Can you upgrade the CPU?

A post on another forum suggested that a user who owned a Dell XPS 1530 with a sub-par 1.67GHZ CPU could replace it after already receiving the laptop. Multiple people seemed to agree on this. However, I have always been told that you can't replace the CPU without replacing the whole motherboard. What's the dig here?

 

The CPU is socketed. You just need to disassemble the notebook, replace/upgrade the CPU with another compatible one, re-assemble and power on.

(Try nbrsearch There are numerous threads on .M1530 CPU upgrades)

 

depending on the model of the notebook, it may be possible to remove the heatsink and replace the CPU with a more powerful version.

 

The CPU is normally user upgradable. You may be thinking of the GPU though. The graphics card is not normally user upgradable.

 

the cpu is not soldered... it is upgradable

 

Would I be better off attempting this myself, or taking it to Tech at Best Buy or what? On the several times I've had to use Best Buy's services their techs knew a lot less than I do.

However, if I still feel like disassembling a laptop should be left to someone else, where can I take it?

Also: Thanks, because 1.67GHZ isn't cutting it.

 

It would depend on warranty issues personally. I doubt that replacing the CPU on your Dell would be covered even if it is done by Best Buy, so I would do it myself (as long as there wasn't much time left on my warranty). I would consider waiting though if it was a new laptop to ensure that everything else was functional and did not need to be sent in for repairs first.

 

If you haven’t already bought the notebook (or still under 30 day return period) then perhaps (re)ordering it with a faster CPU from DELL is worth considering. Because most likely the additional cost you have to pay for a faster CPU while configuring your notebook will can't be a lot more than buying a additional new CPU, not to mention the hassle and warranty concerns.

If that is not the case, then don’t worry; you can still upgrade the CPU as others have said. M1530 service manual has instructions on how to do it; however, if you want even more detailed instructions with lots of photos, then you can download the training manual from dcse.dell.com (you’ll have to register first with your order number).

 

The XPS 1530 can use any socket P monteveina processor (up to 800Mhz FSB).
So if you are looking to upgrade, possible upgrade paths are the T7100, T7300, T7500, T7700, X7800, T8100, T8300, T9300, T9500, X9000.

The cpu is fully upgradeable,
this sounds like your first notebook upgrade,
so there is a few things you should do:

1) download and install the latest Bios revision on your dell.
(Dell provides the latest bios version in the download section, simply burn to a disc and follow the instructions)
2) after the bios is updated, shut the system down and remove the main battery and ac power adaptor
3) wear some rubber shoes, and a grounding bracelet, so you do not conduct static electricity into the laptop. (Static electricity can fry your system, so take all precautions.)
4) get some small phillips head and flat head screwdrivers, and proceed to disassembly.
5) take pictures along the way so you know how everything fit together.
6) when you get to the cpu, use rubbing alcohol to clean off any debris on it (like old thermal compound)
7) use the flat head to unlock the cpu (usually 180degree turn)
8) remove the processor, and make sure not to bend any pins.
9) put cpu in a safe place, like a small plastic box lined in foam
10) install the new cpu, make sure it is aligned properly. (It is keyed to only fit one way)
11) lock the cpu into the socket
12) apply a small amount of thermal compound. (arctic silver 5 is a good choice)
13) install the heatsink and put the system back together
14) enjoy the new speed of your laptop
15) report back to us if you have any problems

I hope this helped,

K-TRON

 

From researching this whole process, and just snooping around, the only question I have is... what in god's name is a heatsink, and would I be removing it to get to the CPU?

 

Heatsink (wikipedia article).

Yes you have to remove the heatsink (or the “ Processor Thermal-Cooling Assembly” as called by DELL) to get to the CPU. If you don't know what a heat sink is, then I’m not so sure whether you should attempt replacing the CPU yourself.

