Installing new FX 8320 CPU

Pantz · 07 Mar 2014

Hello everyone, i have just picked up a FX 8320 and a Zalman cp 10 Extreme CPU Cooler, i plan on taking out my current CPU phenom 965 BE out of my mail current machine, and put it in my Backup machine,

i Have a Sabertooth R2 motherboard, should i do the BIOS update while i have the Machine up and running now ? or do it after the installation of the new CPU ?

once i install the new CPU on my main machine, i plan to do a new install of Windows 7, over my existing OS ( Genuine windows 7 pro ), i believe that when i install the OS it will Create a (.old Windows 7 Folder ? )

and is / are there any pitfall i should look out for when installing the new CPU ?

Thanks in Advance

Mellon Head · 07 Mar 2014

If you have to do a BIOS upgrade to get the new CPU to work, then it's best to do it with the old chip. If you don't absolutely *need* to do a BIOS update, then don't do one. You can easily brick a motherboard with a bad BIOS update.

The best advice that I can give you on replacing your CPU is to be careful when putting the new CPU into the socket, and don't bend any pins. A good thermal compound like Arctic Silver 5 would probably be better than the paste that your cooler comes with.

Finally, for best results, you should do a clean install of Windows. See the tutorial here:

Clean Install Windows 7

Pantz · 07 Mar 2014

hello thanks for the reply, OK clean install it is . I have purchased a new aftermarket CPU Cooler,

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00G6CNLD...051_TE_3p_dp_1

it comes with thermal compound,, I also have some AS5 , and some MX 4... should i use one of those or the one that came with the cooler ?

Thanks in advance

Mellon Head · 07 Mar 2014

I have to admit a little bias, I prefer AS5. If it were me, I'd clean the stock stuff off of the cooler and use AS5. In my experience, and from hearing it from others, most of the thermal pastes that come with coolers tend to be substandard. That's not to say that everyone of them has bad paste, that's certainly not true. I just haven't found one that gives me the results that AS5 does.

Pantz · 08 Mar 2014

Hello every one
well i got my 8320 yesterday and i am very happy, althought it did not come in the RED CAN, i am a little disaponted LOL.

I am still waiting on the new CPU heat sink, but i do have a question.
Should i update the BIOS before installing the NEW FX 8320, or should i update the BIOS after the install ?

i belive i should do it on the old CPU ?

Pantz · 08 Mar 2014

hello again, looks like i will have to do at least 4 BIOS updates ?

Mellon Head · 08 Mar 2014

You only have to do the most recent BIOS update, and you should do it with the old CPU in place. If you put the new one in it may not be supported by the old BIOS and the machine may not boot. Save yourself the hassle and flash the BIOS with the old Phenom 965.

Pantz · 08 Mar 2014

hello again I am trying to update my BIOS for the new CPU, i have a FAT 32 Flash drive and i have renamed the CAP file with the rename utility, and copied the renamed file to the Flash drive
i then rebooted into the BIOS and tried to do the update, and it would not let me update the BIOS, it gave me a security error
thanks in advance

Pantz · 08 Mar 2014

Hello again dis regauard last post
Sucessfull BIOS UPDATE.

Mellon Head · 08 Mar 2014

Good. Now you can install that new CPU and you're good to go.