Why is it important? I have all the parameters saved on a file so I thought I would just need the blank cpu and then manually enter them, is that not the case?

This is quite old, from 2004 I think.

Before changing, the old CPU would not communicate with the tool. "Mainboard" just wouldn't show up, even after I disconnected all the plugs except the 12vdc. Intermittently it would show up on the tool but no information would be displayed upon entering mainboard.
The new cpu seems to have fixed this as I can communicate with it via the tool and change parameters etc.