Processor Upgrade for Dell XPS 15 L502X (i7 2670QM >>> i7-3840/3740QM)?

Hi there everyone, talkinrock here!

This is my first post, and I registered to ask this question, so here it goes:

Can an Intel Ivy Bridge CPU (specifically an i7 3740QM or 3840QM) fit in a Dell XPS 15 L502X?

I know that they use the same socket and all, but when I've taken apart my XPS 15 to do some parts replacement and case modding in the past, I noticed that the Sandy Bridge CPU that's in there uses pins, NOT a socket, and I thought that Sandy Bridge CPUs use socket fittings (well, at least the desktop versions...). However, even though my knowledge about CPUs is pretty in depth, I only am really knowledgeable about everything from 1996 onwards to Nehalem and Westmere. You see, Sandy Bridge is the newest CPU that I own, and this is also my first laptop, so because the rest of my CPUs have been older desktop ones, well... you see what I'm saying.

Anyway, I was just wondering if the "socket" that Ivy Bridge mobile CPUs use is an actual socket, or is the same pin-based "socket" that my Sandy Bridge uses.

And yes, I know that they both use BGA-1224 and/or PGA-988, but I thought for some reason that Sandy Bridge no longer used pins, but only REAL socket fittings, like the desktop ones use...

Just for those who are wondering why I'm asking, I'm looking to upgrade my wimpy i7 2670QM to a much better CPU, but also because the highest RAM clock that the 2670QM supports is 1333 MHz, and I'm (also) looking to upgrade my 8 GB of Samsung OEM crap to some nice Kingston 16 GB stuff of the 1600 MHz flavor...

Anyway, thanks to everyone who reads my thread, and I looking forward to hearing answers to my question!!

 

No, you can't use that CPU because you're using a Sandy-Bridge compatible motherboard controller, which does NOT support Ivy Bridge. And if you're already sporting a quad-core i7, the only upgrade you'll actually feel is the one to 29x0XM overclocked CPU's.

And in response to your other question, yes, it has pins, and yes, it's still a socket if it does.

 

Thanks for your prompt answer!

However, I thought that Ivy Bridge CPUs are backwards compatible with Sandy Bridge motherboards, just like every other Intel "tick-tock" release has been... if this is not the case, (it has been the case with past Intel CPUs, at least with desktop versions), then would it even be possible to put an i7 29**XM CPU in my L502X laptop, considering the voltage difference between the 27**QM/28**QM and 29**XM CPU steppings?

If not, then I will put a 2760QM or a 2860QM in, because then I could at least use the 1600 MHz clock on my RAM upgrade...

However, I really would rather put in an Ivy Bridge CPU, so if someone could confirm what @sangemaru said, that would be appreciated!

 

Ivy won't work, some desktop chipset work with both, but that's it. Unfortunately there is no such thing for laptops. You shouldn't have power problems running a 29x0xm at stock clocks either, I'd be more worried about the cooling. Overcloking may require more power than your adapter and/or motherboard can supply if your BIOS even allows it.