So, I got a shiny new Intel Core i7-3770, but it doesn't come with a stock fan because its used, though the seller claims its like new(I don't believe that for a second, but it was a good deal.). I have the stock fan from my current CPU, an i5-3570K. Its the same socket type so the stock fan will work just fine with my new i7, but I was considering just ripping it out and replacing it. The only downside is that neither me nor my friend have ever replaced a processor before, let alone the fan. When I bought the parts three years ago, my uncle was the one who put it together. I can replace RAM and the GPU just fine, but I've never touched the CPU or its fan. So I need help deciding whether or not I should replace everything, or just swap out the CPU and leave the fan alone since it seems like it would be a pain to take the fan mount off the motherboad(An ASRock Extreme6.) without wrecking anything. Not to mention there's really no room to move around near the CPU since its bordered on one side by the RAM slots(All of which are in use.) and on the other by something on the motherboard, not sure what, but it isn't removable.

For an i7 I would recommend getting a new cooler, since it will run hotter than the i5. You might be able to get away with using the stock i5 cooler, since I think it is the same socket. Also if you do replace the CPU, with the same mobo, then you need the same socket series of CPU. Also depending on the type of cooler you have will vary how it is removed.

To have more room remove the RAM first and then remove the cooler. Also if it is a air cooler, or just a radiator, you might need fans directly blowing on it. For all in one water cool heat sink you still need fans on the radiator.

All the newer gen intel chips are a lot easier to install, I think the 900 series up. Instead of the CPU having the pins, the motherboard socket does. You just need to line up the CPU correctly without moving it once you place it in the socket. All motherboards have a user manual, along with the CPU, on instructions for installing it.

If you do plan to upgrade the CPU to a newer generation then you have to replace the motherboard. If it is skylake then you might have to replace the RAM to ddr4, but you might be able to still use the ddr3 RAM.

Another thing is make sure your PSU is adequate for your setup, otherwise things will start to overheat from being underpowered.

When upgrading a motherboard you usually have to do a fresh install of an OS, since the pre-installed drivers will conflict.

>>3 All the reasons I deleted my reply. Thanks for covering all the bases on this one. Hard to tell how much OP thought this through.

Also, you should probably clean off and replace the thermal compound.

>>3 The i7 I have is the same generation as the i5 so the socket will work. I'm fine with the motherboard I have and the PSU has more than enough power to run everything at full load. And from what I understand the stock i5 fan/heatsink is the same as the one for the i7. My main concern was whether or not I SHOULD upgrade the fan/heatsink. And I do have room for three more 120mm fans in my case, though I don't know how much power they'd need, and one probably wouldn't fit in the case right because the GTX 980ti Classified takes up so much space.

If I ever decide to upgrade the mobo I'll just give it to someone else to fix. I'm confident I can replace the CPU on my own without wrecking anything, but the mobo I won't touch.

The problem with upgrading my CPU fan/heatsink is that I have no idea if it will fit when I put the RAM back in. I know the width is about 92mm going off the stock fan which is about as big as it can be width wise without bumping into anything.

>>5 I completely spaced that.

If you do plan to use the same heat sink then you should get new thermal paste and clean off both the heat sink and CPU.

The type of cooler is totally dependent on what you want to do or use the CPU for. Any kind of overclocking, OC, or tweaking you would want to get another cooling solution. AIO water coolers are a good balance between space and cooling as well, which are easy to install too.

I would recommend testing out the CPU under loads after installing the heat sink by downloading something like HWmonitor and doing a CPU stress test. This ensures that you installed the heat sink properly and that the cooling solution is adequate for your needs.

Well I'd say go with copper heatsinks if that's the issue.

I'm running an i7 with no overheating problems, warm climate too.