Replacing Processor for 1520, Before/After Effects

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Well, I have been a novice in changing processors so this has been a really interesting process for me overall. I've never done this before but I will however, post my methods and some pictures/screen shots on how I was able to do this. For those that don't know, I've had quite a difficult time acquiring a legitimately fast processor that hasn't arrived DOA, it's happened to me twice with T9500. So you can imagine my surprise when I was able to get the T9300 for $135, brand new and unused.

Materials Needed:
(1) CPU Thermal Grease (IC Diamond or SIIG)
(1) Intel Core 2 Duo T-series P-socket (478-pin) Processor (new, preferably)
(1) Flat-head screw driver
(1) Phillips screw driver (magnetized, preferably)
(1) Wide sheet of anti-static wrap enough to put your screen, keyboard and palmrest
(1) Heatsink (new)
(1) McDonalds Snack Wrap and Sweet Tea (highly recommended)

Getting Started

• Remove the battery and unplug your laptop
• Use a flat-head screw driver and pop up the hinge cover
• Properly dismount the keyboard (Official Dell Instructions)

Dismount Display Assembly (Official Dell Instructions)

• Turn laptop around and remove the screws next to the power jack and modem (see picture)
• Open Wi-Fi Door and disconnect all cables from respective PCIe cards
• Remove all the screws in the top row (see picture)

• Turn laptop over, open the display and lift it straight up as it should be unscrewed completely (see picture)
  • Make sure you do this with care when turn laptop over, as it is unscrewed you want to hold the laptop from the base not the screen.
  • Leave a little space to the right, (you may want to put something underneath the laptop to raise it) so you can lift the screen up without getting the antenna wires tangled.
  • Rest the Display Assembly onto the Anti-Static Wrap Sheet (see picture)

Dismount PalmRest/Touchpad (Official Dell Instructions)

• Remove all screws on the back except for the one holding the Optical Drive in and the 4 mini-screws holding the HDD (see picture).
• Flip laptop over and remove four mini (2x3mm) screws to the middle of the hinge cover (see picture).
• You may have to play with it a little but it should be loose and if you don't have enough anti static paper, like me just flip upside down and leave on your bed (see picture).

Remove nVIDIA GeForce Video Card & Heatsink (Official Dell Instructions: VC | HS)

• Loosen the 3-screws holding the VC in and gently pick it up from it's longer end and it'll pop out.
• Loosen the 4-screws holding the Heatsink over the CPU and it'll pop out (gently play with it if it doesn't).
  [*]Place both the Heatsink and the VC onto the Anti-Static Paper and this is how your laptop should look generally..

Installing the New CPU

• Look at the orientation of the CPU, you want to put the new CPU in the same exact manner, detail for detail.
• Using the flat-head screw driver, turn the nob for the CPU to unlock and while having your Anti-Static Bands, pull out the CPU (it should come straight up).
• Place old CPU into AS Wrap and correctly align and input new CPU onto it, DO NOT FORCE ..
• Then apply small amount (1/2 the size of the square) of thermal compound to the square part and gently spread over the square (see picture)..
• Place heatsink properly and lightly tighten all the screws first and then tighten them all the way..
• Eat the snack wrap and then put everything back together in reverse order and voila it should work.

Make sure that you have checked CPU compatibility with your laptop, sometimes some processors will give you errors, if for instance you don't have a proper BIOS update and thus the CPU isn't listed in your BIOS. I've noticed threads where people trying to use T7700's at first were unable to because of the BIOS limitation.

Notable Differences: Windows Experience Rating (Before | After)
As you guys can see much of my ratings have improved since last. And you can immediately tell as well, I mean I went from a T5250 (1.50GHz/2MB/667MHz) to a T9300 (2.5 GHz/6MB/800MHz). Most people would say get an SSD because the performance boost you would get is far more but in my case I think going up 1GHz makes much more sense for $135 as opposed to getting a 128GB for $200. Just saying, it's a whopping 67% increasing in performance for me and the boot time is liquid crazy as well. I'll eventually get the Seagate Momentus XT, which would make it even faster, so I'm not discounting anything as of yet.

And as a final result, when you boot up, just click on Computer and then System Properties and this will pop up. Assuring you that you have the processor you requested for.

 

Congratulations on upgrading the CPU.
It feels nice, doesn't it?

I just recently, less than a moon ago, upgraded from my T9500 to an X9000.
The original was a T7200.

