eMachines E525 upgrading

Hi all, first post so please go easy on me...

I've did some reading on site; however it all became a little jargoned for me, with GL40 this; chipset that - in terms of being literate with sort of stuff i'm not...i understand the basics of course, CPU, RAM, HDD etc etc.

I've owned an eMachines E525 for a couple of years now, purchased it at Currys (UK) and it runs Vista Basic - it does almost everything i want it to do, which is mainly web based stuff, videos etc. I purchased it as it was cheap; but now i'm looking to make it last even longer if that is at all possible.

On checking on the Computer properties; it shows:

Intel Celeron CPU [email protected] 2.19GHz

3.00 GB RAM
32 bit operating system

Now i'm wanting to prolong the shelf life, so was wondering if i could upgrade the CPU and the RAM. The digging i've done i've found is that the max i can upgrade to is 4gb of DDR2 ram; the issue i'm baffled with is the CPU.

What options have i open to me to upgrade the CPU? Ideally i'm looking at capturing a bit of game footage using a Roxio Game Capture card (capture currently using a dazzle) but i've got a relatively new desktop that i can render upon so thats not an issue...the Roxio equipment states i require an Intel® Core 2 Duo Processor 1.8 GHz.

Can someone point me in the right direction please....i'm a complete n00bie :hi2:

Thanks in Advance,

Paul

 

Hi Paul, welcome to the forums.

Yes that GL40 chipset is a confusing topic. According to the specs your eMachines 525 was offered with dual-core processors; however the specs also list that it was offered with a GM45 chipset:
eMachines Support - Specifications

A couple of years ago I reviewed an Acer Aspire with an Intel GL40 chipset; the notebook had a Pentium Dual-Core T3200 CPU:
Acer Aspire 5735Z Review

Here's a big thread we have going on CPU compatibility with the GL40 chipset:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/har...es/334009-gl40-chipset-cpu-compatibility.html

Personally I would look for a Pentium Dual-Core T4300/T4400 - they are the same thing as a Core 2 Duo and should work with the GL40. Such a chip should be very cheap and will provide a nice boost in performance over that single-core Celeron.

Another thing to consider is the fact that even the cheapest mainstream laptop is going to be eons faster than your current notebook. You could sell your current notebook to offset the cost. You'd have the security of being under warranty for at least a year with a new notebook too.

 

Thanks very much for a speedy and informative reply

I've read through and it seems very much straightforward process, i think lol..

I also wanted to mention that i sent off an email to eMachines' support email a few days back ; i've since received a reply which may help within the already ongoing discussion:

Thank you for contacting eMachines

Regarding your enquiry,
The service guides show you can use a maximum of 4Gb of DDR2 800MHz RAM over two sockets.

The most powerful CPU shown in the service guide is an Intel CM900 running at 2.2GHz, you might be able to use a more power 478 socket CPU but we can't confirm the cooling system would be able to deal with it.


Regards
xxxx

 

That's a good reply from eMachines; it makes sense. I think it's pretty safe to consider a Pentium Dual-Core T3200/T3400 or T4200/T4300/T4400. They have the highest probability of working.

I strongly recommend looking at a new notebook before you go about this process though! CPU upgrading is risky and in my experience, it's time to get a new notebook when the CPU is no longer up to par. Realize that even if the upgrade works (it probably will), the rest of the notebook is on a timetable; components only have a certain lifespan. We can definitely help you find an inexpensive notebook for your needs - as a matter of fact we have a form here you can put info into that will help us provide you with a recommendation:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/wha...ould-i-buy-form-must-read-before-posting.html

 

Sorry for gravedigging, but maybe someone will find it useful. Lately I wanted to upgrade E525 CPU, I was looking through the web what best processor will motherboard accept, and found some confusing information. I also searched this thread, but unfortunately it wasn't too useful (only ideas, no practical experiences).
Now I'm here to report, that my E525 accepted with no problems at all P8600 Core2Duo CPU. Moreover it wasn't too hard to dismount laptop and replace processor,

 

Thanks for the report - I'm surprised the P8600 worked; that's a great CPU for general use. Just for reference, what CPU did your notebook originally have - the same Celeron as the OP of this thread had?

 

Hello there,

I have E525, Intel Celeron 900 2.20Ghz single core.
Realy, I could upgrade to T4400 or maybe or even P8600?

Thanks.

 

I have successfully put a T4200, T3400, T7500, and T660 in one.

 

Yes, T4200 works with no problem, changed it with old celeron 900.