Replacing CPU

[More Cowbell]

Does anyone know of a good site or tutorial that explains in plain language the ins and outs of upgrading a CPU? I have a Syntax motherboard that is currently running a 1.1ghz Athlon processor (768megs of RAM) and I would like to simply swap it out for a faster one if possible. I understand that my motherboard can only support so much, but that's one of the things I need to find out, how much can it take? Also, how high should I go before it really doesn't make any difference for most of the games? I would just like to play some of the CHD games and some of the newer fighting games.
Thanks!

[TMS]

I can't help you with game requirements, but you should be able to get a manual online for your MB that will tell you what range of processor will work. After that it's pretty easy

remove heatsink and fan
seperate old chip from heatsink
plug in new chip
attach new chip to heatsink with thermal grease

[Tiger-Heli]

Does anyone know of a good site or tutorial that explains in plain language the ins and outs of upgrading a CPU?

I've seen it online somewhere, maybe on www.amd.com or www.tomshardware.com.

I understand that my motherboard can only support so much, but that's one of the things I need to find out, how much can it take?

As mentioned, find Syntax website, it should list this - you may have to flash the motherboard BIOS to support later processors.

Also, how high should I go before it really doesn't make any difference for most of the games? I would just like to play some of the CHD games and some of the newer fighting games.
Thanks!

I'm using a Barton 2800 and am pretty happy with it, but I don't even play most of the CHD games with it.

In addition to what TMS said -

You may need to set some jumper settings or BIOS settings (Front Side Bus) etc., depending on how much of a jump you are making.  Jumpers set after shutdown of old CPU and before power-on of new CPU.  BIOS, set before removing old CPU and then don't restart until installing a new CPU.

If using thermal grease and not the pad, you want an even coating and not too much or too little of it.  Arctic Silver's website used to have a good tutorial on it.

Also, on an AMD especially - NEVER turn it on unless the heatsink is properly installed and the fan is powered - and be careful installing it, as you can get it crooked and crack the die (i.e. dead CPU).