Travelmate 2490 CPU Upgrade - Failed

After much searching and waiting I got my hands on a Core Duo T2050 to drop in my 2490. I went for that CPU as it was cheap, and a 533 FSB, my 2490 allegedly has a 943 chipset (based on the code on the sticker, which started AY702.002). Updated to the latest BIOS, which in the notes has dual core support for various chips.

Fitted it, turned the machine on, and... Nothing. Well, not quite nothing, had the fan and power light, but nothing else.

I've no reason to suspect the CPU is faulty, so I guess it just doesn't work. What puzzles me is why it doesn't work. Surely as it's teh right socket, the chipset should work with it, and the BIOS has dual core support it should work? Unless the motherboard model sticker was fibbing, but that seems unlikely as this machine has DDR2 and SATA, which ties in with being a 943 as well.

Is there a reason why this particular CPU doesn't work, and a definite option for one that does? I can live with droppnig a core solo in, but would rather go dual core for the money

 

Try running with a single memory module installed.

You sure you completely tightened the CPU socket screw ?

The motherboard sticker does point towards a 943GML board, but the best way to verify is to read the code printed on the chipset die, i.e. next to the CPU socket.

Does the old CPU still work in it ? Or you could try a T5200/T5300 before trying out a Core Solo.

 

Only got the one stick of memory in there, and I'm sure I tightened the screw - Having made that mistake in the past!

Would that be writteon on the top of the chip? Only the one I saw didn't seem to have anything written on it, and must be the main chipset given its size and using the same cooling system as the CPU. I thought it was odd I couldn't find any markings, but I'm used to desktops with big white writing over the top of matte black chips!

I can always take another look sometime, the 2490 has a large cover for the RAM< mini PCI and CPU so no major dismantling to get at the innards

Old nasty Celery still works fine, I swapped it and the 2050 a couple of times to make sure it wasn't just me not seating the processor properly.

I'll keep an eye out for a 5200 or 5300 seeing as they seem to both have alot of success stories. What I don't want is no money and a pile of processors I don't have laptops to put them into!

 

On the chipset die (the black part), the code will printed in black, and it'll be easier to see it by flashing torch-light on the die.

 

yeah like he said could be the socket lock its not secured completly make sure its locked also i hope you used an anti-static glove or bracelet and did not fryed that cpu my boddy last year fryed a brand new AMD64 X2 installing it because of the static energy or eletricity other than that i dont see y it shouldnt have worked, test that cpu just in case

 

Anti static? I used the same precautions I always have...

I think I've found the problem - After cleaning the chipset die very carefully it's a flipping 940! I'm less than impressed given the thing takes DDR2, has SATA, and according to the part number on the sticker (referenced with the South African parts site) it should be a 943. Still, I bought it as a Celeron machine and at a good price, so I can't really complain too much when an upgrade I only found out about after buying it turned out not to work

Now going to hunt for a t1350, no idea what I'll do with the t2050 seeing as there's next to no desktop boards that take them

 

Static electricity doesn't really affect recent motherboards to an extent, as new components are more resistant to it.

Too bad you have the 940GML. I guess checking the chipset code is the best way to determine the chipset model, instead of comparing motherboard nos.

The 940GML is compatible with DDR2 modules and SATA HDDs. The T1350 is a good upgrade from a Celeron, since you'll get more CPU power, cache and EIST - which is a necessity.

 

I once had an AMD K6 500 that had lived trodden into the carpet in a car for several months. Worked perfectly.

I've had far more DOA items than dead from me staticking them (in fact, I can't think I've ever killed something through static, though I've made the odd daft mistake that's fried things). Not that I'd advise anyone to rub their feet over a nylon carpet as preparation for working on a computer!

Indeed. Everything I could find said it would be the 943, but in the end it wasn't. Given how easy it is to get to the chipset on the 2490 I should've checked properly rather than assume my research was right. Live and learn

If the 940 didn't work with SATA and DDR2 then I'd have one interesting laptop! But from what I could find out DDR2, SATA plus the motherboard sticker code said 943. Just my luck it wasn't the case. I'm not too concerned about more power on this laptop though it's always nice, but as usual, having something that runs cooler and sucks less battery just for basic use. This one manages about 2 hours on a full charge with everything turned right down, which isn't bad - But I know with a fully featured CPU that would be noticably better.

 

yeah static wont really affect that board cince must of the board now are made with a protecting coating but the chip its another history with that gold plating i take precaution just in case like i said i already know of a person with that experience on a AMD chip not saying they are of less quality or anything but thats how it happened

 

Hey
Did the upgrade work?

 

we have had some long nights researching chipsets.
and found its a bit hit and miss.
it depends on when and where your board was made.
its like they just used what they had in the parts bin at the time your board was made