Upgrading Processor re. Correct Platform/Socket Config

[arracka]

Hello there

I was hoping that someone could confirm something for me (before I fork out a handfull of cash).

I picked up a Dell Inspiron 6400 laptop over a month ago, which I bought with the Intel T2060 Dual Core processor on board. I've subsequently found it to be less than chipper under Vista, which came on the laptop.

I'm seriously considering upgrading the processor to a Core 2 Duo, which was an option I didn't take when I ordered my laptop (dumb I know). I'm looking at something like an Intel T5600. (BTW: I am aware that I'll void my warranty if I do my own upgrade)

I have an Intel i945PM Chipset, on a dell mainboard (Model: 0XD720) and sitting in it is my little Intel T2060, which according to the Intel Data Sheet is 478-pin Micro-FCPGA (http://download.intel.com/design/mobile/datashts/31651901.pdf)

The Intel site describes the Core 2 Duo Chips in their Data Sheet as having two flavours: 478-pin Micro-FCPGA and 479-ball FCBGA (http://download.intel.com/design/mobile/datashts/31407802.pdf).

As my mainboard currently has a T2060 478-pin Micro-FCPGA plugged in, I was hoping that I could buy any processor listed on the Core 2 Duo Intel Processor Finder site (http://processorfinder.intel.com/List.aspx?ProcFam=2643&sSpec=&OrdCode=),
which has the 478 pin configuration, eg. a T5600 (sSpec: SL9SG) processesor OEM code LF80537GF0342M (http://processorfinder.intel.com/details.aspx?sSpec=SL9SG)

Is this correct?

The thing that may ruin my little theory though is if I run PCWizard or CPUZ to get a look at my processor and mainboard without cracking open my case I'm told that the package support is: mPGA-479M!!! This appears to contradict the Intel Data Sheet for the T2060. The Intel Data Sheet for the mPGA-479M (http://download.intel.com/design/mobile/applnots/29852001.pdf) states that its socket has 479 contacts. Does this mean that a processor needs to be a 479 pin or can a 478 pin (which the T2060 should be) processor a such as a T5600 work in it?

This is all a little confusing.

It would be great if there was some big chart somewhere saying 'this mainboard, with this socket and this chipset can support these processors'. If there is one, I've not been able to find it, so I'm hoping that someone on this forum will be king enough to answer what may be a real numpty question :?

I really appreciate your help.

Cheers
Arracka

 

[Viperabyss]

Hello there

I was hoping that someone could confirm something for me (before I fork out a handfull of cash).

I picked up a Dell Inspiron 6400 laptop over a month ago, which I bought with the Intel T2060 Dual Core processor on board. I've subsequently found it to be less than chipper under Vista, which came on the laptop.

I'm seriously considering upgrading the processor to a Core 2 Duo, which was an option I didn't take when I ordered my laptop (dumb I know). I'm looking at something like an Intel T5600. (BTW: I am aware that I'll void my warranty if I do my own upgrade)

I have an Intel i945PM Chipset, on a dell mainboard (Model: 0XD720) and sitting in it is my little Intel T2060, which according to the Intel Data Sheet is 478-pin Micro-FCPGA (http://download.intel.com/design/mobile/datashts/31651901.pdf)

The Intel site describes the Core 2 Duo Chips in their Data Sheet as having two flavours: 478-pin Micro-FCPGA and 479-ball FCBGA (http://download.intel.com/design/mobile/datashts/31407802.pdf).

As my mainboard currently has a T2060 478-pin Micro-FCPGA plugged in, I was hoping that I could buy any processor listed on the Core 2 Duo Intel Processor Finder site (http://processorfinder.intel.com/List.aspx?ProcFam=2643&sSpec=&OrdCode=),
which has the 478 pin configuration, eg. a T5600 (sSpec: SL9SG) processesor OEM code LF80537GF0342M (http://processorfinder.intel.com/details.aspx?sSpec=SL9SG)


Is this correct?

I really appreciate your help.

Cheers
Arracka

personally, i don't think swapping a processor on laptop is as easy as on desktop. but if you have the courage to dissemble most of your laptop's component, remove the heatpipes, and get to the processor, and maybe some soldering, then you can go ahead and switch the processor. also note that swapping a laptop component may void your warranty... so think twice before you do that.

since your MB is 945GM, it does support C2D. you can basically buy any 479 pinned C2D processor and swap it.

 

[1Tanker]

Hello there

I was hoping that someone could confirm something for me (before I fork out a handfull of cash).

I picked up a Dell Inspiron 6400 laptop over a month ago, which I bought with the Intel T2060 Dual Core processor on board. I've subsequently found it to be less than chipper under Vista, which came on the laptop.

I'm seriously considering upgrading the processor to a Core 2 Duo, which was an option I didn't take when I ordered my laptop (dumb I know). I'm looking at something like an Intel T5600. (BTW: I am aware that I'll void my warranty if I do my own upgrade)

I have an Intel i945PM Chipset, on a dell mainboard (Model: 0XD720) and sitting in it is my little Intel T2060, which according to the Intel Data Sheet is 478-pin Micro-FCPGA (http://download.intel.com/design/mobile/datashts/31651901.pdf)

The Intel site describes the Core 2 Duo Chips in their Data Sheet as having two flavours: 478-pin Micro-FCPGA and 479-ball FCBGA (http://download.intel.com/design/mobile/datashts/31407802.pdf).

