HP 550 - Upgrading CPU

Hi.

I am the owner of a 4 year old HP 550 running a Celeron 530 1.73 GHz on an Intel GL 960 chipset with 1 GB of DDR333 Mosel RAM.

Since the laprop started underperfoming as years went by, I tried to upgrade its specs by adding more RAM. I bought a 1 GB DDR333 Corsair module to pair ot up with the original Mosel one.

Since I am still not satisfied with the laptop's performance (it cannot play a single youtube clip without glitches), I want to further upgrade it, that's why I'm thinking of replacing its processor.

I read several threads here on the forum and, although Intel says that the GL 960 chipset is only capable of running Celeron CPUs, there are a few members saying that they could pair it up with a core2duo without any problem ( http://forum.notebookreview.com/har...ket-upgrades/409651-cpu-upgrade-hp-550-a.html) and others claiming they had problems with the vga drivers ( http://forum.notebookreview.com/har...rades/572405-hp-550-cpu-upgrade-question.html, http://forum.notebookreview.com/har...-gl960-chipset-processor-upgradability-9.html)

I am thinking of buying an intel C2D T75000 but I want to know if it's indeed possible. Has anyone upgraded the Hp 550 from a Celeron to a core2duo without problems ?

I am attaching CPUZ screens for more details regarding the laptop's specs :







BTW, in the first pic I can see that the CPU's core speed is 1 GHz instead of 1.73 GHz. Why is the CPU underclocked ? Could there be anything wrong ?

Last but not least, has anyone succeeded in running the HP 550 on Vista with 4 GB of RAM. The reason why I upgraded the RAM to 2 GB instead of 4 GB was because I read that Windows only support up to 3 GB RAM and wanted to utilize DDR capability (2 x 1GB modules)

Thanks in advance !

 

I read those threads, looks like the one with graphics issues was using standard 533 RAM and pumping bus speed up to 800 would also overclock both RAM and integrated GPU up to 800MHz speed. IGPU uses system RAM as it's own memory, so failing memory would cause those errors. If that was the case, using 800MHz certified ram would probably clear the issue. Not 100% sure though.

Also make sure that you have correct socket type CPU. Current one seems to be mPGA479. There is socket 478 CPU's for sale too and some CPU models are made with both sockets. Knowing the exact Spec code would be the best way to ensure you get the proper CPU.

Since there is quite many people saying that GL960 actually works with 667 and 800 FSB CPU's it could be worth to try. Safest bet would be 533FSB C2D if one was ever made with a suitable socket.

32bit Windows supports exactly 4GB of ram. Because of that hard limit everything that uses memory addresses count against that 4GB. 512MB video card would result in 3.5GB left for Windows, then some drivers would take their part... I've had systems between 3.9GB to 2.8GB so it really could be anything

64bit Windows supports more than 4GB, so then Windows can use all 4GB for itself, while GPU memory is addressed somewhere else over that.

 

Thanks for the info... I will most probably try my luck with a T7*** and see how it goes...

BTW, can anyone answer my other question :

In the first pic of the OP I can see that the CPU's core speed is 1 GHz instead of 1.73 GHz. I also tried loading up Prime95 and although the CPU utilization isat 100% the core speed (through CPUZ) maxes out at 1077 MHz. Why is the CPU underclocked ? Could there be anything wrong ?

 

Thanks for the info... It's strange though that these guys here ( http://forum.notebookreview.com/har...et-processor-upgradability-9.html#post6578101 , http://forum.notebookreview.com/har...t-processor-upgradability-11.html#post7582027) solved the problem with buiyng SLOWER RAM rather than FASTER !!

I will most probably try my luck with a T7*** and see how it goes...

 

Welcome to the forums.

We have a big thread here on GL960 CPU compatibility:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/har...97-gl960-chipset-processor-upgradability.html

Here's an interesting quote from that thread:

So you're right that slower RAM might be the answer. Good luck, let us know.

 

I read most of that thread and that's where most of my info came from...

If I find the gut to do it, I'll let you know... I have zero experience with laptops and I'm afraid that messing with it will result in me making it a bunch of useless hardware parts after I'm done...

 

Taking apart a notebook isn't a task that should be taken lightly. Realize that any mainstream notebook even the $400-500 ones is going to be significantly faster than what you have now AND will come with a warranty. You could sell your HP to offset the cost.

 

I would have already bought a new low budget laptop, however I only want it for basic stuff, that's why I'll try to make do with the one I already have.. We'll see.,

Thanks for all the info.. I'll post back should I need further help.

 

I can verify this.

I upgraded a HP 550 from a 530 Celeron to a Intel 5750 Core 2 Duo.

I run it now with 1.5 GB RAM, the 512MB is PC4200.

Running it with PC5300 RAM would result in video problems.

I also did an upgrade of an HP 6720S from a Celeron 550 to a T7300 or so - which failed with the same reason. Back then, I was lacking information regarding this memory-trick, and settled for a T2310, which worked with PC5300 memory (because the T2310 also has only 533MHz Front-Side-Bus).

Anyway, to cut a long story short.

Successfull upgrade of an HP 550 to Intel Core 2 Duo T5750 using PC4200 memory.

Thanks!