I need suggestion reguarding CPU
 

ok I got a new motherboard, so now I need to to swap out my old CPU into the new one. Something I have never done before. So should I attempt it myself, or just pay the 100+ bucks and have it done for me?

It depends on your experience fiddling around in the box. I'd suggest an anti-static bracelet if you're going for it. If you aren't 100% confident of your ability to not fry the thing, pay the cash. On the other hand, if you've successfully installed several of your own upgrades, and know what you're doing, it should be fine. Just keep contact at all times with an unpainted surface, don't touch the pins, and be uber-careful to not bend any when removing or installing it.


Edit: In your case, you don't seem confident. I don't know what yours looks like, but if it doesn't have plastic parts, I'd say better safe than sorry.

built it myself, but I got the CPU with the motherboard so I didn't have to deal with it. But I needed a new motherboard and didn't want to spend all that money on a CPU too

You should be fine, then. Just lift out, line up, and gently push back in. Preferably while only touching plastic and definitely taking all other static precautions you'd otherwise use elsewhere. Gently.

oh, will I need a new copy of windows? because I dont really have one anymore

Windows is on the hard drive. As such, it should be fine in some versions, i.e. those that don't test system IDs and require a new license. I know you need a new Vista license for a new motherboard, and possibly XP. I don't think 98 does, though. There are probably a ton of people around here who would know more about the software aspect than me. :sweatdrop

the XP one I got was through school. It was cheap, but I can only use it twice, and I have. I can use it again but you know, 30 days later its useless

$100 bucks for a CPU installation???? Holy friggin' hell. Everytime I've ever bought a CPU, the dudes at the shop did it for me for free.

But its not hard to do yourself. Just make sure you go straight down, and be gentle yet firm. For your OS, you won't have to reinstall, but I would suggest going into the Device Manager and uninstalling the driver for your old CPU so it can install the new driver.

Don't forget the thermal paste. You've also made sure that the CPU is compatable with your new Mobo I hope.

Actually depending on how new your mother board is and what socket it is you could very well end up with a CPU with no pins at all. When I put together my latest computer I was shocked to discover that my CPU only had metal contacts on the bottom and no pins. This will make you life very easy. (That is assuming you find you need a new CPU because of compatibility issues.)

If you aren't that lucky the just be very very very gentle. I've already managed to ruin two CPUs by not being super careful.

Oh and you don't actually have to by a new license for windows XP. Well that depends on how many times you've had to re-activate your copy. I was able to make 5 major changes including a mother board swap before I needed a new license. You can also buy a new license straight from Microsoft for less than a new copy of XP.