The last upgrade was not as 'impressive', even though the clock-stepping has gone from 2,0GHz>2,6GHz>3,2GHz. Clockwise, the stepping has added new 600MHz each time, but the cahce-boost that the T9500 gave compared to the T7200 (6MB vs. 4MB) was earthshattering (not to forget the 45nm vs. 65nm lithography reducing the heat).

Now, I believe your next step will(?)/should(?) be to undervolt the CPU with the use of Rightmark CPU Clock Utility. This way, you'll be able to use your new sweet fast upgrade with even less power.

Again, congrats. Always nice to read about people tuning and improving their computers.

 

Normally, I was going to dedicate a whole day to just simply underclocking and virtually minimizing the heat being dissappated by my processor, as my previous, 65nm T5250 with working temps not high but definitely not desirable (44*C-55*C), even while undervolted, I would get about 55*C at its maximum multiplier. It was such a drag and I would feel the temperatures become really hot as my laptop would get really hot from the bottom, perhaps because I used it on my bed a lot.

The T9300 runs beautifully at 28-30*C, just regular work nothing CPU intensive, I haven't really seen it get higher than that. It may have something to do with the IC Diamond Thermal Compound I used, people said that they were able to lower ambient and regular working temperatures severely with that. Not to mention, I removed my older heatsink and replaced it with a new one to go with the newer processor. It could be anything but I think it's a combination of all those factors, generally, seeing temperatures below 30*C is almost unheard of.

Furthermore, I ended up upgrading to Windows 7, I must admit, I'm thoroughly satisfied with this version of Windows. After I upgraded via clean install and using 64-Bit, I was able to simply notice a smoother feel compared to the Vista SP2 32-Bit (perhaps because I can access all of my RAM). I'm not sure how much I can attribute that to the processor, ram or the software, I mean technically speaking, I went from 2MB to 6MB Cache. Also, I added the Flash Cache Module (2GB), which has proven to be really impressive piece of equipment as well, it could be because of that I'm experiencing such a boost but since I did these upgrades all at once, so it's probably all of them in tandem.

I just ordered a 4GB card for memory, as I believe the Inspiron 1520 (A09) is able to theoretically handle 6GB of memory (I hope I'm right). Successful or not, I will definitely post a thread about it and the process that led me to that point. I'll be looking to getting either Momentus XT or something along those lines as the HDD/Hybrid that I would like to utilize. I need something right at 500GB or 640GB anything smaller than 500GB would be a waste of money for me.

 

Hey, I have just upgraded mine with a T9500, but CPU-Z, Intel processor ID Utility and Everest all says it's running at 2166Mhz and FSB at 667Mhz instead of 800... did you encounter any problem like this ?

 

Hmm...that's strange are you using RightMark?

 

I've been thinking about doing this, same laptop except it has a Intel Pentium 1.46 processor in it. If I got a new heatsink and processor, it would work out the same right? (as long as i don't stab a screwdriver through my hard drive or anything like that)

 

I believe you'd have to update your BIOS before you can actually replace the processor. I never had any pentium processors but you may have to check the socket-type, mine was the P-Socket (478-pin), mostly, I was trying to revive some life into my laptop, it was just getting so slow. I'll probably add an SSD before upgrading to a new laptop.

 

1520 has 965GM/PM so it should do all Core 2 Duo with 800 FSB. You shouldn't have to replace the heatsink, should be the same one with IGP or DGPU.

 

I believe I have the latest bios = A09 right?

@Tsunade_Hime so it really is just a switch job then?

 

Yup, that's one I'm running right now. When you replace the processor make sure you put on just enough thermal transfer compound, as I did up there. Don't overdo it. But good luck to you mate, hopefully you'll be able to pull this one through.

Just know that, you will be literally breathing new life into your machine when you do so. I replaced the heatsink on mine because it was cheaper bundled deal for when I got the processor (T9300) on eBay.

And yup, it really is but you have to be careful (use anti-static wrist straps).

 

I was talking to a few of my friends who are really into computers and programming, they said that I would burn a hole through my computer (or something along the lines of overheating it) My computer will get pretty hot if i don't have a usb powered fan on it, but it seems like the processor upgrade actually fixed that issue for you though, I didn't misread your post did I?

 

It depends on the make and model of your laptop, what kind of laptop do you have?

 

Model: INSPIRON 1520
Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
BIOS Date: 11/05/07
Service Pack: 3
RAM: 3.49 GB

 

Nice, we have the same model and year, now go to your Control Panel and tell me what kind of processor you have at the moment and we'll go from there. I was at the point you are at now and was able to extend my laptop's life as it was dying beforehand.

