GL960 Chipset Processor Upgradability

Hi to all i got an aspire 5315......i would upgrade to a t7500 but i wont work nothing except Blackscreen ist starts to but an it shuts down..my ist ist 1.45.... anyone got an idea???? plz help

 

sturmi666,
cmospwd.exe /k with old cpu, shut down, change cpu and enjoy.

 

ok...you mean i must kill the cmos? but my Bios has no Password at all....du you think that helps kill the cmos?

 

sturmi666, yes, I believe killing CMOS will make it work properly.

 

ok....same as before not working... i boots 3-4 sec then shuts down.... i think the cpu ist broken i sent i back...witch one is 100% working t5750? or an another one ...sorry for my english

 

ok Guys got a T4200 from a friend hope it works.......

 

Just to add to this thead (if it helps anyone):

Platform: Toshiba Satellite Pro A300

Chipset: GL960

Upgrade: T2370 to T8100 (T9500 too expensive for an old macine like this, and T8100 cost me 10 GBP delivered).

WEI:

CPU 4.7 to 5.7

Memory 4.7 to 5.5

on Win 7 x64.

Other than that, subjective feel is that this is now a completely different machine. Previously Windows Updated were enough to bring this laptop to its knees, and this CPU upgrade did the trick.

Battery life noticably better too.

Thanks for reading!

 

Hello all.

I got one 6720s on hands today. It has GL960 with Intel Celeron® M 530 1.73-GHz processor, 1-MB L2 cache, 533-MHz FSB

I have seen numerous upgrades to T5XXX series. My question is will it work with T7300 or T8100? Both are ~11USD on eBay. I have PC4200 DDR2 so this is covered. Should I go with T8100? Because 45nm. Anyone got T8100 running on 6720s?

Any response will help. Thank you!

 

Did anyone managed to put 4GB of RAM in whatsoever combination of frequency and capacity in his machine?

EDIT:

According to this (page 19):
http://www.intel.com/Assets/PDF/specupdate/316274.pdf

Our chipset may be able to use 4GB of RAM with 2 SO-DIMMs which have 256Mx64 memory organisation. I think this means that one stick should have total of 8 chips to have 256Mx64 memory organisation. Correct me if I am wrong...

 

Hi,

the CPU upgrade from a T2330 to a T7500 on a Vaio VGN-NR21E was successful. It seems that 3GB RAM are the maximum for the GL-960. Using 2x 2GB modules ends in a BSOD. There was no BIOS update necessary. Ordered an used T9500 today...I will post the results.

 

Did you tried modules with 256Mx64 memory organization??

 

I've tried this kit from Corsair:

Corsair Memory — 4GB Dual Channel DDR2 SODIMM Memory Kit (VS4GSDSKIT667D2)

 

I googled and found pictures of this kit where one module has 16 chips, so I assume modules have 128Mx8 memory organisation: 128MB x 16 chips = 2048MB = 2 GB per module. We need to test modules with 256Mx64 memory organisation, where one module should have total of 8 chips: 256MB x 8 chips = 2048MB = 2 GB per module. Search for 2GB PC2-5300 256x64/256Mx64/25664 and you will get something like this:

4GB kit (2GBx2) DDR2 PC2-5300 256Meg x 64

 

Hi,

I upgrade CPU from a T2370 to a T7500 on a TOSHIBA Sattelite A300 17N was successful. Just started working warmer. Laptop is accelerated. Now, 720p video can be watched.

 

To answer to my self, It was successful. I upgraded HP Compaq 6720s with Celeron 530 to T7300 Core2 Duo. They are pretty cheap on ebay (got one for 6 dollars!). I flashed latest bios, changed CPU, changed ram to 2 sticks with 533mhz (PC4200) and it booted without any problems. I reinstalled windows, and everything is working, even intel speedstep!

Here is cpu-z. Take care!

CPU-Z Validator 4.0

 

I just upgraded my old HP 6720s from 540m to T7250 successfully.

With 2GB PC2-5400:

With 1GB PC2-5400 and 1GB PC2-4200:

 

Hello, just a quick report to all.

Acer Aspire 5715z, bios 1.45,originally came with T2330, 1.6 GHz Merom CPU, 12x133(533 FSB), 2GB PC5300(667MHz) Ram. Memory worked on 533MHz, 1:1 with FSB.

Found pretty cheap (10 euro on ebay) T8100, 2.1 GHz Penryn, 10,5x200(800 FSB), Memory is working on 667 MHz, 4:5 with FSB.

