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    Question about processor upgrade.

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by Trenium, Oct 7, 2009.

  1. Trenium

    Trenium Notebook Guru

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    I may want to upgrade to a P8600 in the future for the studio 14z that I ordered. My question is, how hard is it to upgrade a processor, and since I ordered the dell with a T series processor, will the motherboard support a P series processor?

    Thanks,
    trenium
     
    Trenium, Oct 7, 2009
    #1
  2. BatBoy

    BatBoy Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Since they sell it with a P8600 option I would say yes you can upgrade to it later. For install reference this:

    http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/studio1440/en/sm/cpu.htm#wp1084976

    Also for additional reference, the rest of the manuals can be found/accessed here:
    http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/studio1440/

    If you do not feel comfortable or have no experience with this type of upgrade I encourage you to seek professional assistance as it is quite invasive.

    Best of luck.
     
    BatBoy, Oct 7, 2009
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  3. gaah

    gaah Notebook Deity

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    Upgrading is rather simple in terms of opening the case and removing and replacing the CPU. The tricky part can be making sure to put all the screws back when you're done opening the thing. . .

    Everything comes undone with screws, the heatsink comes off, CPU unscrewed/latched from motherboard, replaced with new CPU, screw in, add a little grease, and screw everything back up.
     
    gaah, Oct 7, 2009
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  4. Fragilexx

    Fragilexx Get'cha head in the game

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    To the op, I don't know how competent you are with computers, so this might be like teach you to sucks eggs, but maybe not. Anyway, best to be safe.

    When the poster above said add a little grease, they were referring to a thermal compound, such as Arctic Silver 5 or ICD 7 (amongst others).

    Also, you may find (I'm not sure about this particular machine) that there is a thermal pad separating the CPU & the Heatsink. These are not designed to be used twice as a general rule, but more importantly, if you are applying a thermal compound then you ideally want contact with the heatsink. You may need to employ a copper plate inbetween them. - Have a search of these forums for more info on that; many people have applied one with success.
     
    Fragilexx, Oct 8, 2009
    #4