 

I have this-
Intel® Pentium® Processor T2310
(1M Cache, 1.46 GHz, 533 MHz FSB)
---more specifically
Intel® Pentium® Processor T2310 (1M Cache, 1.46 GHz, 533 MHz FSB)

 

You'll have to update your BIOS and I would heavily recommend getting a Intel C2D T9300 or T9500, both of those processors will make your laptop run at least
74%-78% faster than what it is right, purely based on clock speed and you'll draw 6 times as much cache regardless of which one you end up choosing. The T9300 you can get brand new and unused for at least $75 on eBay.

But before you do all of that, I would recommend updating your BIOS to the latest available version (A09) so that it will accept your processor. You can get that update here: T9300 that's the place to choose, honestly, the T9500 isn't really worth it as it's only a 100MHz improvement over the T9300 and it's worth well, at least an extra $100 more for something so insignificant. Afterwards, I would look into installing Windows 7 (if you don't have it already) and then upgrading your memory to 6GB (by getting this stick) and using your current 2GB stick in other slot should be sufficient (assuming you already have 4GB, right)?

At that point, you've probably spent about a good $200-$250 on all of those things but your laptop will last another 2 years for sure.

 

I'll probably get the T9300, my bios is A09, i think i'll leave my ram alone though, just actually upgraded it from 1 gb to 4 gb (it shows as 3.49 gb because it's xp)

 

Oh okay, because I also have a BIOS A09 but mine was dated of June 2008 and that's why I thought you needed an upgrade.

 

there wasn't an A09 version before the latest that I'm confusing it with right? if it's A09, it is the latest version in other words

 

I guess? you can give it a shot, let me look at mine again

 

Hey this is a great thread - I'm just trying to figure out how to upgrade my 1520. I have a T7250, 4GB ram (3.49 GB usable) Win 7 (32-bit).

I'm looking to get the T9300 or T7700 but had a question, are all these processors 64-bit? If so does that mean with a 64-bit version of Win7, I can upgrade the RAM to 6GB or more? - I thought the motherboard limit was 4GB?

I use my laptop for music recording so any upgrade will benefit me, I have a 7200 320GB SATA seagate drive, but this is struggling when I have more than 8 audio tracks streaming, so will an external SSD be worth getting, via a 2.5" USB3.0 case, into a Expresscard USB3.0 interface?

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks.

 

I would recommend the T9300 because the T7700 and T7800 versions are built on the 65nm architecture and the T9300 is built upon the 45nm architecture. The T9300/T9500 series will run cooler than the T7-series, as you can probably tell by your T7250, it runs a little hot doesn't it?

You should just clean install Windows 7 (64-bit Edition) and it will run fine, the drivers and other necessary software can be found here in threads or just by googling. Inspiron 1520 is able to support 64-Bit Edition of Windows, just fine and there are many people who are using it.

The BIOS defines it as having no more than 7GB of RAM, unfortunately for us no 3GB sticks exist, so you'll just have to get a 4GB Stick of DDR2 PC2-5300 RAM and a 2GB Stick, which would allow you to use 2GB from each slot in Dual Channel and the remaining 2GB in the 4GB Stick via Intel Flex Mode. I would recommend using this RAM, as it's working wonders for me.

As for the HDD, I would actually recommend using a SSD for your booting drive and then using an external high capacity drive (Seagate Barracuda XT or Western Digital Caviar Black), whichever you prefer and the size you can get whichever suits you best. The highest they go is a 2TB 7200RPM, which should much more than you need, I assume, unless I'm underestimating the size required for music producing.

Just as a note, the USB 3.0 ExpressCard won't deliver true USB 3.0 speeds, however, from what I remember it should be faster than USB 2.0. Also you'll need an additional power source in order to use speeds greater than USB 2.0. At the very least, I was told this when I was inquiring about USB 3.0 via ExpressCard.

 

Ahh thanks - great I'm gonna go for the T9300 then....yes that T7250 runs VERY hot!!!

I already have x2 2GB 800MHz SODIMMs, so does that mean I need to get x1 4GB 800MHZ SODIMM.....does the CL timings have to match in order for the Dual channel mode to work?? Will this be ok:
4 GB Hynix DDR2 800-4GB PC2-6400 PC SODIMM RAM PC6400 | eBay


As for storage maybe I'll forget about the usb3 expresscard route then!