CPU-Z recognize everything, except CPU frequency is always at max, ie 2094 MHz, but with RealTemp_370 is OK, frequency and temperature, also TJMax is set to right value. Didn't do any large tests, only 2-3 hours of prime95x64, temp is max 58, really, really low.

VT-x doesn't work, but with a quick hack is successfully enabled. Right now I'm looking for permanent solution for changing BIOS and different values, because I think this is going to be a very, very good Hackintosh.

Cheers...

 

It sounds like Intel SpeedStep is disabled. Is there an option in the BIOS for that? Or maybe your operating system's current power plan has the minimum CPU usage to 100%?

---

I would also like to take this opportunity to provide a GeekBench comparison link for my GL960-equipped ASUS X58L. I got it with a Celeron M 575 and 1 GB DDR2-800 RAM, and upgraded it at the beginning of this year with a Core2 Duo T9300 and 3 GB DDR2-800. 4 GB will result in blue screens.

I have reported this in the past, but as a quick update, everything is still going well. You will need BIOS 203, which contains Penryn microcode. There is likely no Core2 Quad support, sadly, but you're able to go with up to a T9500, if you can justify double the cost of the T9300, for 100 MHz in clock frequency (which I personally didn't). Microcode support is there for Core2 Extreme X7800, X7900, X9000 and X9100, although the X9100 will be downclocked to 2.30 GHz due to the FSB being 1066 MT/s.

As a reference, I used Antec Formula 7 Nanodiamond thermal compound.

You can get to the processor without having to remove the entire casing. The large bottom plate is enough to expose the heatsink and fan. You will need to remove the fan, carefully lift up the heatsink just enough to slide the processor in, and put everything back together. You will not be able to take the heatsink out as it's tucked under the casing at the rear.

Anyway, as promised (since I don't recall doing this before), here are the comparisons with Geekbench. I should note the Celeron M 575 result shows 2 GB RAM. That is because I didn't run this test until I upgraded the RAM. It did in fact only come with 1 GB, and while I'm talking about the RAM, I should also mention that although DDR2-800 will work, the chipset will downclock it to that of DDR2-667, effectively suggesting that it's some kind of GL960-GM965 hybrid, as I suspect a lot of these supposed "GL960" laptops are.

Before I purchased the T9300, I bought a cheaper Penryn model to test for microcode support. The Celeron M 925 worked out well for this as it was only £5 at the time of purchase. It was successful. I also had a Core2 Duo T5900 in the machine before I tried any of this with Penryns, which performed well and is the supposed limit of this particular model, according to ASUS — I proved otherwise.

• Celeron M 575 vs. Core2 Duo T5900
• Celeron M 575 vs. Core2 Duo T9300
• Core2 Duo T5900 vs. Core2 Duo T9300

Also, I believe ASUS shares this particular motherboard with other similar models. Examples being the X58C, X51L and X51R, so feel free to give those a try too.


Hint
For those wanting to try out the latter three models, I strongly encourage you to purchase a cheap Penryn part before going all-out on a Core2 Duo T8000/T9000. Make sure that Penryn support is there with a Celeron M 900, 925, or Core2 Duo T6000, if cheap enough. Another known limitation of the GL960 chipset is 2 GB RAM. If you can't have more than 2 GB, I would suggest sticking to a Merom Core2 Duo T7000 at best.

These odd GL960-GM965 ("GML960") chipsets are apparently found in quite a few laptops, and so the chances are you will be able to have 3 GB and a Core2 Duo of some kind. 4 GB will not work in these 'hybrid crossover' chipsets.

Interestingly, I would also like to know what clock frequency the GMA X3100 is running at in these hybrid chipsets. GPU-Z reported 500 MHz for me, but I've been informed that GPU-Z is unreliable for Intel GMA graphics chips.


Enjoy!

 

Sorry for the late response.

You didn't understand, only first tab of cpu-z with info on current frequency is topped to 2094MHz, I've mentioned RalTemp v3.70 is showing change of frequency all the time. Temperature reading of RealTemp is consistent with reading from HWMonitor. Likewise I clearly hear when a fan kick-in, so, I'm fairly certain that SpeedStep is working. Not a big deal.

