Upgraded Acer 3680 Celeron CPU to a T5300!

Krazyphire was my guide for this.. without him I never even would've tried it

Im on my laptop right now ... got the new power board in the mail today, installed it, started right up and works awesome now.

So now whats left ? Ive upgraded the RAM to 2gb, the HD to a 7200RPM 16mb cache hard drive, and the celeron M to a T5300 duo core 1.73ghz There has got to be "something" left I can still upgrade..lol

 

I'm here and ready to help . Just curious, but could you tell me your acer model and the cpu you want to upgrade to so I can do a little research? . The research aspect for this project was my favorite part.

Hey Michacerboy I'm glad to hear that your laptop is working fine with your new powerboard and C2D processor. . I was wondering if your co-worker put any new thermal compound on your CPU when he installed it so that temp could stay low, which would decrease you fan's spin time? If he did was it silver thermal compound?

 

I dont know what "exactly" he put on the processor, but he had some thermal paste that was in a miniature syringe looking thing and it was like blackish paste. He did put it on.

I cannot believe how much lower the temp is in this thing. What is the temp of your duo-core, Krazyphire? My core 1 stays around 115F and core 2 around 111F
New hard drive is 98.6F...LOL its human! I should've known something was up when I found the laptop drinking my beer last night

 

Both of my cores stay within the range of 45C (Vista Power Saver-Balanced) and 68C (Vista High Performance Profile)

 

I've never gutted a lappy, but have disassembled several desktop CPU/heatsinks. The principle is the same - do not re-assemble without thermal paste!
There are various guides on the web. It's easy to put too much on if you've never done it before. Metal to metal contact between the processor and the heatsink is best! The paste acts to help transfer heat where the two surfaces are not touching. Unless one surface or the other is warped, the thickness of the paste shouldn't exceed a thousandth or two once the computer has been re-assembled and heated up a few times.

You do not want to put so much on that the processor and heat sink aren't contacting each other and/or paste oozes out onto your motherboard.

 

i don't have yhe packaging anymore,
on the backsite of the laptop is : 3682WXMI
but my specs are : Celeron 420
1 gb mem
80 gb hdd,
14(.1?) inch widescreen inc webcam.
wifi
my father is thinking to upgrade his T7200, so will that proc work in my laptop?

 

What is your motherboard? Chipset?

 

just run system info and my moboard is the mayall2
chipset model: 955XM/945GM/PM/GMS/940GML Express chipset
Socket 479[U2E1]
ZIF Socket.
well thats that one when i run cpz
socket 479 mPGA
code name Yonah 65nm
manboard mayall2
chipset i945PM/GM/GT/i940GML Rev.03
now get this from the intel chipset id utility
detected chipset. mobile intel(r)945GM/GMS/940GML OR (R)945GT EXPRESS.

nw that lot has got me confused as to what cpu i can use

 

What is your current cpu? Also try to run PC Wizard instead to narrow down the mobo number.

 

pc wizard resualts
mainboard myall2
chipset i943/940GML
CPU celeron M 420

 

when i use the intel chiputi.exe i get these options
Intel® Core™2 Duo processor,
Intel® Core™ Duo processor,
Intel® Core™ Duo processor Low Voltage (LV),
Intel® Core™ Duo processor Ultra Low Voltage (ULV),
Intel® Core™ Solo processor,
Intel® Core™ Solo processor Ultra Low Voltage (ULV),
Intel® Celeron® M processor,
Intel® Celeron® M processor Ultra Low Voltage (ULV)

thats useing the first numbers 945GM/GMS

 

Would this help
Property Value
Manufacturer Acer
Model Myall2
Version Rev
Serial Number LXADJ0J090647068102000

Chipset Vendor Intel Corporation
Chipset Model 955XM/945GM/PM/GMS/940GML Express Processor to DRAM Controller
South Bridge 82801GBM (ICH7-M) LPC Interface Controller
SMBus Intel Corporation 82801G (ICH7 Family) SMBus Controller @18C0h

CPU Intel Celeron M
Cpu Socket Socket 479 [U2E1]
Processor Upgrade ZIF Socket

System Slots 2 PCI

Memory Summary
Location System board or motherboard
Maximum Capacity 2048 MBytes
Memory Slots 2
Error Correction None
Name Physical Memory Array
Use System memory

 

bedtime her 1.50 am got work tomoz

see ya later Krazy

 

Alright Hoggie, I just looked at the specs on your Aspire 7110 and you would be fine upgrading to a Core 2 Duo T5300 or any cpu with Socket M and 533 FSB. Any T7XXX would be out of the question because that is a Santa Rosa class chip with a different FSB and a different Socket than your 940GML motherboard.

