Upgrade HP DV7-9930US CPU Possible?

Hi,

I received an HP DV7-9930US laptop as a gift about a year ago. The laptop comes with an Intel Core 2 Duo T5750 CPU, which, unfortunately, doesn't support Virtualization (VT).

I use this laptop for some development, and because of the lack of VT, there are a number of things that don't work, e.g.:

- Can't run 64-bit virtual guests under VMware/VirtualBox
- Can't run MS Virtual PC (Windows 7)
- etc.

So, I've been wondering if it'd be possible to swap in a different CPU that does support VT.

I found this:

http://ark.intel.com/ProductCollection.aspx?familyID=26548

and it looks like the Intel T7200, which has the same FSB (667) supports VT. From what I can tell, both the T5750 and T7200 are "Socket M" CPUs.

Assuming that the CPU is socketed (have to check), does anyone know if it'd be possible to replace the T5750 CPU with a T7200 CPU?

Also, assuming that that IS possible, what about enabling VT in the BIOS? How would that be possible?

Thanks,
Jim

P.S. I just found the service manual:

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01951704.pdf

According to that, the CPU is socketed!

 

From my limited understanding of switching CPU's, the BIOS may be the biggest obstacle you'll face - assuming that you can use an appropriate VT enabled CPU in the first place.

I hope someone gives you some good news , but myself, I would start looking for a new notebook if you really 'need' those features.

 

According to wikipedia, it is a socket P:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Intel_Core_2_microprocessors

I have a T8100 if you want it.

I would get a T9300 though, very good performence.

You will be able to upgrade to a socket P CPU with an 800mhz FSB.
Get a penryn (45nm) CPU, they run cooler than merom (65nm).

 

moral_hazard,

Thanks for the correction on the socket type.

Just wondering: Are you sure the 800 FSB won't be a problem (the t5750 IS 667 FSB)?

Thanks again,
Jim

 

tilleroftheearth,

Yes, I'm worried about the BIOS situation (current BIOS doesn't appear to have any option for VT). So, what do others who try to upgrade the CPU do for that?

Anyone?

Jim

 

Depends on what chipset you have.

Download CPUz and check.

Most likely it wont matter, you should be able to use a CPU with an 800mhz FSB.

 

VT may be enabled by default if you don't have the option in the BIOS.
Also when you upgrade the CPU, your BIOS options may change, letting you enable VT.

Maybe you should update your BIOS.

If you dont get VT after you upgrade, you might have to do a BIOS mod to enable it. I can give you a link on how to do it if you want.

 

moral_hazard,

CPUZ reports:

Intel Mobile Core 2 Duo T5750
Merom
Socket P (478)
Rated FSB: 665.3 Mhz

I'd be interested in giving this a shot with the T8100. I'll contact you.

Jim

 

moral_hazard,

Umm. How to contact you re. the T8100?

Jim

 

I think you will have to make more posts before you can send a PM.
But you can talk to me about it on this thread:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=437415

 

Hi,

I was wondering why a T8100 would be a better (or worse) choice than a T7700?

The reason I'm asking is that both are Socket P, and the T7700 seems faster than the T8100? Plus, the T7700 is on HP's list for the DV9930US (DV9700 series) laptops.

Jim

 

T7700 is faster.

The T7700 is a merom (65nm), which I read will use around 30% more energy than a penryn (45nm)

The T8100, T8300, T9300, T9500, x9000 are penryn (45nm), then will run cooler and use less energy than a T7700.

 

Hi,

For the record, I was able to replace the T5750 CPU with a T7250. It's the same speed, but now I have magically a "virtualization" option in the BIOS !

I had upgraded the BIOS to the latest from HP before the CPU change, so I'm not sure if the original BIOS supported this.

Jim