For some, little more experienced user, you could try little utility and read already supported cpu's in your BIOS.Put intelmicrocodelist.exe and your BIOS in some folder, open command prompt, go to the folder and write:

intelmicrocodelist.exe CL50145A.fd

You will get some result, mine is:

Intel Microcode List ver0.4a

CPUID=6F4 Rev=26 2006/03/12 CRC=DA8E97D1 Off=C3FA0 Size=1000 Plat=0,2,4,5,6,7
CPUID=6F5 Rev=38 2006/07/25 CRC=6333B559 Off=C4FA0 Size=1000 Plat=7
CPUID=6F9 Rev=83 2006/09/28 CRC=85B7E1DF Off=C5FA0 Size=1000 Plat=7
CPUID=6FA Rev=92 2007/03/13 CRC=13ED7841 Off=C6FA0 Size=1000 Plat=7
CPUID=6FD Rev=A3 2007/08/13 CRC=89C0D01F Off=C7FA0 Size=1000 Plat=7
CPUID=10661 Rev=33 2007/03/16 CRC=9E99CC48 Off=C8FA0 Size=1000 Plat=7
CPUID=10670 Rev=05 2007/02/09 CRC=7E1FBC19 Off=C9FA0 Size=1000 Plat=7
CPUID=10671 Rev=106 2007/03/29 CRC=80731B2D Off=CAFA0 Size=1000 Plat=7
CPUID=10674 Rev=405 2007/07/20 CRC=735D9FE0 Off=CBFA0 Size=1000 Plat=7
CPUID=10676 Rev=60C 2008/01/19 CRC=FBAC0EED Off=CCFA0 Size=1000 Plat=7

Press any key to exit

Last line is about 10676 microcode, and that is Penryn, Core stepping C0.

This is my example, for Acer 5715z, but instead of "CL50145A.fd" which is a name of my BIOS, put any file, and you will get whatever microcodes your BIOS support.

For the GMA X3100, mine reported 400 MHz, when FSB and memory reported 533 MHz. Now, with only CPU changed, and same memory, FSB is 800 MHz and memory 667 MHz, GMA X3100 reporting 500 MHz. So, I'm fairly confident that the frequency is tied with a speed of RAM, which is of no surprise.

Cheers...

PS Merry Christmas to all.

 

That is interesting because the GL960 doesn't seem to like Penryns or a 500 MHz X3100. Nor would SpeedStep be available since the chipset was never meant to handle Core 2 Duos. So, you can clearly see that it's a hybrid of some kind.

Are you saying CPU-Z is reporting the wrong core frequency?

P.S. Thank you for that program; I never knew such a thing existed. That would have made my life a lot easier last year, but I found that the X58L shares a very very similar BIOS with a gaming laptop of ASUS's, which is far from the X58L's target market. Another thing I found interesting.

 

Yes, it is the only thing that's baffling me. I've attached some screen shots where you can see that all other things is normal, only current frequency in CPU-Z is tooped at maximum. Windows 7 x64 freshly installed. HWMonitor originally keeps TJMax on 100C, but with editing a value to 105C is quite the same with RealTemp. GPU-Z likewise.

PS. See also a screen shot of "SecurAble" which is saying that a Hardware Virtualization is enabled. Originally, without a hack, it wasn't.

PPS. For the SpeedStep, I think you are wrong, or at least in part, because this laptop came with a T2330, Pentium Dual-Core, with a Merom core, and SpeedStep was working flawlessly. Maybe with a Celeron type of proc you hadn't be able to see it functioning.

Other screen shoots is merely for your information, to compare with your motherboard and memory. I also attached intelmicrocodelist utility. Tried to find original author, with no avail, so no credit, sorry. If somebody know who is it this genius, would like to by him a beer.

Cheers...

Dev-Host - intelmicrocodelist_v04a.zip - The Ultimate Free File Hosting / File Sharing Service

 

Hi. I have HP550 wich was with Celeron 530. I manage to upgrade the CPU to Intel Dual Core T2370. I also want to upgrade RAM. I have a 2GB DDR PC2-6400, but it doesn't work with my system?! AIDA64 show the chipset as GLE960, but CPU-Z (downloaded from the link here) shows it as GLE965. The CPU-Z shows GPU clock as 500MHz. I don't know if the problem is in my socket or the ram I've got is buged?!

 

I'm going to assume you have the Socket M version of the Celeron 530 with pins, and not the BGA479 version.

The T2370 is a Pentium Dual-Core. You could try a Core Duo T2700. That's the fastest processor available for Socket M with a 667 MT/s FSB.

Since the GL960 chipset is supposed to only support 533 MT/s FSB processors, the fastest available would be the Core Duo T2450. However, many people have reported 667 MT/s FSB processors working.

