What can my current CPU be upgraded to?

I currently have a P8400, and I was thinking of upgrading to a Q9000, or even a T9600 or something. Is it possible, or will the chipset of the notebook in my signature not recognize it or allow it?

Also, I realise that it would be a difficult process since the notebook I own would require me to take out every single part to get to the CPU.

 

T9600 sounds possible, but the BIOS may not allow the quad.

Your notebook could probably work with any socket P CPU as long as it's not a quad core.

But you never know, maybe the quad will work.

 

You can safely go upto T9900. Quad cores are a bit risky since some laptops do not support them.


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I'd recommend a P9700. 2.8GHz at a lower power consumption/heat than the T series = win.

 

P and T series are the same when undervolted.

 

Not everyone is interested in undervolting... what you're saying is very true, but a lot of consumers aren't geared towards that.

So to revise, a higher T series if your going to undervolt, or a P series if you want to leave it how it is.

 

So you're sure the quad is out of the question? I think the chipset is a PM-45...

 

The chipset does support it.

The BIOS may not.

It's not out of the question, but it has a big chance of not working.
But if it does work, you would have a really great upgrade.

Also if you have the right kind of BIOS, then a BIOS mod could add CPU support.
Not an easy thing to do, but there is enough info on the net about it.

 

Another option is that I just overclock my P8400...

 

Now you're talking.

P8400 @3.1ghz:
http://valid.canardpc.com/show_oc.php?id=746422

 

Wow, mind you, that is in a Gateway gaming notebook. Mine wouldn't have a cooling system as efficient as that.

 

I think toshiba do a good job with their cooling, just change the thermal paste.

My toshiba tecra with a T7300 got to 2.72 (3ghz with IDA). Max temp was 90C with ORTHOS.

If you raise the FSB you can get away with less voltage than if you raise the multi. So it would run cooler.

For example:
With a T7300
10*200mhz (2ghz) needs a minimum voltage of 0.9750V.
8*250mhz (2ghz) needs a minimum voltage of 0.9375V.

Screenshot here:
http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/a...HaZaRd/5-1.jpg

 

Something wrong with the link. I'll have a look into it. SetFSB is the program to use isn't it? I've checked, and there are no processor options in my BIOS.

 

I use setfsb, it is the best one.

Clockgen sometimes works, also cpucool.

There is also the option of a hardware mod to the clock generator (PLL).
You could pin mod the PLL to go from a 266mhz FSB to a 333mhz FSB.
So you will have a 3ghz cpu.


EDIT: fixed link:
http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac167/moral_HaZaRd/5-1.jpg

 

Pin mod? Sorry, I'm a noob when it comes to overclocking.

 

I can help you out with it. It's not too hard with a small tip soldering iron.

This might be interesting for you:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=393027

But you should consider all of your options before doing the pin mod.
Buying a new CPU could be a safer way, and the new one should run cooler.

 

That seems for someone who's had a LOT of experience in hardware, and I'm not that person.

I think that the best thing to do would be to either overclock this or get a P9700.

Anyways, how do I use SetFSB?

 

You need to find the PLL that is used in your notebook.

Here is a thread you may want to read:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=429383

 

Thanks for that.

 

Is there anything else I should know before I overclock this thing?

 

Just monitor your temperatures and let a CPU stresser like Orthos run for ten minutes or so for you to get an idea of stability.

This guide is for a different class/brand of computer, but it'll give you an idea of how SetFSB works.

 

Hmm, it seems that none of the PLL's in the drop down list in SetFSB work for me. Looks like I may just have to go for the P9700.