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    upgrading cpu possible for gaming?

    Discussion in 'HP' started by richy.1030, Jun 20, 2011.

  1. richy.1030

    richy.1030 Notebook Enthusiast

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    i have purchased a hp pavilion dv6-3167ca for gaming thinking only a good GPU would improve performance of games. However, i have recently read that the quad core 1.7ghz CPU bottle necks the performance of the ATI Radeon 5650 in the laptop. i am wondering if this is true and if so, would i be able to upgrade the CPU to something that compliments the GPU?
    thanks!

    here are the specs:
    VISION Technology from AMD - Ultimate with 1.70GHz AMD Phenom II Quad-Core Mobile P940 processor; 2MB L2 Cache
    6GB system memory; Expandable to 8GB
    640GB hard drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
    LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD±R/RW with Double Layer Support
    15.6" diagonal High-Definition HP LED Display
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
    ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5650 switchable graphics with 1GB DDR3 with up to 3709MB total graphics memory
    Dolby Advanced Audio with Altec Lansing speakers
    HP TrueVision Webcam with integrated digital microphone
    HP SimplePass with integrated fingerprint reader
    Connectivity options include Gigabit Ethernet LAN and Wireless LAN 802.11b/g/n
    Ports include 4 x USB, HDMI and eSATA
    5-in-1 integrated Digital Media Reader
    101-key compatible with island-style full-size keyboard
    6-Cell 55WHr Lithium-Ion Battery
    Brushed aluminum finish with the stream design in argento
    Dimensions: 1.21"(H)/1.37"(H) x 14.88"(W) x 9.65"(D)
    Weight: 5.46 lb.
     
    richy.1030, Jun 20, 2011
    #1
  2. Beradon

    Beradon Notebook Evangelist

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    The Phenom II P940 is a processor with a 25watt package, unfortunately the next reasonable step up from it has a 35watt TDP, meaning you may run into some cooling issues if you tried to upgrade to it, that, or the fans would run longer/louder.

    Not only that, it seems that many of the quad core phenom IIs are somewhat difficult to find for sale.

    That said, I did look around to see what is available to you should you decide to upgrade and unfortunately the pickings are a bit slim.

    I did however run across a processor that is a few steps up; the Phenom II X4 Quad Edition mobile. It again is a higher TDP (45 watt) so you may run into a cooling problem. It can be found for around $75-80 on ebay and at star micro, so it'd be up to you if you wanted to even try it. It has nearly twice the power rating so it may cause both heat and power problems.

    AMD Phenom II Mobile X920 Black OEM CPU HMX920HIR42GM | eBay
    or
    https://www.starmicroinc.net/produc...ile-X920-Black-Edition-HMX920HIR42GM-OEM-CPU/

    It'd be a shot from the hip to see if it worked for you. I know it is the same socket, but other than that, there's no way to know if it'll work.
     
    Beradon, Jun 20, 2011
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  3. 7words

    7words Notebook Consultant

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    7words, Jun 20, 2011
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  4. richy.1030

    richy.1030 Notebook Enthusiast

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    would the processors in the link above fit in my mobo socket?
    how much of a difference would the temperature be if i went from 25 to 35 watts?
     
    richy.1030, Jun 20, 2011
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  5. richy.1030

    richy.1030 Notebook Enthusiast

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    bump for answers!
     
    richy.1030, Jun 21, 2011
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  6. LLStarks

    LLStarks Notebook Evangelist

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    it's not worth the time, money (it will be expensive), or effort

    your laptop will run hotter and the gains will be minimal

    plus, sandy bridge cpus will still outperform it
     
    LLStarks, Jun 21, 2011
    #6