Is it worth it to upgrade my processor?

I have a 2 yr old Compaq a925 17" laptop that is wonderful for my needs, but it is a little slow sometimes. It has an Intel T2390 1.86 dual core processor running at 533 mHz FSB and 1 meg onboard cache, with 4 gb of OCZ PC2-5400 DDR2 ram, rated at 667 mHz.

I note in Compaq's maintenance manual that other versions running on the same platform include the 1.8 gHz t5550- 667 mHz FSB and another config is the 2 gHz T7250-800 mHz FSB.

My questions are:

If I install a T7600 (2.33 mHz, 667 mHz, 4 mb cache)
a) Will it work?
b) Is there going to be a noticable performance gain?
and
c) Is there another processor with the same bus speed and 40W max pwr consumption that you might suggest?

Thanks

 

I'm assuming you're running Vista on that system.

I think you will see more of a 'snappiness' upgrade by doing a clean install of Win7x64.

Especially if you pair it with a newer HD like a Hitachi 7K500 or a Seagate Momentus XT Hybrid.

While a 25% higher clock speed may seem like a great performance increase (on paper) the newer O/S with a state of the art HD will give a greater sustained percieved performance increase in actual day to day tasks.

It does not seem like you are CPU limited for the tasks you need doing: it seems you need to jump onto the best optimized O/S and latest HD technology instead.

Yes, together (O/S + HD) it does cost more than a simple CPU upgrade - but it will also extend the life of the notebook much more too (for the same type of current usage it provides).

If you're already on Win7x64 - then I still recommend the XT over the CPU upgrade (instead of a potential 25% increase, you'll be looking at up to 100% faster response/snappiness from your system).

Good luck.

 

I agree on the clean install + fast hard drive (assuming you have a 5400rpm now).

FraidyMan what kind of applications do you run and when specifically is it slow?