# Processor Compatability

**URL:** <https://forum.kirupa.com/t/processor-compatability/211923>\
**Category:** random\
**Created:** [January 6, 2007, 1:51pm UTC](https://forum.kirupa.com/t/processor-compatability/211923 "2007-01-06T13:51:11Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Al6200](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@Al6200](https://forum.kirupa.com/u/Al6200)\
**Post date:** [January 6, 2007, 1:51pm UTC](https://forum.kirupa.com/t/processor-compatability/211923/1 "2007-01-06T13:51:11Z")

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I’m replacing my old 1.6 ghz Pentium 4 with a new 3 ghz CPU. The new CPU has hyperthreading, more than quadruple the cache sizes, and a much faster FSB bus, so I’m sure it will improve performance considerably.

They’re both socket 478, and are both Pentium 4s. So here are my questions:

will I be able to run multithreading? Does that feature require OS modification or anything? Are there compatibility issues beyond just the socket? How do I know if it will work on my motherboard? Do I need to do anything with software, or do I just swap out the hardware and the PC runs like normal?

Will replacing my fan improve performance? I know faster CPUs discharge more electricity, so they’re probably a lot hotter. I probably should replace it…