Updating the CPU in a laptop?

Montala

Montala

Montala

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I am wondering if (cost considerations aside) I would see much of a performance increase, or benefit, in replacing an Intel Core i3-2328M (2.2GHz) CPU in an HP laptop with a 2.5GHz i5-3210M.

It would appear from the info which HP provide that this processor is compatible with the motherboard etc.
 
It is certainly possible, and the procedure is fully described in HP's Maintenance and Service Guide for this particular model... and yes, I have done this sort of thing before!
 
Yes it's very possible, I've upgraded a few older laptops like this. I plan to upgrade my Dell's i5 to an i7 in the future :)
 
Majority of laptops the cpus and changeable, smaller netbooks often have soldered cpu's.

Depends what you use the laptop for also can the current cpu cooler handle the extra bit of heatload.
 
Might be a bit of a strip down to get to it but definitely worth it.
I just changed my 2760m to a 2960xm in my alienware m17x which took 5 mins because its made to upgrade. I wouldn't imagine the hp will upgrade that easy but thats part of the fun :)
 
I've just changed the cpu in my HP DM4 1050ea from an i5-420m to an i5-480m, and the mobo itself from one using just the intel cpu gfx to one with a discrete 1gb radeon 5470HD gfx on.

Changing the hardware over was a lot easier than getting the drivers installed, even using the correct parts from HP's service manual it reports as a DV3 4050ea now.
 
I think it'd be a decent speed increase assuming you're not hitting TDP, the 300mhz difference is misleading because the i5 will turbo boost, whereas that i3 will not. A bigger consideration is, if you don't have dedicated graphics, that i5 is HD4000 compared to the HD3000 on that i3.
 
Just a quick question, where do you find the HP service manuals? I've been looking for one for my RF-511
 
drakioned said:
I think it'd be a decent speed increase assuming you're not hitting TDP, the 300mhz difference is misleading because the i5 will turbo boost, whereas that i3 will not. A bigger consideration is, if you don't have dedicated graphics, that i5 is HD4000 compared to the HD3000 on that i3.
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Thanks... I am fairly certain that my model relies on the 'built-in' graphics, so as you say the HD4000 should certainly be a better option.

tom_e said:
Just a quick question, where do you find the HP service manuals? I've been looking for one for my RF-511
Click to expand...

Isn't the RF-511 a Samsung model, or is it an older HP one?
I couldn't see any mention of it on Google anyway!
 
Just a quick update to say that I decided to go ahead with the upgrade today, which virtually entailed 'stripping down' the whole machine, and keeping a very close eye on loads of tiny screws!

I was very relieved (and just a bit surprised!) when the new processor, which I purchased from OcUK, was recognised instantly - I was running Windows 8, and so far as I can see everything else is still 'working' as well, which is good. :)

HP's Maintenance and Service Guide proved invaluable though, with detailed step by step instructions showing the recommended order of doing things.
 
Change a CPU in a laptop is easy, they are nearly all sockets. Hardest part is stripping down the laptop to get to it. I always try to find a service manual and more often than not in there it tells you which CPU's are compatible with your machine.
 
Montala said:
Just a quick update to say that I decided to go ahead with the upgrade today, which virtually entailed 'stripping down' the whole machine, and keeping a very close eye on loads of tiny screws!

I was very relieved (and just a bit surprised!) when the new processor, which I purchased from OcUK, was recognised instantly - I was running Windows 8, and so far as I can see everything else is still 'working' as well, which is good. :)

HP's Maintenance and Service Guide proved invaluable though, with detailed step by step instructions showing the recommended order of doing things.
Click to expand...

Its also worth using something like core temp before and after you make the change so you can monitor the temperatures.

You have to be careful because even though the CPU will work the heatsink/fan might not be good enough to keep the new CPU cool.

Some laptops have different heatsink/cooler configurations depending on which CPU you use.
 
As 'varkanoid' mentioned the manufacturer's service manuals usually list the compatible processors, and also any alternative heat sink/fan assemblies.

In the case of my HP they only offer one option anyway, so I think it is a fairly safe bet that this will be adequate to cater for the most powerful CPU listed, and which is sold in other countries (Australia!) as a stock option anyway!

I wouldn't go as far to say that the change is 'easy' though, especially if you are unfortunate to be blessed with 'sausage fingers', or possibly tend to be a bit 'heavy handed', as some of the components, such as the plugs and leads do have to be handled quite carefully, and it can be all too easy to inadvertently snap off or even break a crucial piece of plastic, a lug... or even a keyboard!

Some of those screws are really tiny also, so good lighting (and eyesight!) is essential. My HP manual contained a very detailed breakdown of all the stages involved, right down to screw level, which certainly made the operation a lot easier, and the fact that I have built quite a few 'barebones' laptops before obviously helped me, as in a lot of cases I knew more or less what to expect.

I am not trying to put anyone off here who fancies 'having a go', but do be aware that it is very different to working on a desktop computer... but is something which I get a certain satisfaction out of doing. Especially when everything still 'works' afterwards! ;)
 
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Ofcourse it’s possible. You will charge for these changement but it’s possible. My advice is since this is a laptop go to their warehouse and make the changes, don’t try to do it by your self.
 
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