CPU upgrade sager np5793

Hello, I have a sager np5793 running Core 2 Duo T8100 at 2.10 GHz. I use this computer for gaming as well as a lot of image editing and such. I didn't have too much of a problem with most games, but have notice it start to chug with newer games. More importantly, trying to work in Flash really brings the PC to a crawl at times.

I'm wondering if upgrading the CPU will do much to alleviate this? I feel like the CPU is definitely the limiting factor at the moment--4 GB RAM and nVidia GeForce 9800M GTS (512 mb dedicated memory).

How involved would replacing the CPU be and what would you recommend replacing it with if it would be worthwhile. Links would be helpful--am trying to figure out how much this would cost me.

Thanks,
-R

 

Get either a T9300 or T9500.

You could aslo overclock your FSB.
I can get my T8100 to 2.7ghz.

 

Why not the X9000 OC to 3.2 GHz in bios!?

 

If I were to upgrade, what work would it involve? I haven't really tinkered at all with hardware and am not sure how difficult this would be.

 

You will need five minutes of your time and a size 0 crosshead (Phillips head) and 4mm flathead screwdriver to remove the backpanel, remove the CPU heatsink, swap the CPU, clean the heatsink, apply new thermal paste, remount heatsink, remount backpanel, and press power button.

 

As SS says, it's very easy. Service manual in my sig.

 

It's more like 60-90 minutes if it's the first time you're doing it. And add another hour of googling/youtubing if you've never applied/cleaned off thermal paste before. Make sure you know how to clean/apply it before you do it.

 

Thanks,

Seems pretty straightforward--I wasn't sure if there was anything on the software end that I would have to do in upgrading.

Is there a certain family of Intel processors I should be looking at? I'm assuming I can't just throw anything in there. Any links to good choices would be great. At this point I'm finding it hard to sift through all the information about what is differentiating the different versions of CPU's as straight Clock Speed doesn't always seem to be indicative of better a better processor.

 

You need a socket P 800MHz FSB CPU.

Here are your choices of regular CPUs (highlight Socket P and FSB 800MHz)

Here are your choices of extreme CPUs (highlight FSB 800MHz)

So the only ones better than your T8100 are the T8300, T9300, T9500, X7800, X7900 and X9000.

The X9000 is the best but it's very expensive. Your best options are probably the T9500 or X7900 for < 300$. The T9500 has more cache (6mb vs 4mb) and runs cooler (35W vs 44W) than the X7900.