Here is a list of Socket M chips with an FSB of 533. The T5300 being the best.

Info on your comp: http://www.nextdaypc.com/main/products/details.aspx?PID=3292045

Socket M chips w/ FSB 533: T5200 @1.6GHz & T5300 @1.73GHz

 

Krazy you are a bloody star mate. and in a month im going to pull this slow lump of plastic to bits and give it a go

warranty up march 6th

 

I have an acer aspire 3680-2682. Here are the specifications.
Mainboard : Acer, Inc. Prespa1
Chipset : Intel i943/940GML
Processor : Celeron M 440 @ 1866 MHz
Physical Memory : 2048 MB (2 x 1024 DDR2-SDRAM )
Video Card : Intel Corporation Mobile 945GM/GU Express Integrated Graphics Controller
Hard Disk : ST980811AS (250 GB)
DVD-Rom Drive : Optiarc CD-RW CRX880A ATA Device
Monitor Type : LGPhilipsLCD LP141WX1-TLA2 - 14 inches
Network Card : Marvell Semiconductor (Was: Galileo Technology Ltd) Yukon 88E8038 PCI-E Fast Ethernet Controller
Network Card : Atheros Communications Inc AR5006 family 802.11abg Wireless NIC
Operating System : Windows Vista (TM) Ultimate Professional 6.00.6000
DirectX : Version 10.00
Windows Performance Index : 2.7

I am wondering if it is possible to upgrade the processor to a core 2 duo. Ive upgraded ram and HD before, but never the processor in a laptop. Any adivice is appreciated.

 

Ecuatt- last week I was in the same position as you- Ive only upgraded RAM and HD's. But I will tell you, upgrading the processor on the 3680 isnt half as bad as you think it is- dont get me wrong - it IS tricky, but with some patience, you will be fine.

Basically, the whole laptop must be disassembled. Be patient, keep a container around to put all of the screws, take pictures and write notes of where wires/screws go.

It took about 1 hour from start to finish. The processor itself it held down by a simple flat head screw. You loosen the screw and the processor is now able to be removed. Thermal paste must be applied (you can buy some at MicroCenter, Radio Shack, etc) to the new processor- look on this site for instructions.

You cannot put the new processor in wrong; there are arrows and only one way you can install it. Take note as to how your Celeron sat in the socket.

All in all, its the best upgrade Ive ever done! It was so rewarding that I went and bought a new processor for my P4 Dell Desktop Im now a "Processor upgrading connoisseur" LOL

 

Mich i think this thread is going to become very popular.and all over the world people are going to start pulling there laptops to bits and upgrading.

 

LOL.. Well like I said, after my friend played with my 3680 after I upgraded the HD and Processor, she had me bring her out to buy one. We couldnt find any (new) 3680's out there, so she bought an Acer Aspire 4315 (basically a "newer" looking 3680, IMO). So Im going to upgrade her processor to a T5300 also

Incidentally, the Aspire 4315 is about 2000% easier to upgrade the processor. There is one panel beneath the laptop (whereas our 3680's have a seperate cover for the RAM and HD) - shes got a big panel that covers everything. The processor is soooo easy to upgrade on the 4315. All I will have to do is remove the bottom cover. Thats it. On my 3680, I had to disassemble everything. Im actually looking forward to upgrading her 4315 now that I know its not rocket science...lol.

I think Krazyphire should buy his own domain ( www.krazyphiredoesacers.com) and sell his upgrade information He could even sell T5300's on his website with install instructions and probably make a boat load of $$$$ (Krazyphire- I reserve the right to 1/2 of your profits if you take up my idea haha)

 

GO krazy i would be your first customer a nice T5300 will do for starters.
Im finding it hard to source one in the UK

 

Your motherboard is a 940GML so it will support the Core 2 Duo 1.6GHz T5200 and the Core 2 Duo 1.73GHz T5300. I bought my T5300 on ebay, but I would recommend going for a T5200 simply because they're cheaper and easier to find.

