Possible to go from P8600 to T9600 PnP?

I have a Dell Studio XPS 1640 and was wondering whether or not I could purchase the the T9600 CPU, and then directly replace the stock P8600 without any worries about power consumption or anything else? It has the PM45 chipset, and is a Socket P Mobo. I'm just worried because the current CPU consumes 25W while the T9600 consumes 35W. Though, the latter is offered as an option on these computers. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance! It's much appreciated.

 

Typically, there are no changes to a laptop's cooling system or BIOS between the Montevina Core 2 Duo P-series and T-series: you should be able to do a simple CPU swap and everything should function correctly, assuming you apply thermal paste properly.

 

The 1640 did offer 35 watt processors, so the cooling system should be able to handle a T series Core 2 Duo. Also take TDP with a grain of salt, it is really just a rough estimate, as CPU's can easily surpass their rated TDP's.

Rare off chance you might need a BIOS update, but I would try the swap first as if you are out of warranty a faulty BIOS flash could result in a dead motherboard.

 

Go with the T9900. The fastest Core 2 Duo chip out there...


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Considering a T9900 is only ~200 MHz faster and costs 2-4x more than a T9600, not worth it. Plus a T9900 runs hotter due to the clock speeds and cache..

EDIT: Sneaky ninja posts ftw MidnightSun!

 

The minor speed bump isn't worth the price, in my opinion. A quick eBay search finds that typical T9600 prices range from $80-125, while typical T9900 prices hover upwards of $200.

EDIT: Beat me to it, Tsunade_Hime

 

Definitely not worth $200 for the upgrade when you consider there's a $450 14" Lenovo E420 in the thin-and-light link in my sig with a SB i5 with far better performance.

 

Thanks for the replies everyone! I'll see if I can get a good deal on one, as the speed bump isn't going to be worth too much. Plus, I'm going to have to keep the P8600 and not sell it until my warranty is up in about a month. But if I sell it, I should be able to recoup a good chunk of what I spend.

I'm not paying more than $100 for an upgrade; thanks for the ad though. haha

 

Notebook prices have fallen drastically. Just putting it in perspective for what it's worth. If wanted the higher end performance on the cheap then consider reading about the E8435 http://forum.notebookreview.com/har...t-upgrades/485240-e8435-t9900-good-price.html .

 

Unless the OP uses frequently CPU intensive applications such as video encoding, he should consider saving his money towards a new laptop with a Core i CPU. In every day use (internet, movies, music, word processing), there is no major difference between the P8600 and the T9900.

I would stay away from the E8435 because of its higher TDP (45w and 55w). The T9900 is better although more expensive since its DTP is 35 only.

You might also consider the P9700 if you want a cool system. It is the same as the T9600 but with 25W TDP (like the P8600).

 

Guys, I know you mean well when you say “Save up for a new computer”. But sometimes we don’t want new; we just want to upgrade what we have. I have new and old and I still continue to upgrade my old. Sometimes you guys make it seem as the old computers have absolutely nothing to offer, and is not worth the upgrade. Heck, I use my older computers literally more than my new ones. It could just be comfort level, or just I like them more. But whatever the reason is, it’s not a waste of money to spend on my old computer(s), when I would probably spend that money at McDonalds anyway.

 

Hahaha I actually laughed at that one! But yeah, I've only had this computer for about a year, and I still enjoy its features. I have enough RAM (at 4GB) for what I do, I have more than enough space on my HD (With 270GB free after the first year of use), the GPU is lacking a little, but the only game I play on my laptop is The Sims 3, any other gaming (however seldom it may be) is handled by my desktop. I could see a CPU bump being useful in the application of TS3, and also useful in Photoshop, which I use on a daily basis. And, yes, I do edit video on occasion, though I have a Mac now, so I'll probably use that from now on for that. Really, though, I love everything about my laptop except the processor, and to get into a computer with a screen as nice as the one I've got (1600x900 15.6"), an illuminated keyboard, and the sleekness of this computer, it's going to cost substantially more than the $500 I paid for it a year ago, when it still had an entire year left on the in-home repair warranty. I just don't see why people always say "just throw it away and buy a new one!" I bought this computer to hold me over until I go to college, which is another year from now, and if ~$80 is all I spend on it in the entire time I own it, then I think a CPU will be money well-spent, especially when it comes to the point where I want to sell it. So, thank you all for your advice so far, I truly appreciate all of it!

So, is it not a good idea to go with the E8435 in my situation?

EDIT: I just chuckled as I realized that my ty Phenom 9500 has pretty much the same numbers as the E8435 on he PassMark site. haha

 

kobe_24,

you hit the nail on the head when you confess that you 'just like them more' - talking about the old systems.

However, emotional decisions are not always the right ones.

