Replacing the CPU (x201i)

Does anyone have any experience with ThinkPad CPU replacements? Is it possible / supported? Looking at the support training videos, I would rather not do it myself, but does Lenovo offer such service or do some computer repair shops perhaps offer such service?

Another question is, how much difference do you think there is between the x201 and x201i - is it purely the CPU, or do some other internals components, heatsinks, etc also differ? What I am after: can you replace the CPU with a faster/more advanced model, assuming the TDP is the same?

Another not completely unrelated question - which is the "better" upgrade - replace CPU with faster/better model OR replace HDD with SSD?

Thanks!

 

In the X-series, all the CPUs are soldered onto the mainboard, so there's no [simple] way to replace the CPU.

The only difference between the X201i and the X201 is that the i model has an i3 CPU whereas the normal model has either an i5 or i7.

Besides, for general performance gains, an SSD replacement would offer much more noticeable results than a CPU replacement. The CPU is rarely the bottleneck in general computer usage anymore.

 

CPU is soldered to the motherboard so supposedly unless youre skilled with soldering its impossible to replace CPU.
edit. Too slow

 

Ouch, too bad

Even if I were skilled with soldering I would not try my skills at a CPU, that thing has a huge number of (very small sized) legs: I assume they would all have to be soldered individually, etc. Quite a challenge

 

A side question, is it possible to replace the CPU in a T410?

 

According to the T410 Service Videos it can be removed.

Look under FRU Removals/Replacements. The video goes by the name Heatsink/CPU.

 

You can replace the CPU if you replace the motherboard, but it's in my opinion almost never worth the cost, effort or your warranty, which will surely be voided in the process. The only situation where it makes any sense is if you're using the CPU at or near capacity frequently and even then it's marginal. If you're looking for a performance bump a quality SSD is a better path to it.

 

In that case, it may be a better decision to resell the notebook with the warranty intact and buy a new one with a more powerful CPU.

Yes, it is. The T410 uses a standard socket system compatible with any of the other current Core i_ processors.

 

Thanks.