EDIT: The advice that Michacerboy gave is great. Just take pictures (preferrably a video) and make sure to group the screws taken out by the type and place at which they were taken out.

PS: Just make sure you bios is v1.3505 because that is the key to making the Core 2 Duos work on the Aspire 3680.

 

My motherboard is 940GML also and I upgraded to the T5300 1.73 Core 2 Duo with no hitch at all. Dont worry- it will work Every where you check will say it wont work, but it does. And when you install it, you arent going to believe you put up with that $*@)!ing Stank-ler-on (celeron) for that long! lol.

We just have to figure out how to get you a processor. I was thinking... I can find one on ebay, you can pay me via paypal for the processor and shipping, and I will send it to you. There are a few on ebay right now, one with 6 hours left going for $49. So expect to pay somewhere $50-$99 USD, plus international shipping, I have no idea how much thats going to cost. Probably ~$20USD.

Does that sound feasible?

 

I'm pretty sure that this processor will work. Is it a good price, or should i wait?

http://cgi.ebay.com/INTEL-SL9WE-Intel-1-73Ghz-Core-2-Duo-T5300-2mb-cache_W0QQitemZ200194930919QQihZ010QQcategoryZ86716QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

How do i check the bios version?

 

That is a great price and the same one that I have so I would recommend going with that. . To check the bios press F2 when the Acer screen comes up on the boot. Then just check for the number v1.3505 under bios version.

 

Methinks this thread should become a sticky. Would a mod please take note and see if it's worthy? Otherwise this precious thread could get lost and buried forever. And I don't think that would be beneficial to NBR.

Just my 2 cents.

 

Agreed!

Ecuatt- what about this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/INTEL-SL9WE-Int...ryZ86716QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

or this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Intel-Core-2-Du...ryZ99251QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

If you want me to buy it and ship it to you, just reimburse me and I will. A lot of ebay sellers are very leary of selling/shipping overseas. Whereas, Im in the USA and this wouldnt be a problem.

 

Just a precisation: the chipset has to be i943 to support dual core cpus @533. The normal i940 seems to have problems in handling the second core. The problem is that many programs used to identify the chipset confuse them, but Everest Ultimate is able to tell exactly what you have. Luckily the recents 3680 do have the i943, surely my one with the Celeron M440 had this one.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Intel_chipsets

 

I just downloaded Everest and it identified my chipset as: 940GML/i943.

I have no problems and both my cores are operating as they should. The computer is so fast, Im thinking of buying a used 3680 and replacing my desktop!

 

seconded

it has also been a good read and an eye opener. you don't have to stick with the same old laptop CPU.there are options and people willing to help at every step. a great thread well worth saving

 

If that is the case do you guys think I should change the thread title and edit my first post to be a little less personal?

When pulling apart the laptop mine said 943GML and also I used PC Wizard and Everest to confirm that it is the correct chipset. What is the code at the end of 3680 for your laptop?

 

Hi, i am Andrea who posted about cpu upgrading to T5200 in the Bonobo Journal blog. The exact model of my Aspire seems to be 3684wxmi, or 3680 Zr1 as reported on the back. My 3680 originally had the M440, and Everest Ultimate reported that it mounts the i943 (i forgot to check directly the chip when i opened the laptop for the update). I am almost sure that only the i943 allows the update, just look at the laptop for sale with Pentium Dual Core and the others dual core cpus @533... they all come with i943 or i945. I also read in other forums about some HP mounting the i940 that didnt boot with dual core cpus without disabling the second core in the bios (option not present in Acers). Luckily our little beast, at least the ones that mount M440 or better celerons (mine seems manifactured in march 2007), come with the lucky i943 chip.

 

no leave the first post as is. we all understood what you was saying

 

Hey Andrea, thanks for all your help in that CPU upgrade blog! . I ordered a T5200, but ended up with a T5300. On my laptop it says i943 Calistoga chipset when I run Everest so that would go with your idea of it being the 943GML.

 

I don't know if mods actually follow our threads here at the Acer forum.

Afterall, us Acer owners are a fiercly loyal bunch who love our lappies. If somebody comes in here and just starts condeming - we are used to it and offer advice rather than flaming. Lappies all have problems from time to time. Acer owners understand this and try and help.

Therefore, this is probably an easy forum to moderate. Not any real post issues or flaming of any kind.

