. Unfortunately, the average user doesn’t know what a CPU is or where it is located inside a machine.

What Is a CPU? (Central Processing Unit)

A CPU or central processing unit is a chip implanted in the motherboard of a computer. The chip is the main processor in a series of circuits that comprise the control center. That control center issues, interprets and executes instructions that run the computer and its applications. The CPU performs logic and arithmetic functions to convert raw data input to usable information output.

Signs of a Bad CPU

Since the CPU is the control center of your PC, if it fails, you might experience one or more of a long, terrifying list of symptoms:

• Overheating – An overheating computer can cause a wide range of PC malfunctions, including slowed overall performance, system crashes and the dreaded blue screen of death.
• The Blue Screen of Death – A blue screen is a sign of a very serious issue, typically a member of the “fatal error” family of problems. After a system crash, when a blue screen appears, it is important to note the error code presented in the display. If the code is 0x00000, your CPU is likely failing.
• Random Unrequested Reboots – It’s unnerving to be working on a computer and have it randomly rebooted. Besides the fact that any unsaved work might be lost in the process, sudden reboots can be a sign of a serious system failure caused by a faulty CPU.
• Computer Doesn’t Boot Up – Have you ever sat down at the start of a day to boot up your computer and nothing happened? It’s so disempowering and can leave users knowing that the next day or two will likely be spent dealing with computer repairs. A bad CPU could be the problem.
• Frequently Crashing Programs – If multiple programs are crashing often, it could mean that your processor is failing. If only one program is crashing, then the problem lies in that software.
• Strange Error Messages – If you repeatedly receive a “bad CPU type in executable” message, you might have a bad or incompatible CPU. However, this message could also indicate an improperly installed or dirty fan. A malfunctioning fan can lead to prolonged overheating, which can ruin a CPU. If your fan is making no sound or is running at higher speeds than usual, the fan could be the culprit. Clean or replace the fan before the excess heat causes further damage or even destroys the processor.
• Slow Overall Performance – Many different glitches can slow down a PC. Before replacing your CPU, first check that your RAM (Rapid Access Memory) is functioning and is sufficient for your computer use. Also, a complete scan for malware should be executed to ensure that you are not a victim of a cyberattack. If everything seems to be working correctly, but you still have slow performance, your CPU could be the issue.
• Blank Monitor and No Beeps – A blank monitor and the absence of beeping sounds during boot-up are additional signs of a bad CPU. Without any display or sound, you essentially have a dead PC.
• Long Frozen Periods – If you find your cursor frozen and your computer cycling for unusually long periods of time, when it frees up, try rebooting your system. If the same problem exists and you’ve checked everything you can, you might need the help of professional IT maintenance specialists to analyze and fix the problem.
• No Response to Instructions – If your system cannot execute simple tasks or seems completely unresponsive, your CPU could be on the way out. 

Should I Upgrade My CPU?

If you are seeing any of the signs of a bad CPU listed above and you have been able to trace the cause back to the CPU itself, then you might need to upgrade your CPU. For many SMBs and home office users, replacing a CPU is beyond their expertise. DIY approaches can be costly and frustrating. The time and money spent – without a guarantee that the problem will be resolved – can be crippling to a small business. Professional computer repair specialists are better equipped to diagnose a problem with a bad CPU and can determine pretty quickly whether a PC needs a processor upgrade or if the unit is simply too old for repair or upgrade.

We have been conditioned to assume that slow computer performance or frozen functions are signs of a virus infection or other malware attack. However, there are many different issues that can affect the smooth operation of your system. Many of them involve internal parts we rarely consider when having PC issues. That is why hiring IT technicians specializing in network IT support services could be a very cost-effective solution.