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    Envy 14 arrandale to sandy bridge

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by patoos, Feb 4, 2012.

  1. patoos

    patoos Notebook Geek

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    Hey Guys,

    I was wondering if its possible to replace my arrandale motherboard to the new sandy bridge motherboards with an i7-Quad. Is it worth the upgrade? or better just buying a new laptop?

    I will be upgrading my memory and my hard-drive to SSD soon. I do alot of 3D modelling and simulations which the 4gb memory is too small and i could use some more processing power to run CFD programs more smoothly.

    I was also wondering if its possible to upgrade my video card or is it welded on the motherboard i havent checked.

    Thanks in advance for any help!

    Pat

    Edit: Envy 14 specs in sig
     
    patoos, Feb 4, 2012
    #1
  2. Nick

    Nick Professor Carnista

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    The ports may be different, and I think it would be a lot of hassle. Probably better just to sell your current laptop and buy the model you need. After using Sandy Bridge for 4-5 months, and now back to Arrandale, there's isn't too much of a difference in everyday computing. At least for me.
     
    Nick, Feb 4, 2012
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  3. patoos

    patoos Notebook Geek

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    Well i figured to upgrade to Quad core im gonna need to get another motherboard anyways so i figured i why not go for the sandybridge.

    Is the graphics card on your envy 15 welded on the mobo or can you upgrade the chip?
     
    patoos, Feb 5, 2012
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  4. Nick

    Nick Professor Carnista

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    The graphics chip is built into the motherboard. Upgrading your current motherboard and CPU might cost more than buying a new SB laptop
     
    Nick, Feb 5, 2012
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  5. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    GPUs are usually soldered onto the motherboard. If there is a current Envy 14 with Sandy Bridge, you'd have to find the schematics to make sure it's designed for the same chassis. As stated, most likely it would not be worth it to upgrade the entire motherboard, CPU, and GPU due to cost.
     
    sgogeta4, Feb 6, 2012
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  6. patoos

    patoos Notebook Geek

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    True, it will be costly... the thing is though the Envy 14 sandybridge version doesnt have a radiance screen which is one of the main reasons i bought this. What would you suggest me upgrading then?

    HDD to SSD and Memory possible get a slightly better cpu?
     
    patoos, Feb 6, 2012
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  7. patoos

    patoos Notebook Geek

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    the Lenovo W520 looks really good but does get quite expensive when upgrading even a couple items.
     
    patoos, Feb 6, 2012
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