As for the chipset, I would trust AIDA64 over CPU-Z. And the RAM, it supports DDR2-533 (PC2-4200), while DDR2-667 (PC2-5300) and DDR2-800 (PC2-6400) will be slowed down by the chipset to run at 533 MT/s. The maximum amount of RAM supported by a GL960 chipset is 2 GB, while users with a modified version of the chipset can utilize up to 3 GB. 4 GB will create blue screens.

 

No, I have a Socket P Motherboard. The Problem is not with the CPU, the problem is with the RAM!? I install only 1x2GB DDR2 PC-6400 800MHz and when I try to start the machine the display stayed dead?! I wanted to install 3 GB of RAM (1GB+2GB). In HP manual is shown that GLE960 on HP550 supports 4GB, but even if it doesn't, still it shoud work with 1x2GB 6400 slowed down to 533/667Mhz!? I'm thinking is there a problem with synchronization or what?!

 

If you have a Socket P motherboard, why are you trying to insert a Socket M processor? It's mechanically compatible (478 pins), but it's not electrically compatible. Socket P is the new "PGA478" socket. (There have been three; the first was Socket 478 for NetBurst-based CPUs [Pentium 4], then Socket M, and the last was Socket P.)

Also, if HP is marketing a GL960-based laptop as supporting 4 GB of RAM, then that's false advertising. Even modified GL960s will cap out at 3 GB, while most only support 2 GB. The GM965 and PM965 chipsets are the ones that support 4 GB RAM without blue screens, nothing else.

A single 2 GB module should work yes, however I don't believe the GL960-based chipsets have the functionality to slow down the RAM frequency if you use something not supported such as 800 MT/s. You need to stick to DDR2-533 (PC2-4200).

 

First socket M and socket P are not compatible at all! You can't insert socket P CPU into socket M Motherboard - pins not match!
Both CPUs are Socket P, and both works just fine! Celeron M530 socket P 1,73/533/1MB L2 is changed with the Intel Pentiun Dual Core T2370 socket P 1,73/533/1MB L2.
In this topic I read about a downgrade GM965 with is anonced as GLE960. I have run GPU-Z and the GPU X3100 is working at 500MHz speed (so if the post is true the chipset must be downgraded GM965?!). Originaly the machine comes with 1x1024 MB PC2-5300 667 MHz RAM and later I have added another 1 GB PC2-5300. I have read posts about the 3 GB support so I buy 2 GB but PC2-6400. I can't understand why the screen stays dead with only the 2 GB module?! I have install this RAM on TOSHIBA Satellite L30-10T and the laptop starts until the OS Logo screen, when a bug appear (display shows horizontal color lines) and the system crashes!? But the HP did not even light up the screen?! Now I don't know to buy another 2GB module on 533/667MHz or this chipset could not run more than 2x1 GB?!

p.s. I checked with AIDA64. In Computer/DMI/Memory Arrays/System Memory it shows:
Location: Motherboard
Memory Array Function: System Memory
Error Correction: None
Max. Memory Capacity: 4 GB
Memory Devices: 2

But in Motherboard/Chipset it shows:
Supported Memory Types: DDR2-533, DDR2-667 SDRAM
Maximum Memory Amount: 2GB

So the question is: what does it means Max Memory Capacity - 4 GB and Maximum Memory Amount 2GB? Does the system can operate with 4 GB of RAM and the slot maximum amount is 2 GB or the maximum of system ram is 2 GB, but in this case what does it means Max Memory Capacity?!

 

Yes you can. I said not electrically compatible, meaning they won't work, but you CAN put a Socket P chip into a Socket M motherboard, and vice versa. It just won't work, hence "not electrically compatible."

Also, my mistake. It appears that it's available in both Socket M and Socket P configurations.

Not necessarily. Intel has released far too many modifications to the GM965 family as a whole. There's the GL960, GLE960, GLE965, GME960, GME965, GML960, GML965, GM965, and PM965. The last one is the chipset without integrated graphics, but supports a dedicated graphics card. All of the others have the Intel GMA X3100 either at 400 or 500 MHz.

And as I said, hardware detection programs have a hard time fetching the frequency of the Intel GMA series. This is coming from a person who went through the same thing two years ago before I upgraded to a T9300.

CPU-Z, GPU-Z and AIDA, whether they report 400 MHz or 500 MHz, it doesn't matter. It's not a definite indication of what it is actually running at.

