I am using a Dell inspiron 6400 Laptop, which is currently using a Core Duo 1.6Ghz 479 socket. My understanding is Core 2 Duo is backwards compatible with Laptops using older Core duos usually only needing a bios update. My manual states that I am using a 945GM or 945 PM chipset.
Here's were I am puzzled because the first generation on Core 2 Duo's mobile used a 667 Front bus, but the newer models have a 800Mhz Front Bus like the T7300. The 800Mhz front bus models seem cheaper, but I don't want to purchase if it is incompatible? I would be grateful if anyone could shed any light because I'm confused

Thankyou
Regards

I might doubt that its compatible.
You are using a Napa platform, while the T7300 uses a Santa Rosa platform.

Not sure if that does affect compatibility but Im sure that you definitely should contact Dell about this.

Dont quote me on this, because im not sure, but I do not believe that it would work with just a bios update because the new 800mhz meroms are listed as socket P and the older ones...such as the one I am on are listed as socket M! Now once again im not sure...but I do not believe that it will work...hopefully someone else can shed some light on it.

Best,

3Ball

The original 533/667 MHz Socket M Core 2 Duos are backwards-compatible with most Core Duo 945GM/945PM chipsets if the computer's BIOS recognizes the Core 2 Duos. The new 800 MHz FSB Core 2 Duos like the T7300 use a new socket (Socket P) that is not compatible with the older Socket M motherboards like your computer has.

Also, there are some Core 2 Duos that are not socketed- they are soldered to the motherboard in a 479-ball ball-grid-array. You'll not be able to replace the chip if that's the case as desoldering the CPU will require a very expensive vacuum desoldering rig. And then replacing the CPU will require another expensive soldering BGA rig. To add insult to injury, there will be generally be no BIOS update for newer CPUs as the CPU is actually part of the motherboard and not interchangeable with any other. A new motherboard would generally be sourced for new CPUs, if not an entirely new model, such as Dell's Latitude D420 (Core Duo ULV) to the D 430 (Core 2 Duo ULV), even though use the same 945GMS chipset.

Most of the T series units are socketed, but a few are not. Most of the

Thank you for all the advice given in this thread

It really gets me frustrated when processor manufacturers change the socket types, but I guess there's a good reason for it.