Processor Upgrade Questions - Taking it into the shop

I haven't even received my M17x yet and I'm already thinking about down the road when I get my hands on a QX9300. I consider myself fairly computer savvy for many things but I don't feel comfortable replacing the processor myself, I'll blow it up.

What's the best bet if I wanted to take it somewhere and have a professional geek do it? Is someplace like the Geek Squad or CompUSA okay for a notebook upgrade or is sending it to Dell the best bet?

PS - While I got you here, what does QS / ES stand for in the processor serial numbers? I've tried searching but it's tough to get any results.

 

sending it back to parent company would be best, but i doubt they would install a 3rd party purchase of a proc.
so second best would be geek squad or some sort of place/comapny to do it for you IF you feel unable to do.
really it is easy though.

ES - engineering sample
QS - quality sample (i think on this one - not sure)

 

QS is qualification sample but close enough.

As for replacing the CPU just watch Moos video a couple hundred times if ya need to

For me it wasnt much of an issue but i have had plenty of practice over the years .

Biscuits did it on his own and he was scared to no end about it and a total noob to notebook CPU replacement .

 

i knew i was off a bit on that....thx Quad.

and yes, it is actually easier then you think. << to the OP

 

i made my guide for a reason

 

Thanks everyone for the replies!

Moo, Your guide is awesome, but I've blown up a computer before because I added too much paste, and the thought of blowing up my M17x is terrible to even imagine. I'm comfortable with everything else, but the processor gives me the heebie jeebies.

Is a QS processor just as good as an OEM or should I try and get a certain kind?

 

QS is just as good

 

Just so you know the Geek Squad is not able to open a laptop to the degree needed to install a new processor. It is technically against SOP (company rules) though some in store managers may allow it.

 

best thing to do is send it to me and pay me

 

Lol i was going to suggest to send it to a trusted member over night both ways might cost you a decent penny but atleast you know it will be done right .

 

Well at this point I don't even have the processor yet, I'm just brainstorming. When the time comes I may just watch Moo's video a a dozen more times and bite the bullet

 

OOOOO goodies

I can be avaliable VIA webcam usually just leave the M17x running while you take it apart


If you do let me do it ill take that 9600 as payment

 

Well i never sucessfully blew up a computer so you probably have us all beat in that skill set . JK

You will be fine just take your time even if it takes you all day to do it the key is not to rush and when you get frustrated take a break.

 

Thanks, I may take you up on that (on my other comp).

 

see your not as stupid as you think you are

 

I was stupid then, I'm much smarter now!

 

I picked one up from that HP OEM deal, it looked too good of a deal to pass up, looks like I may have to give this a shot after all.

 

But we will see if we actually get them haha.

The web cam idea is pretty good, never would have thought of that.

 

I blew up a processor twice because of my own stupidity, i bought a new comp years back and decided to upgrade the CPU fan, once i did it wouldn't boot, narrowed to processor so sent back to company and they replaced it. Well i got the comp back and went to upgrade the fan again and same thing. Then i REALIZED

damn fan was for intel processors not AMD. lol

 

and that's how we learn

(or in this case, we are learning from your suffering)

But I hope you got that all taken care of...

 

well i did kick myself in the nuts when i realized how stupid i was, does that count?

yes i lied and got that processor replaced under warrenty too. this was like 10+ years ago now.

 

well of course it became a warranty problem....just like the X58 NB I crushed on a DFI board installing an aftermarket cooler haha (this was in april though..)

 

You guys aren't exactly instilling confidence here!

 

Don't worry, it is pretty much idiot proof. Moo's video is very useful and straight forward. Just don't lose any screws or forget where they go, that is always hardest part for me when working on a laptop haha

You will be fine. And if you do the webcam thing with someone tele-supervising, you will be even safer.

 

dont worry Jubal....
just make sure the wig is on tight and go for it. (re: avatar)
it just seems more daunting then it really is.

not notebook, but i remember the first CPU i replaced in a desktop several years back....had the same misgivings, but did it, and it was a success...to this day, the pc still runs and i have given it to my mother as a replacement for her +6 yr old pc as i just built a new pc this past week. (to include installing the CPU)

 

Jubal I have never replaced a CPU. (For the rest I have replaced everthing myself on PC's). But I'm on to the challenge...

And now I do have almost all the basic ingredients for the cooking:
- 1. QX9300 OEM
- 1 tube of MX-2 (got it today heard that it was okay!)
- No rubber shoes.
- No woollen clothing (whilst performing).
- 1 Table with cotton cloath to do the surgery on, so the collateral damage to the system will be 0%.
- 1 other laptop with the Moo's DYI instruction video Which conveniently can play reverse if needed...
- 1 Set of magnetic screwdrivers (not to be placed on the HDD's).
- Wooden floor and fully lid operating space.
But no sign from the M17x which should have been here today, If it wasn't on some European tour.

Do We need more? (except (for me) from the missing patient on which to perform surgery?)
I don't think so, but good advice always comes in handy!

P.s. I will be carefull, Ovrclck350!

 

Yeah Im too am a little apprehensive because my processor arrives in the next day or so.
Whats is the worst possible scenario if I dont get the thermal paste part done correctly?? I have read some excellent guides on good practice for applying thermal paste and hope this will see me through.
Watching Moos guide just shows how much more difficult swapping out the processor on the M17X as opposed to the M17 really is IMHO but I think you will be fine Jubal.

good luck with whatever you decide.

 

i remade the video

first time had a bit of blunders .....missing screws ....lost a few

 

they are always better the second time around!!

 

Get yourself a plastic tool to work with. Metal on plastic can break or bend plastic.

 

I would also recommend an Anti-Static Wrist strap when working inside any computer.

