Can you change a CPU in a laptop?

Warpy · 16 Apr 2009 at 11:29

Hello,

I'm going to be getting a second hand Dell D630 off a friend and It only has a 1.6GHz processor. Would I be able to purchase a 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo and install it?

I'm not familiar with laptops so forgive me!

Emlyn_Dewar · 16 Apr 2009 at 12:32

Yeah you can do that, it's a relatively easy process in the D630 also.

Step by step Dell service manuals available on their site if needed.
As long as you get a CPU compatible with the motherboard/bios, that can effectively be cooled by the heatsink, then it's all good.

Warpy · 16 Apr 2009 at 13:07

are they expensive as opposed to normal desktop CPU's?

Emlyn_Dewar · 16 Apr 2009 at 13:24

It depends, you'd probably be looking at around £80-£150 depending on what model you chose. (Ebay prices) Cheapest would maybe be the T7700 but that'd probably be a toasty one.

Sounds slightly higher but it is getting towards the high end mobile speeds.

rudeboymcc · 20 Apr 2009 at 11:22

You sure about the 1.6ghz?
according to http://www.dell.com/downloads/global/products/latit/en/spec_latit_d630_en.pdf

Intel® Core™ Duo processor T7100 (1.8GHz), T7300 (2.0GHz), T7500 (2.2GHz), T7700 (2.4GHz)

If you change it to one of those you shouldn't have a problem (as the laptop had those as options).

Aod · 20 Apr 2009 at 11:25

Warpy said:
are they expensive as opposed to normal desktop CPU's?

yes, very.

rudeboymcc · 20 Apr 2009 at 12:03

Not that expensive - I picked up a T7400 (2.16ghz) from that ever so famous auction site for only £85 (uk seller) but it was a one off.

just wait till one shows up

Emlyn_Dewar · 20 Apr 2009 at 14:48

T7200, T7400 & T7600's are expensive but that's not what you are looking for as they are the wrong socket. Most of the newer socket CPU's aren't too bad pricewise (for what you're getting)

I paid £140 for my T7600 about 8 months ago, I didn't consider it expensive given the performance it offered. It still does a very good job compared to the newer CPU's out there.