My laptop shipped with a 1 GB DDR2-800 module, and yet was reported as a GL960 laptop. That in itself complicated things because they don't mix. ASUS made things worse by stating Core2 Duos with up to an 800 MHz FSB were supported, and I can confirm that they are. But, again, that doesn't add up to the GL960 chipset. That is where I coined the idea of a modified GM965. It's nothing official, at least until some Intel documentation proves it, which is unlikely to arrive now since this is 2007 hardware.

Two 1 GB modules in dual-channel mode is a very good sign of an original GL960 chipset, where only 2 GB is supported. So, it's also likely that the FSB will not run any faster than 533 MT/s.

As a conclusion, I think the GM965 family of chipsets is probably the worst I've ever come across in regards to helping others find compatibility paths. There are just far too many different combinations where hardware or technologies that shouldn't work, do work, and Intel never gave an explanation to any of this. And yet, it's also the most popular of the older chipsets.

 

I am not arguing. But have you try to insert socket M CPU into socket P?! I do. So, belive me, even that wiki says they are compatabily, they are not! The pins of the CPU did not match the holes on socket. It does not fit into socket P.
I have one more question - what does it means Max. Memory Capacity: 4 GB shown by AIDA in Computer/DMI/Memory Arrays/System Memory!? As I say, I have read a post (in bulgarian forum) from guy who succesfully uses exactly the same model with 3 GB.
BTW I have an "oficial" document (service manual.pdf) from HP witch stated that all the HP550 (both GLE960/GME965) can be upgraded to 4 GB, unless they are manifactured for Brazil where (both again) support up to 2GB?! You have no idea how confused am I. Today I am writing on 4-5 forums and everywhre I find diferent information... Hate Intel for makeing such a riddle as GLE960.

 

Perhaps I am getting confused with other sockets. My apologies.

AIDA is reporting that the chipset supports up to 4 GB of RAM in a dual-channel configuration of 2 × 2 GB. Like I said, anything to do with the chipset that these programs are reporting, I would be cautious. It seems the same chipsets support different things between different laptops. For the best performance, you should get memory that matches the FSB of your processor.

Oh, I do. I was there a few years ago. I think I may be the only person with an ASUS X58L that is running it on a Core2 Duo T9300 because of my extensive research that I put into it.

And I'm sure you're not the only one who hates Intel for this GM965 Chipset Family BS. The lack of documentation makes things worse.

As for the mysterious screens, I'm unsure of what to suggest. It seems different laptops with the same chipset handle things differently in the case of the GL960/GM965 uselessness and Intel was never there to clarify anything.

 

Are You sure that stick of 2GB is OK? Can you test it in another laptop?

 

Sorry, that is incorrect.

You most certainly can insert a socket P CPU in a socket M. I've done it by mistake with T7300 instead of T7200. Fit like a glove. Just didn't work.

 

Sorry, but I'm pretty shure you can't! I try to do it few weeks before. I try to put T2080 S - M on HP550 S - P. After that I buy T2370 S - P put it on the HP notebook. Maybe you are mistaken Socket P/M with another. In fact, as you get the CPU and look on the pins side, so into the left upper corner to be the "two missing" pins, on one CPU they are horizontal, and on antoher they are vertical (sorry for my explanation and for my english!). I have a pictures of mine sockets M&P and there you can see the difference.
These are from Wikipedia, but they are correct. Upper one is Socket M, ant the pink one is Socket P. I cannot imagine how you can insert one CPU on diferent socket?

 

No, I am not! That's the problem. I have install it into TOSHIBA Satellite L30-10T and the machine starts. It goes in BIOS and etc. But when it stats loading OS - Windows 7 (both normal and safe mod) or Live Linux/MemTest it crashes! On display appear horizontal colorfull lines... L30 supports up to 2 GB, and I have use it with 2x1GB PC2-5300 without a problem.

 

That is why I've asked. Can You test it in another laptop?

BTW, You CAN insert SocketP cpu in a SocketM, only that a result is a some broken pins, just like "all mushrooms are edible but some only once"

 

No, I can't. I have access to some more notebooks, but they are running DDR3, so...

I must agree with you. If you are not cautious it would be easy to install socket M CPU into socket P motherboard, but after that the CPU will be damaged ofcourse.

 

Did you try this particular stick in both slots, and if you already did, try also all combinations with already present "old" stick, that of 1GB, if its some slower, say 533 or 667. I think, and this is just shooting in dark, but possible culprit is memory controller, and inability to deal with 800MHz.
Sorry for asking one question at a time, but when you multitask, some info is just erased from "main" memory.