 

I don't know what a "plastic tool" is supposed to look like? Do you have a picture or link for me? So i can have a look. Guess you mean to remove the top panel with? (Heard Moo talking about it).

Btw recieved my M17x today, except I'm still at work...

 

patience haha

it will be there waiitng for you (I hope.....jk lol)

 

Right, Ive just found my precision screw-driver set....I dont have a anti-static wrtist strap or a plastic tool. As I only plan to open my machine up once I dont plan on buying these tools now! What can I do to prevent static and what sort of instrument can I use as a plastic tool?

on a side-note, I dont like the fact that ShirleyFU advertise themselves on Ebay as being in the US but in fact they are in China....shows a bit of dishonesty here so when my items arrive I wont be sending good feedback regardless of how good it is.
I have tried to track my order and since Monday its still in China...I know China is big and it has passed through a few check-points but I will be surprised if it was here in 5 working days as promised.

Just cant wait to see what my notebook look like inside.

 

Shirley actually does ship fast. Don't worry, he is reliable. I got both a qx9300 and an x9100 from him and was quite satisfied.

As for tools, ALL I use is a precision screwdriver set. As long as you are not a spaz or sloppy you don't need the plastic part. I have never used any anti static device....guess I'm lucky? I am never doing any computer work in room with a carpet so I guess that helps (always hardwood or tile).

If you just take your time and are not rushed, you will not do any damage to anything

 

Hi Scook,

firstly...yes I agree on all the points you make about ShirleyFU and have read enough about them to know that these guys are the ones to get good processors from. I ust disagree with the dishonest advertising, saying that they are in the US must get them much more customers like me who are weary of anything direct from China! I understand why they do it but I think its false advertising and if its easy enough Im gunna report it to Ebay!
I just think people should be given the truth and be well-informed when buying, hell this guy has a very good name already he does not need to do this.
On your second point....thats exactly the same as what I have....just a precision screw-driver and wood floors....LOL should do fine then. I will just take it easy and not rush it as you have advised.
Do you think it sensible whilst I am under the hood changing the processor that I should apply thermal paste to the GPUs as well?? or is this too risky for a novice and pushing it a bit?

thanks scook.

 

Absolutely apply thermal paste, the stock crap they use is just that, crap. That alone is good for up to like 7 degrees drop depending on the application job and type of paste - I use OCZ Freeze now following the praises of a few members (it is certainly easier to use than AS5 due to being thinner)

 

Yes. Take a look here. LINK

Unfortunately that is not true and unless you want to see little indentations in your plastic pieces you should not be using metal to pry plastic off.

 

For the prying I use fingernails.

Besides....for most laptops there is a minimal amount of prying needed once all the screws are removed

 

I don't have the fingernails to do so. Normally prying is done with LCD bezels. That's how I actually got my plastic tool when I bought a LCD bezel. M17x has no LCD bezel but that control panel does have to be pried off.

 

I see, I will really get into my machine when I get it.

 

Thanks for the link! And good advice not to damage to take it off with some plastic device! Does surely makes sense not to use metal. I guess comming weekend when I have some spare time, I'm gonna perform the Proc. swap.

 

yeah thanks Mandrake....just might get one of those.

 

Well as told, I just upgraded the CPU myself. It was indeed no sweat, exept from the top panel... That's realy hard to get out an even as hard to get back in! But as you can see it is up and running again.

Thanks Moo for the great video, but actually after have seeing it a couple of times I didn't even need it anymore. Anyways it not realy that hard, just be very carefull with all the small parts and take your time!

Mandrake, I actualy used a wooden clothes pin to get the toppanel out! No damage at all!

Let the fun begin...

 

Well, it's not so hard to get the top panel in after all!
Just put the screen all the way to the back (the hinges are now clearly visible). Then put the panel in (bottom first). Notice that on the left and the right there are little pins which have to go in the sides and in the middel there is another pin which is to be alligned with a hole which is designed for it. Now just let the top slide down, and the panel should just fit easy!

I figured that this could be done the other way around (when opening it up), and thus not having to use a plastic tool/screwdriver on the "END" button like in Moo's vid. Just start at the top of the panel (where he hinge covers are).

Because after my first attempt I was not fully satisfied with the way the top panel was installed (it was bumping out somehow) so I took it apart another time. And voila, this seems to be a much easier way to remove the top panel... Off course I can't really judge if this would work the same way the first time, but it surely does work better the second time!

 

Congrats on the upgrade. Going to do any benchmarks for the benchmarks thread? Need more 260 owners there.

 

I'm not really a benchmark runner (I have never done it). I'm more of a gamer and taking advantage of the latest notebook tech. I Could give you guys some benchmarks. But I'm not tweaking my system (overclock'n and such) for better benchies. I would like to help you guys out if needed. I persume I need to have Vantage? Is that freeware?

 

Vantage is free for one run. $20 USD after that unless you "find" a key. If you were to bench a lot and start OC'ing then it would be worth buying. See what you can get on one run and post a screen shot in the benchmark thread.

 

Whew! I did it! When I finally got it all back together, I heard a screw rattling and had to take it all apart again!

I hope I didn't add too much paste (or not enough!), everything seems to be okay, I'm not sure what normal temps are but nothing seems crazy.

I can disassemble and reassemble by memory now. Unfortunately, my touch pad isn't working, so I'm going to need to take it apart again to check that connection. I'm doing that tomorrow though. It's late and I don't use my touchpad anyways

Thank you to sleey0 for the encouragement and offer to help, and thank you to The Moo for his great video!

 

i forgot to attach my touch pad back as well but i fixed it


your welcome .....post your temps while running OCCT