processor update

Hi all:
I have been toying with the idea of upgrading the processor in my laptop(see signature) with either a T7300(SLA45) or a T8100(SLAP9) both socket P. It appears that either one will work in my laptop with a 41W1484 motherboard, integrated graphics and latest BIOS(2.10-1.08). I only really use this laptop for internet, email, some basic spreadsheets and burning CD/DVD's here and there. Battery life is important to me and I know the T8100(45nm) will improve battery life a bit(does anyone have any idea by how much?). The T7300 has a larger cache (4MB vs 3MB) so it's probably a bit faster. Please note that I am going from 667 FSB to 800 FSB will I have any issues with my memory(PC5300)? I can get the T7300 on ebay for for ~$150 or the T8100 from Newegg for $229. Is it worth upgrading and should I go with the T7300 or the T8100?
Thanks for your time.

Update OK I did the CPU swap see attached

 

I think upgrading the CPU is possible, but not very practical. I think it is quite difficult and messy, from what I have read. Also why not get a larger battery?

 

I went over the manual and it does not seem all that difficult to change the CPU. What I would like to know is if someone has done this before and whether or not it's worth the effort in terms of performance gain.
Thanks.

 

In my opinion it is not worth the effort or cost.

 

well it you can do it but it will be hard. you are going to have to get thermal cream properly install the processor your laptop would get messed up.

you know something it is worth the try

 

I tend to agree with the previous comments (it's not worth it for your uses) but OTOH, you might just like to fiddle with things, and that can be a noble pursuit.

I have a 14.1" R61 with a T8100 and my machine came with 2GB of PC5300 RAM so I would assume that you won't have any memory trouble. But to put it in perspective my entire machine (14.1" widewscreen R61, T8100, 2GB Ram, 80MB hard drive, 6-cell battery, DVD burner, WinXP, 2yr depot warranty, media card reader and other stuff I forgot) cost $830 delivered last month, so $229 for just the T8100 processor seems expensive to me.

 

Applying thermal grease to the CPU/chipset will be the easy part as I have assembled several desktop systems in the past. I am more concerned with whether or not it's worth the effort.
Thanks

 

I just ordered a T7300(2.0G/800FSB/4MB) on ebay. I am keeping my fingers crossed that there will be no problems with it. I will post back after the update.

 

Also remember you may void your warranty or if you have a warranty issue you may have to swap out the processor again.
I have done several in the past and they are easy, just take your time taking the notebook apart.
Apply the thermal paste (use arctic silver if you doing this) and assemble the notebook.
Depending how old you machine is this is a good time to clean out the CPU fan as well.

 

Well the processor (T7300) finally came today and I went ahead with the upgrade. It took ~2hours, but I must tell you that the manual(downloaded from Lenovo) is inaccurate in a couple of places. No big deal a little bit of common sense and some patience and it all worked like a charm. I took a few pictures during the process and I may post them here later. Thanks to all that responded with their opinion/advise.
Steve

 

Yes, please post the pics when you have a chance...

BTW, did you notice the improvement in performance that you were after?

 

Here is a quick guide I put together. I hope it helps.

 

Hey steve! thanks for the great guide. I am in almost the exact same position as you. I have a 5250 in my r61i that i am looking to upgrade to a 7500 soon. I was wondering what kind of thermal compound you used. I use Arctic silver 5 on my desktops, is it the same for the notebook or did you use something else? I have a copy of the review saved and ready to go when I get my new CPU, thanks again!

 

Arctic Silver is just fine. I am sure you know that you need only a very thin layer and make sure you wigle the heatsink a bit before you tighten it to insure good contact.
Also make sure to check the socket type you have in your laptop. In mine it was socket P. Any way good luck with the upgrade.
Steve.

P.S. The built quality of these laptops is outstanding as I found out once I opened it up. Now I understand why people swear by them.

 

Good to hear! I'm trying to decide which CPU to go with, 7700/7500/7300. I don't do a lot of intensive programs but the 7500 seems to offer a good price/performance ratio.

I agree the Thinkpads are mini tanks!

 

Hi!
I have r61i with Core 2 Duo T5250 (1.50 GHz) 2 MB, FSB 667 MHz. Can I buy T7500? Its 800Mhz FSB, right? Can I put proc with FSB 800Mhz? It will work?
Thanks for answer.

 

Here's an excellent thread on CPU compatibility:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=209284

 

You should have no problem with the T7500 as long as you get the right socket type. You should have a socket P like I had. Look here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Intel_Core_2_microprocessors
Good luck.
Steve