Is it possible to upgrade the processor on a laptop?

Hey guys, I'm extremely new with computers and I could really use some help.

I was wondering if I could switch my Intel Core i3-380M for a Intel Core i5 or better.

Here are the specs: Acer 15.6" Intel Core i3-380M Laptop (AS5742-6488) - Brown : 15" Laptops - Future Shop

If this is not possible, Is there any alternative way to increase my processor speed?

Thanks

 

Most laptop bios' will not let you overclock, and most laptops have their CPU soldered onto the motherboard. So it really depends if Acer does this. I think Acer does solder it though.

 

False, at least 90% of laptops have socketed CPUs and the one above is an example. Only ULV CPU laptops tend to be soldered.

Unfortunately it is likely not an easy job usually requiring a disassembly of the machine.

Please don't advise others if you don't know what you are talking about.

 

How can I access my acer timelineX 4820T CPU? I tried but couldn't. Can the it be upgrade to i5 or i7?

 

It's definitely possible, but it can be tough if there isn't a bottom panel that has access to the processor and allows you to remove the heatsink. Otherwise you have to disassemble the entire laptop.

Also,t o give you and idea of the performance difference, here are the Passmark scores:

i3 380M: 2323
i5 520M($190): 2363
i5 540M($165): 2472
i7 620M: 2797

I couldn't find a non ES/QS 620m on eBay, but I believe the pop up ever now and again for around $300.

 

Confirmed.

 

Yep, as stated you can upgrade the processor. The real question is how capable you are of disassembling and reassembling the laptop. Acer's are pretty hard to get into. It also depends on what your cooling system can handle though for that model, an i5 or dual core i7 should be fine.

 

Lol...
I would have expected Acer laptops to have easy access to all components.
As you can see from my signature, I have an Acer, and it only has a large back panel for removal which gives me access to everything.
Of course, different models could be built differently, but I don't think Acer does this.

Judging by the PassMark scores alone, I really don't think swapping your cpu for an i5 is worth it.
Even in CPU intense apps, you won't notice a huge difference.
Might I suggest you look into upgrading to the quad if possible?
I realize that certain i series cpu's preven upgrading from dual to quads, but you might as well see if it's doable, and if it is, then I'd sooner go for a quad rather than a dual core.

Most (if not ALL) laptops that aren't ULV's have upgrade-able CPU's.
Regarding the overclocking... I don't think it can be done on i series cpu's (besides, I don't think it's needed due to TurboBoost).

In the case of that particular laptop that was linked, I would upgrade the following down the line:
HDD (to a faster one), CPU to quad (if possible), and RAM to 8GB or more (maybe 12GB - if the chipset and cpu support it)

 

My 5739G is a example for a different built model then. You have to take the entire laptop apart to reach the CPU. The ram, HDD, wifi card and gpu can be reached by a simple backcover going off.

 

ULV Cpu's and Macbook Pros.

but this post is correct

 

There are some PGA ULV CPU's (more Core 2/1st gen Core i series).

Apple solders all their CPU's except for Mac Pro and iMac (IIRC).

Most Acer laptops require completely disassembly to reach the heatsink/fan/CPU socket. The ones I worked on (300-700 dollar ones) require you to flip over the motherboard to access the CPU/heatsink.

 

I dont even know about about most acer laptops.

I think it depends on the manufacturer and generation, like for example their Quanta machines I don't think provide easy access, whereas their Compal ones usually do.
You can sort of tell the manufacturer by looking at a machine if you start to look it up often on other models.

Anyway I know a host of older acers that provide very easy access, you could be right tho since they have changed some manufacturers since then.
Aspire models
7720, 5720, 5320, 5315, 5520, 7520, 7220, 7320, 7315, 5220
All provide easy access.
Also, Extensa 5210 5220 5610, Travelmate 7720 and presumably the 17 & 15" equivalents of both.

These all have the same motherboard layout in fact.

 

6935G, 5739G, 1694WLMi, 5920G.

All easy access to the CPU too.

I still stand by that by in large the majority of machines have replaceable CPUs as it makes a lot of sense for a manufacturer. As mentioned Apple machine don't but ofc they don't, I don't really count them when looking at hardware.

There was a reason I did not say all.

 

I stand corrected, thanks for the education and the positive words of encouragement.

 

i5's, would not go to any i7's in your case due to heatsink.

 

Most notebook CPU's are removable. As others have pointed out some skinny/netbook/low cost models might have soldered BGA CPU's.

For most notbook mobos, it makes sense that they are not soldered due to failures during manufacturing.
If the pick and place/wave soldering/chip shooter loading/via registration etc. is off, then the mobo is toast. A problem but not a disaster. Now if the CPU (typically the most expensive single component on the mobo) is permanently attached to the dead mobo, well now that's more of a problem. Also a lot of manufacturers fab their PCB's in one place and do assembly, including CPU insertion, in another. The mobo will almost certainly support a whole range of CPU's, allowing a mix of budget through performance models with simple CPU changes (and graphics through integrated/MXM, but that's another discussion).

That's the theory. In reality it can be close to a nightmare to disassemble some machines. In my experience Toshibas', Fujitsus' and HPs' (certainly the DV6500 is a complete mess when it comes to modularity/ease of access) are difficult to work with. IBM/Lenovo and most Dell's are straightforward (note I don't say easy).

You do have to have the cojones to completely disassemble your prized possession and then to be confident you can put it all back together without breaking anything and not having any screws leftover.

It goes without saying that a latest BIOS load is a must for someone considering a CPU swap, due to possibly better CPU family support.

- Tim