How do we grab a mods attention to listen to us please when we request that a valuable thread becomes a sticky to benefit all Acer folks?

Thanks,
Theo

 

I already bought a Core 2 Duo [email protected] on ebay. It should be here by friday. I live in the states, so overseas shipping is a non-issue. It was only $88 with shipping, and its faster than the T5200. I look forward to installing it this weekend.

 

Alright then. Good luck and if you have any questions on disassembling your acer, myself and the others are right here to answer!

 

I found out i have bios version 1.3223. Does anyone have a link to dl the updated version? I am having trouble finding it...

 

alright Theo mate

sent one of admin a pm and still no answer. asking to make this a sticky.

im so going to upgrade my laptop as soon as poss

 

Let's see what happens Hoggie buddy. Good luck with your upgrade

Cheers,
Theo

 

Acer Bios 1.3505:

official flash site: http://www.acerpanam.com/flex/acerdrivers/bin/drivers.html?CFID=15123&CFTOKEN=95016302

Or

Personal Upload: http://www.zshare.net/download/6963361bf03a18/

 

http://www.acerpanam.com/synapse/data/7117/documents/AS3680_3505.zip

 

I have a 3680-2574 and I almost have the case apart. However, it appears that there's a screw with the head beneath the keyboard that goes through to the bottom half of the case that I can't get access to. There's no way to get to it from beneath the keyboard. HELP!

 

Ok. I figured out what my problem is. The s-video connector on the left side appears to be hanging up with the upper portion of the case and preventing me from separating them. How do you deal with this?

Also, how do you remove the ribbon cables to the keyboard, touchpad and screen without damaging them? Mine appear to be very tight and I'm apprehensive to take a screwdriver to them. It looks like the keyboard ribbon has a black connector that is inserted into the white connector on the motherboard but I can't see how to get them to come apart.

 

To get the case apart push the s-video connector in as you pull them apart. Each of the items you indicated can be pulled by finding the connector on the motherboard and unlatching it. If you can take a picture I'll indicate where the places to unlatch are, of course that is if no one else answers you question in a more detailed way.

 

I think I understand where the ribbon cables disconnect but I need to know if I need to use a tool or if I can just pull them apart with my fingers. What do you mean by "unlatch"? Aren't they just friction fit to where I just have to pull the cable off the board or is there a tab or something to press first?

I tried pushing on the s-video connector as I tried to separate them but it wouldn't budge.

I've worked on desktop PCs and cars for years and thought this would be doable but I'm not so sure now.

 

Dear All,
So excited when knowing this thread.
I'm having Acer Aspire 3683NWXCi
P/N : LX.AZKOC.005
MODEL NO: ZR1
S/N : LZAZKOC0057070E8C32505
Current processor : Celeron Mobile 430 1.73Ghz
BIOS : 1.3505 (just upgraded from 1.3202)
Can anyone help me identifying whether my chipset is 940GML or 943 GML?

Suppose that mine is 940GML, can i upgrade it? (not necessarily to be dual core)

thanks!!

 

Okay sorry . When I meant unlatch I meant as in lift the clamp that holds the ribbons down. A laptop motherboard is considerably different from a PC mobo so we can't just bring over that mentality . You should be able to pull them out, but the ribbons are fragile so not too hard. If possible take a picture and upload to tinypic.com so I can see where you are so far.

The i943 Calistoga can be upgraded. aka the Intel 943GML. New information shows that the 940GML does not support Dual-Core. Most hardware identification programs will give you 945GM/945GM express/940GML...etc. I used PC Wizard, but others recommend using Everest Ultimate trial edition to figure out your chipset.

 

Thanks Krazyphire

I've downloaded and used Everest Ultimate Edition ver. 4.00

In the Motherboard -->chipset --> it shows:
North Bridge Mobile Intel Calistoga-G i940GML
Revision / Stepping 03 / A3

Does it mean that my chipset is i940GML??
So I can't upgrade my processor? even to pentium m or pentium core solo?

Thanx

 

Use a newer version of Everest (4.20). Version 4.00 is of springtime 2007, and it was still not able to recognize the newer i943 chipset. My 3680 has i943, it mounts a T5200 and Everest 4.00 reports that has the i940.

 

Try PC Wizard and tell us your results from that one. I'm fairly confident that your newer 3683 would have atleast an i943.