dv5t processor upgrade success?

Hello,

I think I have finally found my next laptop which is the dv5t, but I am currently low on funds so I was wondering if it would be possible to get the lowest processor configuration and then purchase a Penryn chip in the future.

According to the Compatibility thread they are the same socket, and HP offers the processors in the configuration page. So theoretically it should work, but I wanted to see if there have been any people that have actually done this.

I have searched the threads but I was not able to find anything except "yes its possible but don't do it," which I think is an inadequate answer. The upgrade option from the Dual Core T3200 to the Penryn P8400 is $200 (plus the additional tax it would incur) while the chip can be purchased at a reputable retailer for $219. So even though it's 19 dollars more, I would be able to resell the Dual Core chip when I am through with it thereby generating some more cash. Another option is the Dual Core to T9400 which actually comes out cheaper if the upgrade is done yourself with a savings of $60 (not including savings on tax).

Regarding warranty, I don't really care much. I will not be upgrading my warranty, and I have found that if a computer is to fail it will do so early on in the game or very late (after the warranty has expired).

I'm assuming HP will provide all configurations with the same heatsink since they all have a similar TDPs.

Your thoughts?

 

Its not worth it if your upgrading from something like a P8400 to a P8600 because you wont notice the performance increase.

The Dual Core T3200 is a Merom core which runs on the slower 65nm process. It also only has 1mb of L2 cache. Download CPU-z and make sure you have a GM/PM45 chipset or else the P series wont work.

It is a pain changing CPU's on HP's. You have to pull the whole thing apart unlike Dells where there is just a compartment you remove.

 

The dv4t with integrated graphics (the one I would choose) must have the G45 chipset since it has the 4500MHD IGP. I don't have a dv4t to run CPU-Z on since this is a prospective buy, but I'm sure that it's the same chipset.

I know that changing CPUs is generally a chore but I find that dismantling computers and looking at their insides is a pleasure. I have upgraded from a 1.6 Banias to 1.7 Dothan in my ZT3000 so I know that it's possible. Usually though the upgrade prices are cheaper than buying a retail mobile CPU!