 

BTW, is this your model?
http://www8.hp.com/h20195/v2/GetDocument.aspx?docname=c04142171

If it is, on page 3, under Memory specs is clearly stated that 4GB is possible only with 965.

 

I try all combinations with the old memory i've got - 2 GB + 1 GB (2 sticks of 1GB 667MHz) and 2 GB +512 MB (again 2 sticks of 667 MHz). It's still the same - dead screen! When I change the amount of ram at first machine restarts itself. It do that and when I put 2x1 GB for example. It restarts once (without shows BIOS options menu/screen), and later starts normally. I'm thinking that this restart shows that the system recognize the memory?! I can't confirm that the 2 GB stick is fine since I buy it without testing it!

As you can see in this manual you posted that there is mentioned only models with Celeron 550 and C2D 5670. I have seen this one: http://h20566.www2.hp.com/hpsc/doc/public/display?docId=emr_na-c01627018 As you can see there is more information about the model and the different components it has. On page 10 is stated that GLE960 can actually operates with 4 GB. What I wand is not to get 4 GB on my notebook but only 3 GB are enough for me. As I say (I think I do) I buy my notebook from Czech Republic.

 

Oh, I didn't see that service manual before. Good to know. I too think that its possible to have 4GB working, albeit with some more "specific" configuration. User Tudz give a link for a document from Intel, about this particular chipset,
http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...sor-upgradability.212097/page-14#post-9833257
http://www.intel.com/Assets/PDF/specupdate/316274.pdf
so its seem to be possible. I myself also trying to find some of that, a bit rare config.

I asked before have you tried to change a place of sticks, for example, first to put 2GB in slot1, and 1GB in slot2, and than to reverse it, 1GB in slot1 and 2GB in slot2. If it doesn't work, you could be fairly certain that 2GB stick is "bad", or not compatible with your laptop.

 

Yes I try changing position in all possible combinations - it doesn't help. But reading the .pdf posted above I think maybe I'm having system memory organization issue?! All sticks of ram that I have are with x16 organization?! I mean that they have x8 banks on both sides. Can this be the problem here?

 

I really don't know for sure, but its most likely correct assumption. Maybe its connected with similar problems with various 945 chipsets, when they don't recognize 4x1GB single sided, or 2x2GB double sided. Who knows!?

 

If the memory is working in other machines, it's unlikely to be faulty. I'd say you just have an original GL960. 2 GB is the limit, but with 1 GB in each slot.

If this isn't the case, then module configurations are to be checked. I do have 1 GB and 2 GB in my "GL960" ASUS X58L, and the board was labeled to add them in a specific way. Others have told me that 4 GB may work if I get the correct modules, which as you can imagine isn't easy, especially with DDR2 now getting more expensive. I also think the motherboard says "3 GB max."

 

Hi there,
this is a great thread and many thanks to all contributors!
I have Acer Aspire 4720Z (picked up from my wife to use in my business trips), perfectly working since 2009 yr. It is T2370 Merom -1M with GL960 chipset and had 2 Gb of Samsung PC2-4300 RAM (2 pcs x1Gb).
So, GPU-Z shows me 500 Mhz of X3100 and I had sucsess to upgrade RAM to 3 Gb (old samsung 1 GB PC2-4300 in 1 slot and new Elpide stick 2 Gb PC2-6400). Really I bought pair of Elpida 2x2GB but has no sucsess with this 4 Gb (BIOS is OK and show me 4 Gb, but windows show BSOD and MemTest freezes during start-up). As far as I understood it is downgraded GM965.
My questions is:

1. Is it 100% possibility to upgrade to Penrun T8300 or T9300 CPUs?
2. If upgrade to Core 2 Duo Penrun CPUs will be OK - may I expect positive changes to get 4 Gb (I guess NOT but still want to be sure)
3. I need in Win7 x64 because of some specific software - can it runs well with my 3Gb? (120Gb SSD bought for system disk)

With kind regards,
Nikolai

 

Hi there, Nikolai. I hope you're well.

GPU-Z isn't a good indicator of the GMA X3100 used inside the GL960 and GM965 chipsets as it displays 500 MHz regardless. (It's difficult for GPU-Z to detect the frequency of Intel's GMA chips, apparently.)