Your rationale is that you have 'x' amount invested in the old system and a little bit more investment/upgrades (a few times over the lifetime of the system) is keeping your original investment 'current'. (Or, basically, you are re-validating your original decision from a few years ago). This is bad business logic. And false economy.

While at certain points in time an upgrade is more cost effective than a new system, there are also times when a completely new system is the better choice.

While a $100 upgrade seems easily the 'right' choice vs. the ~$450 new system offered - in the long run, the new system will usually prove to be the better (business) decision.

But people, like most businesses, think that they can only save money by not spending it. Instead of spending it wisely.

 

That is very true; but I don't see any other upgrades in the future of this computer, unless something fails. So this makes sense to me.

 

I hear ya tiller.

With that being said, if he decides to upgrade with the T9900, it will still be just about at the price point when he decides to sell it later on. Not just that, he can also opt to use an E version of the processor and spend a little over $50 for 2.8 to 3GHz.

Wise doesn't mean spend on new, but how cheap you can keep the old going. Now do I think you need anything over 2.4GHz to be current? No! But what do I know, I love older cars and older women as well.

At steward,

If he's not a gamer, then he doesn't need to upgrade anything else.

 

So I can take your word and go with an E series and it will for sure work in my computer without too any repercussions?

 

Steward, there's a few people here who would probably refund your money if it doesn't work in your computer. I'm just going to buy an x9100, I don't mind spending the $150 on it.


Studio XPS 1640 P8600 2.4, 4GB, 500HDD Radeon 3670

^^^If that's the computer, then most likely it will work.

 

Guys, when you consider that over time, clock for clock, performance increases more than most upgrades - along with less heat, a warranty on the new system and usually better battery life, it does cost us to keep an old one going. Maybe not money (directly); worse: our priceless time.

See:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/7716137-post13.html


If we have (as a given) the funds to do either an upgrade or buy new - buying new (and selling the old system) is more times than not the best way forward.

Especially if the old vs. the new systems are more than one major platform difference (~2yrs) apart.

 

Well, anyway, I got an E8435 (3.06GHz) for $60 shipped on eBay. Pretty happy.

On a side note, I called Dell because my charger was giving me an error on startup, to get a new one before my warranty expires, and the lady says "Ok, well just to make sure, we're going to replace the motherboard, just to be safe." hahahaha I can't believe that Dell is so willing to just throw money at computers like mine. This would be the second motherboard put into my computer, when it worked/works perfectly before hand. But oh well, I guess that's better security in the future. Maybe I can get the technician to upgrade the CPU for me while he has it apart. <
haha fat chance.

 

Hey stewardfan?

When you get that processor, keep me posted will ya? If everything goes right for you, I will buy the same one; just let me know which buyer you got it from?

 

Will definitely keep you posted, but the listing ended :/

Intel Mobile E8435 3.06GHz 6M SLAQD - eBay (item 250855050160 end time Jul-18-11 11:23:22 PDT)

 

I see exactly what you mean

It would be interesting to see if the E8435 can ran cool in your laptop. Another member in the forum had a few problems with it. The cooling system in his laptop couldn't keep up and his CPU temps where so high that the CPU was throttling down to keep cool. Even with undervolt the temps were still high (around 90c if I remember correctly).

 

I heard that the E series do run hotter than the T series correct? I am looking for a cpu for my laptop as well. The price is really good though.

 

There are two versions of the E8435; one with 45W DTP and the other one with a 55W DTP. That's between 10 and 20W more than a T series CPU. The E series was designed for desktop and not laptops.

You might be lucky and won't have any temperature issues...it all depends on how good is the cooling system in your laptop. I guess the only way to find out is the buy the E8435 and test it. If it is too hot you have always the option of selling it back

The E8335 is the equivalent of a T9800.

 

So, as expected, it is a little bit warmer than the computer can handle, but it was worth a try IMO. I'll be looking for a good deal on the T9600, unless anyone else has suggestions as to a better CPU for the price

 

how about the P9600 if you want to stay with the P family?
not as fast as the T9600 though, 2.66GHz only.

 

Did it work?

If it works, why not recover some of the money by selling it to me? Heck, I'll even throw in my P8600 to sweeten the deal?

 

It did work, but I sold it on eBay already. Bought it for $60 shipped and sold it for $75+$5 shipping, pretty awesome if you ask me!

 

Also be aware the SLAxx series is C0 stepping. The SLGxx series is E0 stepping and will run cooler + OC further.

 

Thanks, that helps a lot! I wondered what the difference was, but never could find anything on them online.

 

I've got two threads I keep bookmarked and frequently link to actually regarding CPU upgrades for the Asus G51vx/G50vt (same chipset). Maybe it'll give some more insight for those who feel like reading

http://forum.notebookreview.com/asu...vx-rx05-cpu-upgrade-question.html#post7029357

http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus-gaming-notebook-forum/550790-g51vx-new-cpu-again.html