What should be checked before adding a new processor to ensure compatibility?

Before adding a new processor, it's essential to check the motherboard chipset to ensure compatibility. The chipset is a critical component of the motherboard that controls communication between the processor, memory, and other peripherals. Each processor is designed to work with specific chipsets, which may support certain features or capabilities of the CPU.

When selecting a new processor, it's important to verify that the motherboard's chipset is compatible with the processor's architecture and specifications. This includes checking for supported processor families, socket types, and any specific features like overclocking capabilities or integrated graphics that may be dependent on the chipset. Without this compatibility, the processor may not function correctly or at all.

While other factors like power supply wattage and RAM speed are also important for a smooth operation of a system, they do not determine whether the CPU itself can be installed and recognized by the motherboard. The graphics driver version is relevant mainly when considering graphics performance and compatibility, but it is not a factor in the compatibility of the processor installation.