1. I can't say for sure if Penryn processors will work as it mainly relies on a BIOS update with the correct microcode. After checking Acer's website, it appears that there's a BIOS update available, dated December 8, 2008. Penryn processors like the T9300 were released in January 2008, so it's a good indication, although not a certainty. For reference, Penryn microcode is 10676 (also just 676) for Penryn with 6 MB cache, and 67A for Penryn-3M with 1, 2 or 3 MB cache. May I ask if you have this BIOS update installed already? It's listed by Acer as 3810.
   
   
2. Unfortunately not. With my ASUS system, I'm using a T9300 with 3 GB of DDR2-667 memory. 4 GB gives blue screens, even though the BIOS detects it all.
   
   
3. I can confirm that you can run Windows 7 64-bit on 3 GB of RAM, as I have been for over a year. I upgraded my system with the T9300 at around the same time.
   

What I would suggest, however, is that you purchase a cheaper Penryn processor such as a Celeron M 925, just to check the BIOS that it supports Penryn processors. I'd suggest if you don't have the 3810 BIOS update already, that you update it, and then purchase the Celeron.

If the Celeron works, and the BIOS detects it, Windows should load normally and a notification will appear saying that a device driver is being installed. It may then prompt for a system restart. If you get a blue screen while trying to boot into Windows, there's a strong chance that Penryn processors aren't supported by the BIOS.

Best of luck!
Dylan

 

Hi Dylan!
Thank you for so detailed explanation!
I decided to take some risk and ordered T9300 from aliexpress approx for 20 USD. Hope I will be lucky with this choice. If not - it is still popular model and can be sold easy with some discount.
Yes, I have sucsessfuly updated BIOS to 3810 during my attempts to run with 4 GB RAM.
Also I have a rather hard choice to position of my old HDD: - to buy an adapter in DVD bay or leave DVD in place and just get the external HDD USB box. The main reason is to have possibility for HDD to suspend when no acsess to save batttery. Is it possible by WIN7 settings without phisycal HDD disconnection?

With kind regards,
Nikolai

 

You're most welcome!

$20 USD for what would have been a top-of-the-line model in 2008 is a great steal. I purchased mine for a smudge under £37 GBP (around $59 USD) last January.

Considering you have the BIOS up-to-date, all I can say now, is try it. You'll need some thermal paste to put onto the processor. If you don't have any, I'd recommend Antec Formula 6/7, or Arctic Silver 5. If you can get to the underside of the heatsink which sits on-top of the processor, it's best to clean it of any previous thermal paste that was there before.

As for the HDD, while you can install Windows 7 onto an external, I wouldn't recommend doing it. You'll be met with a ton of issues, right down to which USB port you use. The OS will still be registered to that one system you're using as only Windows 7 Professional users can make portable versions.

You can change the settings for your HDD activity in the power plan area of Windows 7:

1. Click the battery status icon in the system tray, next to the taskbar.
   
   
2. Click "More power options."
   
   
3. On the plan you're going to use to suspend the HDD when not in use, click on "Change plan settings" for that plan.
   
   
4. Click "Change advanced power settings."
   
   
5. You'll see an expand/collapse category called "Hard disk." Click the plus icon to expand it, and there will be another sub-category called "Turn off hard disk after." Click the plus icon next to this one too.
   
   
6. Here, you can change how long the hard disk will stay awake for when there's no activity. I have mine set to 1 minute, so as soon as the hard disk sees no activity for a full minute, it suspends itself. My HDD is a 500 GB Western Digital Black, so if mine can do it, yours should too (the Black models are aimed at high performance).

I hope this helps. If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask.
Dylan

 

Hi Dylan!
Yes, I'v got it! Just change CPU and reboot.



This Temperatures is OK? 1st AIDA figure is under HI load, 2nd AIDA figure with no load.
Avarage temps is 65-70 duting load and 45-55 idle. Prevoius thermointerface underside of the heatsink plate was cleaned as much as I can and new Titan paste was used.
I have to work with my laptop about a month without new OS installtion - is it nessesary to check for drivers for chipset or for anything else to ensure that my new CPU used all energy saving function?

With kind regards,
Nikolai

 

I'm happy that the upgrade was a success for you, however those temperatures do seem a little on the high side. I'm running a T9300 with my ASUS X58L and idle temperatures are in the high 20s (around 28°C). Full load temperatures balance around 47°C.

Admittedly, your system and my system have completely different cooling systems, although if you were previously using a Pentium Dual-Core T2370, which is also another 35-watt chip, there shouldn't be an issue. If anything, this should be running cooler.

