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    N71JQ-X1 CPU upgrade help - 720QM to 940XM?

    Discussion in 'Asus' started by WKGTRS, Jun 27, 2011.

  1. WKGTRS

    WKGTRS Notebook Enthusiast

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    Has anybody succesfully upgraded the CPU in the N71JQ?

    I recently installed an 940XM, powered up and got a black screen, didn't even get to the Bios. Did a quick teardown to retrace my steps, check connectors, double check/reset CPU, reassembled but still a no go. Went back in and replaced the 940xm with the original 720qm and bingo, boots right up and all normal. I am on the most recent bios, 208. Used AS5 sparingly for thermal.

    Not sure what's happening, could be a bad CPU but is there something I am missing? Intel indicates the i7 940xm as compatible with the chipset in these and I have seen some retailers have offered the 940xm as an upgrade option on the N71JQ.

    Anybody have any experience here? I could really use some help.

    I originally posted this in the N71JQ Owners Lounge but there isn't much traffic there and my clock is rapidly ticking on the return window for the 940xm. That would be an expensive useless little box to have sitting in my desk drawer...
     
  2. King of Interns

    King of Interns Simply a laptop enthusiast

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    You are right it should be compatible. Even more so if retailers offer the 940XM for your laptop!

    Just wondering where did you buy your chip? Was it second hand?

    Perhaps send it back for replacement. Costs you nothing and will tell you for certain whether it is chip or chipset that is the problem.
     
  3. WKGTRS

    WKGTRS Notebook Enthusiast

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    It was new from a reputable ebay seller. Sending it back is an option but I was hoping to hear from anyone who has done it and if there were any unique issues specific to this machine.
     
  4. WKGTRS

    WKGTRS Notebook Enthusiast

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    I sent the 940XM back as I didn't want to exceed my return window and it tested fine at the seller's end. This is very puzzling. It would be a great upgrade for the N71JQ and there is no apparent reason for it not to work.

    Anybody have any thoughts? Did ASUS somehow lock these down for a CPU upgrade? AVA Direct was the only dealer I heard back from and they suggested it might be a bad chip which it wasn't. I have read that sometimes pulling the CMOS battery will help.

    The fact that dealers were offering the 940XM as an upgrade to these machines tells me that there should be no problem although it was usually the N71JQ-A1, I have the N71JQ-X1, I wouldn't think there should be an issue there.
     
  5. King of Interns

    King of Interns Simply a laptop enthusiast

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    Perhaps there is a more recent bios update for your machine available. Flash your bios up to date and then give it another try if you still have the chip.
     
  6. WKGTRS

    WKGTRS Notebook Enthusiast

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    I am on the most recent BIOS, 208. I've gotten some feedback from some of the retailers that were seeling the 940xm as an upgrade and it appears the stock BIOS should be fine.

    I've got a replacement chip from the seller, I'll give it one more shot...
     
  7. WKGTRS

    WKGTRS Notebook Enthusiast

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    For anybody who may be checking this thread, not too many poking in nowadays over in the N71JQ Owners Lounge.

    Installed the replacement i7 940XM and up and running. I Ended up pulling one of the 4GB RAM sticks (two installed) and it booted right up, not sure why it needed that. After boot it went through a short driver install, shut down and reinstalled the 2nd 4GB RAM, no problems.

    It's actually running a bit cooler than the 720QM, around 52C - 55C on moderate usage. Right now I'm at 48C - 52C, just surfing, typing. Windows Experience Index jumped from 6.4 to 7.3 on the CPU. RAM is up slightly from 7.4 to 7.5. I'll push it some tomorrow and we'll see...
     
  8. ramgen

    ramgen -- Morgan Stanley --

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    Wondering how much you paid for 940XM..


    --
     
  9. King of Interns

    King of Interns Simply a laptop enthusiast

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    Nice! Good to see it is working! Also really good WEI scores I also get 7.4 for CPU and RAM with my X3380. Nice to have the power eh ;)
     
  10. WKGTRS

    WKGTRS Notebook Enthusiast

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    No doubt. The change is very noticeable, everything is snappier, boot time is quicker also. Also, after going through that process I'll never be afraid to change RAM ever again.


    I picked mine up from Laptopmonkey. Great seller and really helpful. I've seen pricing moving on these lately, make an offer and see what flies. ;)