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    Any core duo laptops upgradable to core 2 duo?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by sach_160, Jul 27, 2006.

  1. sach_160

    sach_160 Notebook Enthusiast

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    hey all,

    rockdirect say their core duo laptops will be upgradable to core 2 duo when it is releaed. I was wondering - does anyone know whether or not just upgrading the chip in say

    http://www.rockdirect.co.uk/notebooks/xtremectx_cons.htm

    will be enough to get top performance, or will other things like the socket and memory type have to be changed in a future upgrade?

    does anyone know if any other manufacturers make quality laptops that will be upgradable to core 2 duo?

    thanks,

    sache
     
    sach_160, Jul 27, 2006
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  2. Alcyon

    Alcyon Notebook Consultant

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    first-gen Core 2 Duo that is released next month (1st-gen Merom) only require a BIOS update mainly because of a VRM change. If the manufacturer releases a new BIOS that supports the new chip, then Yes, it can be upgraded to Merom.

    i say first gen merom because next april-ish, 2nd gen Merom uses a completely different socket.
     
    Alcyon, Jul 27, 2006
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  3. sach_160

    sach_160 Notebook Enthusiast

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    thank you for the quick reply!

    :)

    so will it be possible to upgrade this laptop to a 2nd gen mermom?

    and if so at that point, what exactly would need upgrading, how much are we talking about here?

    thanks,

    sache
     
    sach_160, Jul 27, 2006
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  4. miner

    miner Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    No, none of the current laptops sold, those with the Core Duo or even laptops with Merom in them wont be able to use the Merom 2 since it will require a whole new chipset. There are also speculation flying around that the Merom 2 will not be socket compatible with current CD or Merom 1.

    If you want to upgrade to Merom2, a whole new motherboard will be required and highly unlikely upgradable in a laptop. Merom 1 on the other hand just requires a BIOS update and you should be good to go and capable of using its full power.
     
    miner, Jul 27, 2006
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  5. sach_160

    sach_160 Notebook Enthusiast

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    cool,

    so is any laptop with core duo upgradable to core 2 duo or only certain makes? is the only way to find out by contacting all the makes?

    and is this the kind of upgrade you can do yourself or does it require a specialist? and i'm guessing it voids warranty...
     
    sach_160, Jul 27, 2006
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  6. miner

    miner Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    It all depends on whether the manufacturer of the laptop decides to support Merom or not with a BIOS update. I would expect most manufacturers to support it, but yeah contacting and asking them about Merom support is a good idea.

    Depends on how comfortable you are with dismantling your laptop. Most laptop CPU's are not easy to access and require a lot of diassembly. There are some in which access is very easy and can be done by someone with decent knowledge about computers. If you have never touched the interiors of a computer,then I woudnt recommend upgrading yourself.

    It will definately void any warranties.
     
    miner, Jul 27, 2006
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  7. Iter

    Iter Notebook Evangelist

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    The good idea is to get more information about your laptop's chipset, and contact the technical support or email them to see and make sure your chipset can support Core 2 Duo in the future. If yes, just update a latest version BIOS, then it will be ready to use. We still have to wait for manufactuer to vertify and test the BIOS to finalize it works first when a latest BIOS offically come out.
     
    Iter, Jul 27, 2006
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