Is it possible to use a Laptop processor as Desktop processor?

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Alberto2020

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This question did not seem to be completely answered and fully discussed yet was closed for some reason. (just because it is slightly old?)

Some said it was not possible. One poster kounknown May 31, 2011 4:35:05 PM said it was possible. Is it possible to put a MOBILE processor, for example the Intel T9900 with the same socket architecture PGA478 into a desktop, and why not?
Answering Anonymous' questions on January 17, 2013 10:02:24 PM
1. Yes neither processors are soldered and are easy to take off.
2. Yes the sockets match.
3. The voltages are not the same but close. The newer mobile processor uses 35watts and 1.050V-1.2125V and the older is 54.3 watts and 1.360V-1.435V

I would prefer those saying "just buy a new system", or "desktop processors are faster so why would you" (in this case the fastest PGA478 is a mobile) refrain from answering.

If desktops have more power available, and have better cooling what would be the limiting factor of putting a mobile processor into a desktop? I've dismantled, successfully repaired and successfully upgraded (and vastly improved eg. passmark from 5900 to 7025) laptops before and saved hundreds. I just feel like doing this with a desktop. Just doing this for fun. System is disposable.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/298102-28-laptop-processor-desktop-processor


 
Solution
k1114
There are multiple sockets with 478 pins but they are not the same pin out and not compatible with each other. There is no way for them to work on each other.

Intel may list pga 478 on them all but you will find different names when you dig deeper: socket 478 (478B, the only one with both desktop and mobile cpus), socket m (478mt, mobile only), socket p (478mn, mobile only).

The thread you linked to was socket p. The t9900 you listed is also socket p and only works in socket p. The cpu will fit in 478 but they are not the same pin out.
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Ecky

Ecky

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Feb 3, 2013
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Two issues:

1) BIOS support. I'm uncertain if the CPU would be recognized even if it has the same architecture. There would be no reason for Intel to put mobile CPU microcode in desktop motherboard BIOS, though this may be something you can fix.

2) IHS - desktop CPUs have a heatspreader, mobile CPUs do not. This will be a problem with most heatsinks you'd find - they won't sit on the die without a shim.
 
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synphul

synphul

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Mar 11, 2011
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Yes I closed that thread. Slightly old? That thread was nearly 6yrs old from the time the original poster asked the question and the time I closed it. People have obtained law degrees in less time. Now that particular thread is being referenced 6mo after I closed it.

As Ecky pointed out, the bios may not support the mobile cpu. I'm not sure it would work anyway, the t9900 is a mobile core 2 cpu and likely fits the socket P which is a 478 pin socket but is not the same thing as a desktop pga 478. The pga 478 (desktops) supported the p4's and celerons like the northwood, celeron D (prescott), p4 extreme edition. Not the t9900, that used the mpga 478 or socket P and supported the mobile core 2 duo, mobile core 2 quads, pentium dual cores and celeron M.

You're welcome to try it yourself but based on that info I'd say the answer to this ancient question seems to be - no. If just doing it for fun, do it and have fun. Doubt it will be a success though.
 
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k1114

k1114

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May 2, 2010
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There are multiple sockets with 478 pins but they are not the same pin out and not compatible with each other. There is no way for them to work on each other.

Intel may list pga 478 on them all but you will find different names when you dig deeper: socket 478 (478B, the only one with both desktop and mobile cpus), socket m (478mt, mobile only), socket p (478mn, mobile only).

The thread you linked to was socket p. The t9900 you listed is also socket p and only works in socket p. The cpu will fit in 478 but they are not the same pin out.
 
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Solution
BFG-9000

BFG-9000

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Sep 17, 2016
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Socket 478, Socket M and Socket P are all 478 pins but electrically incompatible. They moved one pin on Socket M so you couldn't insert a Socket 478 processor, and then unbelievably moved it back on Socket P which did prevent installing a Socket M processor but let you put in a Socket 478 one.

Perhaps they could get a really good price on those sockets or something.
 
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RealBeast

RealBeast

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Sep 13, 2010
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While I would not do it because you can do far better and cheaper, but there is no reason that you cannot build a desktop machine using a mobile processor if you are willing to buy the laptop (as buying the individual parts is likely more expensive).

I recently bought a Dell outlet store refurbished Precision M6800, then upgraded the CPU, GPU, memory, storage, and a few other upgrades far cheaper than I could have bought the completed unit. It would work quite well in a more open case with better cooling, since laptop cooling sucks. So this experience tells me that I could build a desktop or SFF with used or refurbished parts fairly cheap.

Some of the parts that I bought were new, but were from EBay sources out of China at very low prices, example: a lighted KB to replace the non lighted version for $26 new no tax or shipping.

But as you have been advised, don't try to mix desktop and laptop parts without determining that they are actually fully compatible.
 
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