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    dm4 processor upgrade

    Discussion in 'HP' started by fred2028, Nov 25, 2010.

  1. fred2028

    fred2028 Sexy member

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    Hi, how do I open the bottom of the laptop up enough to have access to the CPU? I can only go as far as HDD, wifi card, RAM and battery. I'm trying to go from an i5-450m to an i7-820qm
     
    fred2028, Nov 25, 2010
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  2. JVRR

    JVRR Notebook Evangelist

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    Chances are you cannot upgrade the processor due to other hardware being matched to the dual-core i5 processor.
     
    JVRR, Nov 25, 2010
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  3. fred2028

    fred2028 Sexy member

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    What about to an i7-640M dual core or just a generally more powerful dual-core? Like I have no clue how to access the CPU.
     
    fred2028, Nov 25, 2010
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  4. nikeseven

    nikeseven Notebook Deity

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    Find the service guide for your laptop as you have to take everything apart. If you haven't replaced a cpu before I wouldn't recommend having a brand new laptop be your first to try with.
     
    nikeseven, Nov 26, 2010
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  5. fred2028

    fred2028 Sexy member

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    I've replaced the CPU a lot in my old Dell. Where's the service manual? I've been hunting for it for a while.
     
    fred2028, Nov 26, 2010
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  6. fred2028

    fred2028 Sexy member

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    Found it. Wow, to upgrade the processor you have to basically rip it completely apart.
     
    fred2028, Nov 26, 2010
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  7. JVRR

    JVRR Notebook Evangelist

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    The problem is the motherboards are not likely identical, heatsinks and such are different... the key here is unlike a desktop where you know exactly what motherboard is in there, and what it is capable of... you just cannot with a laptop.

    I think the only way you are going to know for sure is to either just try it, or find someone who has done it before.

    I would bet money it will not be possible. There is a reason when you start customizing a computer and you switch it to i7 it errors that you have to change other hardware to be compatible frequently...
     
    JVRR, Nov 26, 2010
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  8. fred2028

    fred2028 Sexy member

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    The service manual says it can take up to an i7-620M, which I assume also means i7-640M since they are very similar. However, I'm disappointed at how difficult it is to access the CPU. In my old Dell, you just remove the heatsink lol but this one you have to take the entire laptop apart first.
     
    fred2028, Nov 26, 2010
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  9. JVRR

    JVRR Notebook Evangelist

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    Interesting, I just read a thread about upgrading from i3 to i7 and someone found the motherboards were different, there were some additional chips installed on the motherboard for the i7.
     
    JVRR, Nov 27, 2010
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  10. CarlosDeLeon

    CarlosDeLeon Newbie

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    Hi Fred,
    I was wondering if you could share some info on where you found the service manual or even exen explain how you installed the new processor. I just got my dm4 14" and also wanted to upgrade from i5 to i7. Thanks.
     
    CarlosDeLeon, Jan 6, 2011
    #10