P9600 processor in Dell Precision M4400

I want to have Intel's P9600 processor in the notebook, but Dell doesn't offer it. So, I assume I should order it with the cheapest processor, and purchase this from a third party. What do I need to know about swapping in the P9600?

Note: Dell offers the P9600 in the Latitude E6500, which has a near identical chassis. But since it's not offered for the M4400, does that mean it might not be compatible?

 

It's compatible. Splurge away.

 

You should call Dell and place your order. They may be able to configure the M4400 with the P9600 processor for you! That would be the safest, easiest way to get the one you want.

For some reason, the P8700 is the highest P-series processor Dell offers on the M4400. As you noted, the less expensive but very similar Latitude E6500 offers the P9600.

The P9600 upgrade is $130 more than the P8700 on the Latitude. I wouldn't pay more than that for the upgrade on the M4400, if they can accomodate you!

Good luck!

 

I've been getting the roundabout from numerous Dell sales reps, it seems none are able/willing to put the processor in. I'm going to keep trying, and escalate through management if I have to.

 

Alrighty, so, it doesn't seem like Dell is willing to budge on this issue (which I'm actually surprised by.) Now, realistically, I don't think I could justify the expense of purchasing the P9600 as a stand alone unit. But, for for the sake of dreaming (or perhaps future upgrade), how might I go about the process? The M4400 is an easily serviceable notebook (comparatively, at least) but just how much effort and materials would it require?

I imagine it would be as simple as removing the back cover, removing the heatsink and fan (which should be nothing more than loosening a few screws and unplugging a connector, right?), swapping the CPUs and putting it back together.
Is there anything I'm missing? Perhaps cleaning with an alcohol solution or spreading some kind of thermal paste.

And, what's the possible effect on a warranty? It seems like a pretty clean-cut procedure (if you have steady hands and a degree of intelligence), so it's not like it would void the warranty, right? I mean, heatsinks are sometimes removed for cleaning, and that's something that's required to maintain the warranty.

 

Changing the processor will almost certainly void the warranty.

 

Not if the OP keeps the old cpu and just puts it back into the laptop should it be sent to DELL for repairs.

Just to note ... the P9600 has 2.66 Ghz on each core ... if you are going from P8400 for example ... the upgrade is not really worth it.
I'd consider the jump to be worthy if you are going to get at least 600 Mhz difference or higher.

Anything else would be a waste of money and a small increase even in programs that are heavy on CPU use with crunching numbers such as video editing programs and those like Max/Maya/LW for rendering.

 

Alright, how about the replacement process? Can anyone tell me how it's done?