Are you considering moving up to a faster CPU? With the number crunching power required by the latest apps and games constantly growing, this option is being picked by more and more computer users. If a new CPU is in your future, here are some items you’ll have to deal with.

First, what socket type is your current chip? Assuming you aren’t going to change out the motherboard as well, your options will come from this same socket type. Most socket types have a wide range of CPUs available, meaning the odds are good you’ll be able to find something faster, maybe much faster than your current chip.

But if you can’t, this will mean swapping out the motherboard. Many people, at this point, throw up their hands and say it is just too difficult, that it isn’t worth the effort. I beg to differ. The big savings available when you buy a motherboard-CPU bundle can make it well worth your while.

However, there will be an issue to consider at this point. If you’re making that much of a step up in CPU speed, will your power supply still be adequate? The latest CPUs can require 100 watts all by themselves. If your power supply was borderline to begin with, this could put it over the edge.

Also, will your computer still run cool? Or will the faster, hotter CPU lead to cooling problems? Adding another fan may be in order, if a fan port is available. This is your best insurance against overheating, and will cost only $5 or so.

Michael Quarles is the author of Building a PC for Beginners.

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