Also remember, before putting back the heatsink you have to apply some thermal compound on the CPU (thermal compound / grease is used to cover up any irregularities that might exist on the CPU or heatsink surface, this will help increase the thermal conductivity.).

 

I downloaded the content I could find from Dell, and searched around for some actual guides to how to swap CPUs, and from what I've seen I think I can do it pretty easily. About the whole heatsink thing, I think I was just tripping or something-- my real question about the heatsink, not having seen a laptop heatsink, is when applying thermal paste.... that is, how much should I apply, what surface should it cover. Is it pretty common sense? I would think it needs to be a very thin layer across the point where the heatsink contacts the CPU (on the entire surface, that is).

 

netstorm,
when you go to open your dell you will find the heatsink.
The heatsink is a aluminum/copper mass.
Usually there are a few screws holding it down.
After the heatsink is removed you will be able to see the processor.
The processor looks something like this:
(On the left is a cpu with paste on it, on the right is a clean cpu)


When you buy the replacement processor it will look like the processor in the image (on the right).

After you install the new processor, lock it in place with the small screw on the socket, and than apply paste to the core.
The core of the processor is the shiny square piece in the center of the processor.
Apply a small dab of paste to the top of the processor core about the size of a grain of rice.
Than put the heatsink ontop of the processor.
Screw the heatsink back on, and reassemble your laptop

K-TRON

 

I seen a video on ripping down a Dell XPS 1730 which I'm guessing would be compatible and it's far easier than many notebooks. This vidoe showed how to upgrade the SLI cards 8700 GT to 8800 GTX, couldn't believe how easy it was. I'm thinking Dell makes user friendly laptops and would be my next rig.

Thermal paste = a grain of rice in the mild of the metal plate.
upgrade sli

 

Is a sterilized credit card a good way to spread the paste?

Edit: Also, anyone want to help me find a guide to replacing an XPS CPU either in video or pictures? I'm more confident but I think I need a visual aid. I'm probably also going to contact the XPS Support line to see what advice they can offer. Have a little less than a month left on the warranty, so will wait for that to expire.

Any recommendations are where to buy a decently priced CPU? Newegg?

 

The XPS 1530 can use any socket P monteveina processor (up to 800Mhz FSB).
So if you are looking to upgrade, possible upgrade paths are the T7100, T7300, T7500, T7700, X7800, T8100, T8300, T9300, T9500, X9000.

I wouldnt buy a processor from newegg, they are a ripoff for mobile processors.

You should look in the marketplace here on nbr, the for sale thread on hardforum or ebay for cheap processors.
You can use any of the processors mentioned above in bold.

What is the current processor in your laptop?
You can download cpu-z to find out.

You can use a credit card to spread the paste if you desire.
contacting dell is not going to be helpful. They are going to tell you that the cpu is not upgradeable.

K-TRON

 

XPS Support actually told me they'd help over the phone in dissembly and replacement if I call them, but that regular Dell support is essentially full of idiots.

I'm definitely going to do this now. I actually disembled the computer today to take a peek inside at what I would be doing. It's all pretty straightforward, just need to actually buy the CPU, have some thermal paste from when I was upgrading old desktops, et cetera. I'm going to look around for a good processor deal.

My current processor is a miserable T5450 1.67GHz. I want to upgrade to 2.4, but I'll probably get a better deal on 2.2

 

I am glad you are feeling confident.
Look for good deals on the T8300 or the T9300, they are both excellent cpu's
You should be able to get either for about $150, ~200 respectively

K-TRON

 

Really? Maybe you know where to look better than I do. Everything I'm getting with web searches has a 250-350 average for the T8300 and a 400-500 average for the T9300

 

Here is a new in box T7500 for $150 (2.2Ghz):
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=333574

Used T7700 for $165 (2.4GHz):
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=264956&highlight=t9500

Used T9300 for $224 (2.5GHz):
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=320336&highlight=t9300

Used T9500 for $230 (2.6GHz):
http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1213169&highlight=t9500

K-TRON