Elitebook 8760W processor upgrade options

Hello:
I've had a hard time finding out this information.

I currenlty have an I5 2540 dual core processor with hyper-threading. I'm using it as a DAW and would like to extend it's life if I can. I'm not sure if I can upgrade to an I7 processor at all and if so, am I limited to just a TDP of 35watts and a dual core I7?

I'd like to upgrade to a Quad core processor like the 2820QM, but I thought I read somewhere, (between the lines) on forums that I would need to replace the motherboard if I went that route.

I see the 2820QM processor listed in the options from the service manual, but I don't know if I can upgrade directly to a 45Watt TDP quad core processor with the same motherboard I currently have.

If anyone could shine the light on this question for me, I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks in advance.

 

You don't need to replace the motherboard, but most likely would need to replace the cpu heatsink, since the quadcore models have one with two heatpipes in order to handle the extra heat of the higher-TDP quadcores.

 

Thanks for the reply. I know HP lists the MOBO as a separate part number for the Quad Core, but maybe you are right and only the heat synch is different.

Do you know how difficult it would be to source the different heat synch assembly?

 

I bought mine from aliexpress or ebay a while ago and it was pretty easy to find one so long as you search for the SPN of the part directly.

As per why hp lists two different mobo models - the quadcore model has 2 extra memory slots, however it's not a prereq to have that particular mobo to run a quadcore. Mine is still with a dualcore mobo and runs just fine, no option for 32gigs (4x8gb) of memory though. If you don't care, or find 16gigs to be plenty - you're golden as-is.

 

vlex - thanks very much for the info. Would you happen to know what the SPN of the Quad Core heat synch part is? I assume you meant that you found it on allexpress on ebay. Yes, I already have 16GB installed and I can live with that.

I'm also assuming I could just install the Quad core processor - I7 2820qm and be able to keep Windows 10 plus all my apps in tact without having to reinstall? I am trying to avoid having to reinstall hundreds of applications, drivers, etc. on my DAW. I'm assuming that both the bios and the OS would just select different drivers for the new CPU? Let me know if my assumptions are correct here.

Again, really appreciate the info and am glad you verify that you have it working on yours on the dual core MOBO>

Thank you again for your info.

 

Here you go

https://support.hp.com/ie-en/document/c02863770

 

Yes, you can put 2820QM just plug and play, no drivers or reinstall windows needed.
I would suggest to look for 2860QM as it is even faster than 2920XM and much cooler as it comes at 45W instead of 55W.