10 Easy Steps To Upgrade to Intel 8th Gen vPro Processor

The Intel 8th Generation vPro processors offer a transformative upgrade for business users, which leads to performance increases, enhanced security features and advanced remote management capabilities. 

The good news is that you can now easily upgrade your existing system to an Intel 8th Gen vPro processor that is capable of reaching all-new productivity. So, you can take full advantage of hardware-assisted virtualization, enhanced multitasking, and more robust security protocols.

Fortunately, the upgrade process is not as simple as swapping out components. It requires careful planning and execution to ensure compatibility and prevent overheating or loss of data. 

In this article, you will learn a structured approach to successfully integrating the Intel 8th Gen vPro processor into your system and experiencing its full potential.

1. Check System Compatibility

Always check the compatibility of your system with the Intel 8th Gen vPro processor. That means you have to check your motherboard, BIOS as well as power supply, before buying and installing the new processor.

• Motherboard compatibility: Confirm that your motherboard supports the Intel 8th Generation processors. You can check the manufacturer's website or the documentation that came with your motherboard. Motherboards for older computers are not necessarily compatible with new models. You have to upgrade the motherboard in addition to the processor.

• BIOS Update: Even if your motherboard supports an Intel 8th Gen processor, you could still be held back by a BIOS version that prevents the processor from working. Look up the motherboard's site to see if the BIOS you have is already the latest or if you need to upgrade the same.

• Power Supply: Power Supply: It takes more power than usual, and your old processor may not be powerful enough to meet this new need. So, you have to change your power supply for optimal performance.

2. Choose the Right Processor

Choosing the right Intel 8th Gen vPro processor depends on your specific needs including workload demands and desired features.

• Core Count and Clock Speed: The number of cores and the clock speed are highly important selection criteria for your processor. If you are going to do something very demanding on the computer, like video editing or 3D rendering, more cores and a higher clock speed can help.

• vPro Features: Intel's vPro technology offers better features like remote management, improved security, and hardware-assisted virtualization. If these are something you have an interest in, ensure the processor you choose supports vPro.

3. Gather the Required Tools and Components

Before you begin, here are some tools and components you require to complete the upgrade efficiently.

• Thermal Paste: A high-quality thermal paste is needed to dissipate heat from the processor to the heatsink. In case there is no quality thermal paste, the processor may get overheated and get damaged.

• Screwdriver: While loosening and tightening screws in your computer case in the process of upgrade, you need the correct screwdriver.

• Anti-Static Wrist Strap: For the safety of the sensitive parts of your computer from static electricity, you need an anti-static wrist strap while doing the upgrade.

4. Backup Your System

It is always wise to back up all your data before upgrading any hardware. You never know what may happen and sometimes you might lose something in the process. 

Ensure to back up every file, document, application and operating system setting. So nothing is lost in case something goes wrong while doing your upgrade. You can do this using external storage or cloud services.

5. Power Off and Disconnect

To ensure that you are not getting electrical shock, turn off the computer and unplug it from the power source.

• Remove the computer from the wall outlet.

• Put all peripheral devices such as monitors, keyboards, mice and other components apart then proceed to open the case.

6. Open the Case

Once you have ensured that the computer is safely turned off and then taken off from the power source, you can now open the case ( The internal components of a computer, such as the motherboard, CPU, RAM, hard drives, and power supply)

• Remove the side panel of the case according to the instructions.

• Once the case is opened, you should touch some metal portion of the case with a bare wrist to ground yourself.

7. Clean the Socket and Heatsink

Before mounting the new processor, the socket and heatsink should be cleaned to ensure proper contact and prevent overheating.

• Processor Socket: Gently blow away dust and dirt from the processor socket with a soft, lint-free cloth.

• Heatsink: Clean the bottom of the heatsink and take care to remove any old thermal paste residue that may have built up.

8. Mount the New Processor

In the following steps, we are going to install a new Intel 8th Gen vPro processor.

• Cautiously align the pins of the new processor to the socket on the motherboard. Do not force it into the socket-just gently, make sure that fits snugly.

• Lock the retention mechanism to secure the processor.

9. Reattach the Heatsink

Now that the processor is installed, the heatsink can be reattached.

• Put the heatsink over the processor and clip it onto the processor using the mounting screws supplied. Be sure to apply even pressure so that the heatsink and processor will be making good contact, helping better dissipate heat.

10. Connect the cables and close the case

Replace any cables pulled out during the upgrade.

• Plug in all cables as snugly as possible to avoid poor connections, which might cause the computer to malfunction.

• Close the side panel of your computer case and tighten all screws.

Conclusion

Upgrade your system with an Intel 8th Gen vPro processor to optimize the performance, security, and dependability of your machine. 

Whether you are looking for higher multi-threading, improved and enhanced processing on heavy workloads, or just more security and remote management, upgrading this processor offers a total package of benefits for smooth computing optimization. 

Follow the steps given above, which include checking system compatibility, gathering the right tools, carefully installing the new processor, and then changing some of the drivers to the appropriate ones.

Read More: 7 Key Impacts of Intel 8th Gen vPro on IT Operations