Need Advice: CPU Upgrade in Gateway M-6309

I run a computer repair business and decided to register on Notebook Review in a last ditch effort to run down some much needed information regarding CPU interchangeability in the Gateway M-6309. It probably goes without saying that Gateway's "support" offerings can best be described as one step above the label on the box, and I'm not able to risk losing company money on canned answers from their "fee-based support."

I recognize that this laptop was obsolete before saying "that's obsolete" was cool, but it's a spare that I'm giving to an unemployed neighbor. Additionally, the processor I'm thinking of getting is only $25 at my local Micro Center, so getting a newer laptop isn't realistic at this time. I also enjoy the process of breathing new life into older systems, when possible. Call me crazy.

Anyway, I'd like to upgrade the stock T2330 to the T7300, and here's what I've been able to gather thus far. Hopefully, one of you can impart a little sage wisdom...

Notebook: Gateway M-6309 ( Detailed Specs)
Stock CPU: Intel® Pentium® Processor T2330 (1M Cache, 1.60 GHz, 533 MHz FSB) ( Detailed Specs)
Stock Motherboard: 4006230R Motherboard w/UMA Graphics GL960/MDM No HDMI ( Detailed Specs)
BIOS: 95.10 ( Download Page with List of Supported Models) (This is the latest BIOS, which covers a rather long list of models. I noticed a few are spec'd with the T5450, but I was unable to find anything using a T7XXX.)

Desired CPU: Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor T7300 (4M Cache, 2.00 GHz, 800 MHz FSB) ( Detailed Specs)

So, given the broad coverage of the BIOS and the motherboard's FSB rating of 533/667/800 MHz, is it conceivable that I could swap the chips without incident? Has anyone tried this?

Thanks!

 

Could anyone take a stab at this? I'd really appreciate it.

 

Well, I've learned the hard way that Intel's GL chipsets are cut down versions of the full PM/GM series.

However, the situation seems murky with the GL960 - there appear to be two versions of them, a cut down GM965 (whatever that means) and a true GL960 that only supports 533MHz chips. To be safe, I'd say the top upgrade for your laptop is a T5300 (533MHz FSB).

BUT there's a high chance a T7xxx would work, and if that's true a T8300 or even T9500 would be the maximum. If you can take the risk or test the processor and return it if it doesn't work, I'd say you should try it - it's the only way to know for sure.

Here's a thread talking about GL960 upgrades, there's even a mention of a Gateway with a T2310 (upgraded to T5450 and 3GB RAM):

http://forum.notebookreview.com/har...pset-processor-upgradability.html#post2930872

And here are a shorter thread on CPU-Upgrade:

CPU-Upgrade: Intel GL960 Express chipset processor support

I'd bet your laptop would be upgradeable, but I can't say for sure. If you get a CPU, be sure to upgrade the BIOS before installing it.

 

Well, I've learned the hard way that Intel's GL chipsets are cut down versions of the full PM/GM series.

However, the situation seems murky with the GL960 - there appear to be two versions of them, a cut down GM965 (whatever that means) and a true GL960 that only supports 533MHz chips. To be safe, I'd say the top upgrade for your laptop is a T5300 (533MHz FSB).

BUT there's a high chance a T7xxx would work, and if that's true a T8300 or even T9500 would be the maximum. If you can take the risk or test the processor and return it if it doesn't work, I'd say you should try it - it's the only way to know for sure.

Here's a thread talking about GL960 upgrades, there's even a mention of a Gateway with a T2310 (upgraded to T5450 and 3GB RAM):

EDIT: my first post wasn't approved, probably because of the links, do a search on Google for "gl960 cpu upgrade" and you'll find the threads I'm talking about (one on this forum, second on CPU-Upgradedotcom).

I'd wager your laptop would support the T7300, but I can't say for sure. If you get a CPU, be sure to upgrade the BIOS before installing it.

 

Thanks, jotm. Given the official Gateway specs on the motherboard indicating 533/667/800 MHz for the FSB, I never thought to double-check the chipset's actual compatibility. Lesson learned.

Following your advice, I found the other thread on the subject: GL960 Chipset Processor Upgradability

I'll keep digging and follow up with any new info. Thanks again!

 

I did check the laptop model on Gateway's site: Gateway Support - M-6309 Notebook Specifications

It only lists 533MHz FSB and GL960 as the chipset.

From the looks of it, there are more success stories than not, so chances are the T7300 you want to try will work. You could get it cheaper CPU on eBay, though - it's like $10 right now...

 

Hi every body.

yesterday I upgraded this notebook (model). and put 1gb ram (ddr2 800 MHZ) and procesor T7300, and work VERY FINE. if you have dude. please contact me to [email protected]

NOW I will pretend upgrade to T9500

 

Are you able to open the under cover and see what socket set that is?? And I know I had a M-6860 and I upgrade that to a T8100 but I also did try a T9300 in it and it worked. Not sure if this will help but this is what I did for mine. It had the ATI 3200HD 512K RAM gpu in it.