Laptop CPU upgrade [help]

[The Lillster]

I've tried to find out as much as possible about upgrading my laptop's processor, but I'm still confused about certain things.

 

I understand that certain laptop CPU's can't be upgraded because they are soldered to the motherboard.

 

I'm pretty sure mine isn't soldered because the laptop I have, has different CPU's.

 

If you look here: http://uk.computers.toshiba-europe.com/innovation/series/Satellite-Pro-L670-14L/1084892/AddID/1086890/

 

My laptop is the Satellite-Pro-L670-14L and it shows the different configurations within that part number.

 

I've used CPU-Z and this is what it reports:

 

Processor

 

Name: intel Core i3 330M

Package: Socket 1156 LGA

 

Motherboard

 

Manufacturer: Toshiba

Model: NALAA

Chipset: Intel, Havendale/Clarkdale Host Bridge, Rev. 02

Southbridge: Intel, HM55

 

So can anyone help me in finding out what and if I can upgrade my CPU to?

 

- Thanks.

[Nolan]

Well, just because a model has different CPUs doesn't mean they aren't soldered to the motherboard.

 

Look on youtube for some videos of your laptop model being taken apart, you may be able to tell how the CPU is secured from one of those.

 

The real problem is that laptop CPUs aren't really widely available for purchase, you'd likely have to get one off of ebay or the like. If it is soldered in, you could still probably purchase a whole motherboard of the higher spec version of your model. Of course that's never a cheap option.

 

Also of note, the Core i3 isn't really a bad processor at all. It should be plenty snappy for you.

[Burny]

Can't help you with this, but if you don't mind me asking, what exactly is the point in upgrading your laptop's processor?

 

You've already got a dual core 64bit CPU at 2+GHz clock. Chances are that you won't gain too much processing power, even if you could easily replace the processor. I'm not informed about laptop mainboards, but with desktop CPUs you can't stick any CPU on any mainboard. So, even if it's possible, you probably won't be able to upgrade to any core i processor you want. If you'll have to exchange the mainboard, you can as well go and buy something new for all it's worth.

 

What use would a slightly more powerful processor in your Laptop even be? The thing is already overpowered for practically any office task. If you want to heavily work with video editing that thing is the wrong (underpowered) tool for the task anyway. And in order to play recent games, a faster processor alone won't help you, as long as you're stuck with a mobile middle class graphics card and a fairly high display resolution.

Edited January 18, 2011 by Burny

[McPhee]

You should be able to upgrade to any 35W socket 1156 processor (assuming the chip isn't soldered on to the board, which it probably isn't) providing the bios support is there for that chip. It's a bit of a gamble though, and (just to give you an idea of price) an i7-720QM will set you back around £300. An i5 will be over the £200 mark and isn't really worth the expense.

[Caris]

Yeah, if I were you I'd put the upgrade money towards a new laptop.

[The Lillster]

You should be able to upgrade to any 35W socket 1156 processor (assuming the chip isn't soldered on to the board, which it probably isn't) providing the bios support is there for that chip. It's a bit of a gamble though, and (just to give you an idea of price) an i7-720QM will set you back around £300. An i5 will be over the £200 mark and isn't really worth the expense.

 

I've done a bit of research and here are the results:

 

Laptop with specs that match mine (minus the CPU)

Intel® Core™ i5-480M Processor

clock speed : 2.66 / 2.93 Turbo GHz

Front Side Bus : 1,066 MHz

3rd level cache : 3 MB

 

My CPU

type : Intel® Core™ i3-330M Processor

clock speed : 2.13 GHz

Front Side Bus : 1,066 MHz

3rd level cache : 3 MB

 

I looked at the Bios updates on my laptop and the i5 laptop and both use the same exact bios update!

 

So does this pretty much confirm I can upgrade to an i5 (unless the chip is soldered)?

 

The reason I want to upgrade the cpu, is so that I can get more FPS out of Starcraft 2 which is a CPU limited game.

[foxfaisal]

I have an ASUS A52JK which also comes with Intel i5 430M CPU. The same laptop also comes with other types of processor, which are:

1) Intel i5 430M/450M/460M/520M/540M CPU

2) Intel i3 330M/350M/370M CPU

3) Intel Pentium® Dual-Core P6000 CPU

 

I am thinking of upgrading the CPU of my laptop to Intel i7 940XM or i7 640M. I have checked the TDP and CPU ID for Intel i5 430M, 640M and Intel i7 940XM. The TDP for i7 940XM are higher, which is 55W while the TDP for Intel i5 430M and 640M is 35W. The CPU ID for Intel i5 430M is 20652, the CPU ID for Intel i7 540M is 20655 and the CPU ID for Intel i7 940XM is 106F1.

 

After reading the successful stories from the first link that I give above (and ignoring the unsuccessful stories :P ), I feel like I want to go for i7-940XM. If i7-940XM doesn't work, then I will try i7-640M (or lower). If the i7-940XM, works but have overheating problem, then I will try the i7-840QM (or lower).

[Sméagol]

Laptops aren't meant to be upgraded. Maybe there are some exceptions, but if you did your research, then this have probably come up. Of course, Laptops are just specialised computers, so you can try to upgrade it, but this is going to be a bigger hassle than with a normal computer, and will void your warranty if you still have that. Upgrading your laptop is something only a hobbyist would do.. This seems like an awful lot of trouble and incredibly inefficient to get a few extra FPS for StarCraft. Easier would be to just trade in your laptop for a higher-end model within the same series.