Asus G73JH will I be able to upgrade the processor later?

Hi
I have ordered a G73JH but don't have the option to specify the core i7 820 processor at the time of purchase in Ireland.

Will I be able to have this upgrade done easily at a later date if I want to?

Thanks

Gerry

 

Looking forward for this thread me too
Mine should be at home within next week, but really I can't wait it more... absolutely an awesome notebook!

 

Yes, you will be able to upgrade the CPU, but it won't be easy, you must take almost the entire laptop apart, recomended only if you are experienced in these things. And there is the other thing, that you loose the warranty if your retailer can prove it that you took it apart.

 

My G73 is completely apart right now as I work on the heatsinks. I can post some pics when I get home if you want to see it.

 

Hey Mandrake,

Since you've already got yours apart, I've got a couple of questions.

1. How difficult was it to disassemble? (can't be worse than my previous Toshiba)
2. How long did it take to disassemble?
3. Can you snap some pics of the CPU and GPU with both the HS on and off.
- I want to see if I should replace the thermal pads on the vRAM with a copper shim if I decide to re-paste the GPU.
4. When screwing down the GPU HS, do you need to apply a lot of pressure? I've heard that the GPU core doesn't make good contact otherwise.

 

1. This was my forth time doing it so I got the hang of it. I guess it depends on experience.
2. First time about 45 minutes. I can do it in 20 minutes now.
3. Yes and I'm replacing the thermal pads and lapping the heatsink. FYI, I bought 1.2mm thick pads and they are too thick. I have .5mm pads on order now so it will remain disassembled for a few more days.
4. The screws lock into place so it will go down only so far. You don't need to apply any additional pressure to make contact unless your shims/pads are too thick.

 

1. How about the first time, was it relatively easy or were there things (eg. difficult parts/screws to get at) to make it somewhat difficult?
2. Cool
3. Yeah. From when I took the bottom panel just to see what things look like. The gap is very small, probably close to .5mm. Do you think we'd be able to bridge the gap just buy using thermal paste and tightening the HS? If you're willing, could you try this out when you get a chance?

 

1. I followed the service manual but there are a couple places it says to pry the plastic off but prying wasn't needed. It just popped off. Some of the cables are really thin so that's another place to be careful. The other thing is the keyboard, it unclips easily but the tape underneath it really doesn't want to let go.

3. You mean no thermal pads at all? I'll take a look.

 

I already order a 920xm, cause it was only $350, can I put that in this notebook or it only allow me to put the 820qm?

If so I will just resell it and order a 820qm..

Thanks

 

1. You mean thin as in like a speaker wire or like a keyboard ribbon?

3. Yes. Since it's a small gap, we may be able to get away with direct contact = much better vRAM temps.

 

I could be a and snow you, saying you can only install the 820 (and then buy the 920 from you). Or I could say that Mandrake has a 920 running in his.

Oh no!! I revealed my plan...

 

This is the information I want to hear!

I am not confident enough to do this work myself at this stage and would intend getting my local (trustworthy) shop to do it.

So will either the 820 or 920 fit right in?

Pics would be great if you get a chance and thanks again, feeling much more confident about buying the system now.

Thanks again

Gerry

 

Thanks 920 it is. If I come across another cheap one I'll let you know

 

1. yes
3. It would be even better if it were copper. Copper plating?

 

Let me know what your windows score is on processor after you install it. hoping for around 7.5-7.6

 

1. You never said which it was keyboard ribbon or speaker wire.
3. You mean the HS? Because to me it seems counter productive to put a piece of copper between the vRAM and HS if we can get the HS to make direct contact with the vRAM. Or am I misunderstanding?

 

You guys do know that you are voiding your warranty with the CPU "upgrade" right?

 

Mandrake is well aware and does not care in the least

 

We want some pics!

 

I posted that before since I had the 920 in my system from day 1. It's probably in the benchmark thread.

There are multiple smaller cables that can easily break. CPU fan, speaker and a few others. You'll see them because they are tiny.

Regarding #3 the point would be to draw more heat away since copper will do better job. I honestly was joking about that I'm not going to do it.

So that's what that little sticker said.

Anything specific?

GPU with new but too thick thermal pads.


System board removed.