As my mainboard currently has a T2060 478-pin Micro-FCPGA plugged in, I was hoping that I could buy any processor listed on the Core 2 Duo Intel Processor Finder site (http://processorfinder.intel.com/List.aspx?ProcFam=2643&sSpec=&OrdCode=),
which has the 478 pin configuration, eg. a T5600 (sSpec: SL9SG) processesor OEM code LF80537GF0342M (http://processorfinder.intel.com/details.aspx?sSpec=SL9SG)


Is this correct?

I really appreciate your help.

Cheers
Arracka

Before you go blaming the CPU, how much RAM is your laptop sporting? 1GB is pretty-much minimum(equivalent to 512MB on XP), and 2GB is highly recommended(equivalent to 1GB on XP) with VISTA. Also, you might want to check your start-up folder for unnecessary apps starting with Windows, and disable unnecessary services. VISTA uses a crazy amount of RAM at idle, and disabling unneeded crap can seriously free up a lot of resources. GL

 

[Viperabyss]

Before you go blaming the CPU, how much RAM is your laptop sporting? 1GB is pretty-much minimum(equivalent to 512MB on XP), and 2GB is highly recommended(equivalent to 1GB on XP) with VISTA. Also, you might want to check your start-up folder for unnecessary apps starting with Windows, and disable unnecessary services. VISTA uses a crazy amount of RAM at idle, and disabling unneeded crap can seriously free up a lot of resources. GL

good one.. haven't thought of that
i'm using Vista right now... and it already ate 1019 Mb of my 2G RAM... 8O
even though i've intalled Vista on a computer with 1Gb of memory, i don't know how it performs with other programs running...

 

[arracka]

Hi there

Thanks for your prompt replies and I agree that memory is also an issue. I am running 1GB and that is also something I will unpgrade, but that is the easy part.

It's the upgrade to a 479 pin or 478 pin processor that is worrying me. I'm almost convinced that I could buy a 478 pin Core 2 Duo processor, but I'm still worried about my socket being spec'ed (see data sheet link above) with 479 contacts, when my current T2060 processor being spec'ed with 478 pins (again see link in my previous post).

It's more a case of having the options open rather than me charging out and buying one at this point.

Thanks in advance.

Arracka

 

[mpjesse]

Speaking from specific experience with Dell laptops and Core Duo/C2D processors, you cannot simply remove a CPU and put in a different model, even though the fcuking motherboard & socket is compatible. I've already tried.

It's retarded but true. Dell locks down the BIOS so that you cannot proceed past post with a different model processor. What's frustrating is that the computer actually works with a different model, which means the fcuking processor WORKS with that motherboard. But it's the BIOS that stops you.

But do not fret, like someone said earlier, you'd be better off with more RAM anyways. ;-)

 

[arracka]

Thanks for sharing your experience on this.

I was hoping I wouldn't here something like that. On the Dell forums people reckoned the latest Dell Bios (A13) would be alright. Oh well.

That's said, I will up my RAM as it would be the logical and easiest starting point.

Thanks all.

Cheers
Arracka

 

[ajfink]

Oftentimes OEMs DO update the BIOS to support new processors. I know my laptop that came with a Core Duo can be upgrade to C2D with just a BIOS update.

 

[arracka]

I just wish it was simple to work out what processor would be compatible though.

If my mainboard has an T2060 in it now, then it should support a 478 pin processor.

Therefore, I should be able to buy a Core 2 Duo with 478 pins and (BIOS willing) it should work.

Is there an easy answer for this?

Cheers
Arracka

 

[mpjesse]

Oftentimes OEMs DO update the BIOS to support new processors. I know my laptop that came with a Core Duo can be upgrade to C2D with just a BIOS update.

This has not been my experience with Dell. And now Alienware...

 

[levent]

hi guys! i'm also thinking to change my processor. i've inspiron 6400. i couldn't make a decision, T7200 or T7300 or T7400 or T7600??? because some of the c2d cpus FSB is 800Mhz. which FSB is good for inspiron 6400? and Ram must suit to cpus FSB? and Ram can be more than 2gb?
best regards...
m.levent

 

[levent]

don't anyone reply?

 

[darkschneider71]

you will need to figure out which chipset you are running. Go to intel.com and find your chipset. Once you figure out your chipset if you scroll down it will tell you which CPU's are compatible with your laptops chipset. I changed mine about two months ago and you can definitely tell a difference. I have a dell 1505 and it cam with a T2080 and I upgrade to a T5500 and it would take vista about 5 minutes to shut down even with 2gig of memory, I switched cpus and now it takes like 20 to 30 sec to shut down. I didnt even have to reinstall VISTA which was a plus!!!

 

[BadTrip]

no one is replying because this thread is over 2 years old. Start a new one.