I'm not too sure how good Titan thermal paste is as I've never had personal experience with it, but after looking around online briefly, it seems that most people are happy with it. May I ask how you applied the thermal paste, and how much you used?

As it's a 'Penryn' Core2 Duo, it'll support Enhanced Intel SpeedStep and Dynamic Acceleration. The first technology underclocks the processor to save power (it can go as far down to 800 MHz in the lowest state), and the second technology is a turbo boost feature, which is active when one core is being used (or two in a Core2 Quad). With Dynamic Acceleration, the core frequency is boosted by increasing the clock multiplier by one. Since the T9300 has an 800 MT/s FSB, the boost will equate to 2.70 GHz (200 MHz is the initial FSB frequency, but it has a quad data rate).

Having said that, I have a couple of suggestions that you can try. Let me know how they go.

1. Try running CPU-Z. Check under the core frequency if it's dynamically lowering and increasing itself. Try leaving the system for a minute or so without any demanding task running (a web browser and Skype are fine), and notice if the frequency ever drops to 800 MHz.
   
   If it is dynamically changing itself, Enhanced Intel SpeedStep is working. If not, it seems that it's disabled.
   
   
   
2. It can either be disabled in Windows by what power plan you're using, or in the BIOS. Firstly, I'd try checking the Windows power plan settings for the plan you're currently using, since you're already loaded into the operating system. To do this, please refer back to this post and from step 5, look for "Processor power management" and click the plus icon next to it to show three sub-categories.
   
   "Minimum processor state" will determine if SpeedStep can be used by the system. If set to 100%, it will be disabled. Setting it to 0% won't impact performance and will enable SpeedStep, assuming the BIOS supports it.
   
   
   
3. Lastly, there may or may not be an option in the BIOS to enable or disable the SpeedStep feature. My system's BIOS doesn't have one, but CPU-Z reports that it's working.
   
   I did a little digging on Acer's website, and I found a PDF with the processor options for your system. Core2 Duos are supported by a seemingly separate model, however this could just be marketing nonsense as you have one working just fine.
   
   
   
4. Ultimately, the chipset will determine if SpeedStep is present or not. The GL960 chipset doesn't support it as it doesn't support Core2 Duo processors (according to Intel), even though vendors like ASUS and Acer have GL960 machines with Core2 Duo options. The GM965 chipset will support it. Assuming you have a downgraded GM965 (possibly something like a GLE960 or GME965), it should be supported too.

 

Thanks a lot for a detailed answer.
It seems what I have been to quick during CPU swap.
1)I try to clear downside of cooler plate from old thermointerface. It was rather hard because of lack of space. Old paste was quite solid and probably I may left some old paste - no visual check is possible.
2) New paste I added as a big drop and spread it by plastic card. But I afraid the final layer was too thick and I should left a more small layer of thermal interface.
3) According CPU-Z and Chrystal CPUID Speedstep it working fine. Multiplier goes down to x8 or even x6.

So, at the end of June I will made a full-scale maintenance of my laptop, including SSD installation, changing OS to WIN 7 x64 and will change thermal paste with more attention and patience.

 

You're most welcome.

I can fully understand the lack of space to work with. I was in the same situation with mine. Thankfully, ASUS positioned the heatsink just enough close to the bottom panel to be able to replace the processor without having to remove the entire casing. However, in doing that, I wasn't able to reach to the heatsink's surfaces properly, so some old paste may remain. That doesn't seem to have affected anything.

With the paste, it's best to apply a pea-sized amount in the middle of the heat spreader (the metal plate on top of the processor). From there, you can either choose to leave it as the heat from the processor will cause the paste to spread around the surface, or you can use an old credit/debit card to apply it as a thin layer on the plate. However, be careful when doing this as too much thermal paste has the same affect as using little to no thermal paste at all — high temperatures, thermal throttling and reduced heat transfer from the processor.

If this is your first time applying thermal paste, don't worry. It's something you'll get used to doing over time. You haven't damaged anything, so everything will be fine. The only thing I will say, is to make sure the paste doesn't seep over the heat spreader plate, and onto the PCB or socket itself.

CPU-Z reporting that SpeedStep is working is good to know. The last thing I want to mention is that all processors are going to operate differently, even those with the same model number. Voltages may be higher in yours which will explain the higher temperatures. That said, have a crack at reapplying the thermal paste with my suggestion above, and see how that goes for you.

Best of luck,
Dylan