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    Upgrade 2ghz core duo to core 2 duo

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by ikb_za, Aug 22, 2006.

  1. ikb_za

    ikb_za Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi all

    I want to upgrade my t2500 2ghz core duo to a core 2 duo processor - either the t7400 or t7600 (2.33 ghz core 2 duo)

    I have read that the intel 945pm supports this, but that I might have to run a bios flash.
    Read it at http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2808

    Also read here http://www.pcper.com/article.php?aid=280&type=expert&pid=1 on a upgrade from t2500 to t7400

    My question is - how do I flash the bios? Do I need to flash the bios? Is this an upgrade from intel that I need to download? If so where do I get the bios flash for core duo to core 2 duo?

    Thanks
     
    ikb_za, Aug 22, 2006
    #1
  2. ucdoc

    ucdoc Notebook Consultant

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    hey when is this chip gonna be in a dell?
     
    ucdoc, Aug 22, 2006
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  3. _radditz_

    _radditz_ Fallen to the Sith...

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    BIOS updates add greater compatability and efficieny with merom but in some systems they arent needed. I know the S/Z96J and sony SZ have had their Core Duos replaced by Core 2 and they worked fine.

    Your manufacturer will release BIOS updates that add merom compatability so keep an eye on their support page.
     
    _radditz_, Aug 22, 2006
    #3
  4. ikb_za

    ikb_za Notebook Enthusiast

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    i've got the LG s1 - any idea if that needs a bios upgrade?
     
    ikb_za, Aug 22, 2006
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  5. cashmonee

    cashmonee Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    It is completely up to the manufacturer. I am sure many will, but there will also be many who don't. I am sure you are also aware this voids your warranty and you will likely not notice the difference in speed in day to day computing.
     
    cashmonee, Aug 22, 2006
    #5
  6. Charles P. Jefferies

    Charles P. Jefferies Lead Moderator Super Moderator

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    Just to chime in, I wouldn't bother upgrading to the Core 2 Duo right now if you already own a Core Duo. You won't see much of a difference, certainly not enough to make it worth the price difference.
    The Core 2 Duo shows its main advantages of the Core Duo in encoding/rendering/number crunching - if you don't do those a lot on a regular basis, then it's not worth it. Even if you do . . you're talking about taking 10-20% off your time at most. Isn't worth the price of a new chip in my opinion.
     
    Charles P. Jefferies, Aug 22, 2006
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  7. EagleDevil

    EagleDevil Notebook Evangelist

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    EagleDevil, Aug 22, 2006
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  8. ikb_za

    ikb_za Notebook Enthusiast

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    The idea is to upgrade from a core duo to a core 2 duo 2.66 ghz which should make quite a difference as I am using Adobe Photoshop, Visual Studio.net and Sql 2005 - mostly all at the same time.

    I am also planning on upgrading to Vista, so if I can get away with just upgrading the cpu vs replacing a whole laptop then it is worth it.

    My question is - do I need a manufacturer specific bios flash or a intel chipset bios flash? If LG does not release a bios flash - can u flash it with intel bios flash?
     
    ikb_za, Aug 23, 2006
    #8
  9. Charles P. Jefferies

    Charles P. Jefferies Lead Moderator Super Moderator

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    The fastest Core 2 Duo processor is the T7600 2.33GHz.

    To answer your question, you need the BIOS flash specifically from your manufacturer. Can't just flash it with any BIOS.
     
    Charles P. Jefferies, Aug 23, 2006
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  10. Thaenatos

    Thaenatos Zero Cool

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    I could see going to core2 duo if you have a t2300. But if you already have a t2500 then dont bother, the difference will be way too small to tell. Now since I have a t2300 Ill see a difference when I go to 2.0ghz+, and if c2d is the same as a regular duo then why not if I have bios support. But I believe that I will be going for a t2600 core duo and skipping c2d all together.
     
    Thaenatos, Aug 23, 2006
    #10
  11. qsimpson

    qsimpson Notebook Evangelist

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    10% increase for only specific tasks for like 300 bucks or so isnt worth it imo :p just keep it like 2 years then when its actually needed just buy a new laptop when everything in your lappy is obselete :)
     
    qsimpson, Aug 23, 2006
    #11