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    Will this quad core processor work in my computer?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by eKretz, Apr 18, 2013.

  1. eKretz

    eKretz Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi, I have an older Dell Latitude computer (N5050) that came free from my brother but it only has an i3 350M processor in it. I was wondering if this i7 would work as a direct replacement?

    Intel i7 740QM Mobile Processor 1 73GHz Quad Core SLBQG No Reserve | eBay

    I was able to easily upgrade the processor in my Alienware M15X, will this one be just as easy? Thanks for any advice.
     
    eKretz, Apr 18, 2013
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  2. Prostar Computer

    Prostar Computer Company Representative

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    Hey eKretz,

    If your Latitude uses a BGA socket, then no. If it uses a PGA socket, then it's possible, though you will need to take into account the higher TDP and any system board or BIOS limitations per Dell. Your best bet is to find a spec sheet for the board that will elucidate this for you, or find someone with personal experience with this system. :)

    Good luck!
     
    Prostar Computer, Apr 18, 2013
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  3. katalin_2003

    katalin_2003 NBR Spectre Super Moderator

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    The N5050 has a PGA socket so the CPU is replaceable but i can't fully guarantee that the 740QM will function properly.
    I would recommend getting a i5 instead.
     
    katalin_2003, Apr 18, 2013
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  4. Charles P. Jefferies

    Charles P. Jefferies Lead Moderator Super Moderator

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    I'd also recommend an i5. There is also an i7 dual-core but it is just a slightly faster i5 (not worth the price premium).

    From what I've seen, notebooks offered with both dual- and quad-core processors may have a different motherboard depending on the processor; that's the case with my notebook. The quad-core may not work for that reason.
     
    Charles P. Jefferies, Apr 18, 2013
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  5. eKretz

    eKretz Notebook Enthusiast

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    OK, thanks so much for the info guys!
     
    eKretz, Apr 18, 2013
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  6. Fat Dragon

    Fat Dragon Just this guy, you know?

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    In that product generation, dual-core chips had integrated GPUs on the die, while quad-core chips weren't able to fit the iGPU. If your notebook lacks a GPU on the motherboard, a quad-core is going to be right out, since there's no graphics processor in the system. Even if it's running a dGPU, some motherboards wouldn't accept the quad-core, and you would cut out any switchable graphics you might otherwise have. My experience with my Envy 14 is that I get about half the battery life when I run on the dGPU, so you would be cutting your potential battery life in half by using a quad-core even if everything else went well.
     
    Fat Dragon, Apr 18, 2013
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  7. eKretz

    eKretz Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yeah, sounds like it's not happening. Thanks for the extra info!
     
    eKretz, Apr 19, 2013
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