How about the hybrid Seagate 500GB Monumentus - I hear with the v24 firmware it is very reliable? Could I use this partitioned for system and audio. I only need 320GB for audio purposes as I'm recording only 1 band at a time, then it gets archived on external drive.

Is it best to partition drives or just use as is? Or shall I get a eSATA enclosure for the Monumentues?

Too many options!

Thanks for your advice!!!

 

I'm not sure about that type of RAM, the thing is it's PC2-6400, I've only used PC2-5300, but I remember hearing it can be substituted, however I'm not 100% sure on that. You may want to check this out, because $71 is a lot of money.

The Momentus XT is a great approach, but try to find one of Samsung's HDD, they can come with 8GB SSD + 320/500/640 GB, as I remember seeing but I've only seen this on the laptops they ship not with their standalone hardware. I'd say stick with the Momentus XT and see how it turns out, I saw a great deal of problems with it earlier.

The partitioning is up to you, whatever you feel most comfortable with, I recommend partitioning enough for a recovery drive.

 

Ok so I just confirmed the RAM has the same timings as the G.Skill ram so it should work...on order now!

I just received my MY T9300 today - not bad for £48 from sony parts Europe. so will be fitting it when my thermal paste arrives.

And I have gone for a Kingston 96GB SSD V+100 - as it just blows the socks off any HD for write and read times.....so will have this on friday! Just need to install WIN 7 64-bit then I'll be sorted!

 

If you are concerned with heat on the 1520, get the i8kfangui program. You will need to disable driver signing enforcement on 64 bit (f8 on startup) but it keeps it cool.

I have a 2.0ghz cpu ... 7200 I think ... and I've been considering upgrading it, but also considering just getting a different laptop. The 8600 can't really keep up with games.

 

Yeah, I'm waiting on a getting an SSD as well, but I want something a tad bit bigger, perhaps the Patriot Torqx or Warp, if I could find them.

Oh wow, that's pretty cool, I didn't even know that.

 

I upgraded from a t7500 to the t9300. My idle temps are around 42 degrees. I'm currently running some stress tests with CPUgenie to undervolt my processor, but the chip is maxing out at 91 degrees. Is that way too hot? I used some thermal paste that I must have purchased at least 8 years ago that I had in my tool box. Should I buy some new paste and try reseating?

 

How is your fan performing? Are you using I8kfanGUI? If you are monitoring your fan, when is it starting to spin?

If paste is OK, no dust stopping the airflow, and a fan working well then it shouldn't be reaching 91. The highest stress temperatures I could find were between 60-75 depending on the cooling system. You might have something wrong with the voltage...

PS: Here's a discussion about voltage...

 

No fan issues, I've used I8kfanGUI in the past but I'm not using it now as my fan is very responsive to temperature increases. I'm using speedfan to monitor the temperatures. There most likely isn't something wrong with the voltage, I ran prime95 before touching the voltages and my temperatures were getting up there. Besides, I don't believe lowering the voltages will increase the temperatures. I also cleaned out all the dust when installing the new chip. I ordered some new thermal paste, IC diamond. I'll see if that makes a difference.

 

I thought lowering the voltage lowers the temp, so higher voltage means higher temp. Helegad reports lowering his voltage and getting 25 degrees lower temps.

It will be interesting to see someone crack this one...do report if the thermal paste works

 

I'm hoping the new paste will help. I'm running the optimization wizard in CPUgenie right now, which has hit a max temperature of 80 degrees only testing at the 11x multiplier, and my CPU goes up to 12.5x. I'm assuming it will peak around 90 again. I don't get why the temps are going so high.

 

After undervolting with CPUgenie, my CPU is idle around 40, and is maxing out at 62 degrees Celsius. Hopefully I can get even better temps with the IC Diamond.

 

Just put on the IC diamond -great results. Immediate 10 degree drop in idle temps, around 35 degrees now. I'm currently running a two day voltage test with CPUgenie. It is only currently stress testing at 7x multiplier, but regardless hasn't passed 58 degrees.

Honestly, I'm not totally sure if the drop in temperatures are fully due to different thermal pastes, or application technique. For my original paste, it was much thinner, and I used a notecard to evenly and thinly spread over the chip. After taking the chip off, I didn't see any air bubbles, and it looked like a clean application. For the IC diamond, the paste was much thicker, and I used the compression technique as recommended by innovation cooling. Either way, I'm happy.