Mobile CPU upgrade

October 30, 2012 2:08:57 AM

I have the Dell Studio XPS 1645 notebook. It comes with processors (first-gen mobile) i7 720QM through i7 920XM.

Motherboard has the PM55 Express Chipset.
Knowing the socket (PGA988), and voltage/power requirements, how can I determine what processor I am upgradeable to?

at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_Core_i7#Core_i7
it shows that I can upgrade to the third generation, at least technically.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_Core_i7#Core_i7 shows:
(my chip)
Clarksfield, Core i7-720QM, 4 Core, 6 MB L3 cache, rPGA-988A socket, 45Watts TDP, 45nm Process, DMI, PCI-e, 2* DDR3 Busses, (Sep 2009 release date)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_Core_i7#Core_i7_2 shows:
(newest chip)
Ivy Bridge, Core i73990QM, 4 core, 8MB L3 cache, rPGA-988B socket, 45Watts TDP, 22nm Process, Direct Media/Integrated GPU, (April 2012 release date)

988B and A are supposed to be interchangeable.

I have the i7 720. Can I move past this generation?

More about : mobile cpu upgrade

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iyzik

October 31, 2012 4:39:22 PM

You can't upgrade CPUs on notebooks/laptops/ultrabooks. They are soldered into the MoBo. You can only upgrade CPUs on desktops.

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mbalensiefer

October 31, 2012 4:50:50 PM

Hi, I can definitely take out my CPU. I cannot, however, remove or replace my GPU. The GPU has some sort of glue on it.

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jaguarskx

CPUs Master

October 31, 2012 5:22:40 PM

You will not be able to upgrade to a 2nd or 3rd generation CPU. Assuming all three generations uses the same socket, the BIOS will not recognize the newer CPU. If the BIOS cannot recognize the CPU, then the laptop is effectively dead. Dell would need to release a BIOS that would allow the laptop to use newer gen CPUs. It is not in Dell's or any other laptop manufacturer best interest to let you upgrade the CPU beyond a certain point. They much prefer that you buy a new laptop.

The best CPU you can install is basically the most powerful that was offered for that specific laptop model. If the i7 920XM was never offered as a CPU option for your laptop, then it is possible that the BIOS will not recognize it.

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mbalensiefer

October 31, 2012 5:46:08 PM

Thank you very much.

I can purchase the 920 XM for an approximate 28% upgrade in overall speed for about $300.00. I am wondering if this is worth it.

Out of curiosity, with a pieced-together system, where does one get the BIOS from? The motherboard manufacturer, correct?

Could a programmer disassemble current BIOS, and reprogram it, permitting a better CPU?

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jaguarskx

CPUs Master

October 31, 2012 5:55:22 PM

You get the BIOS from Dell.

I suppose if you know what you are doing you can modify an existing BIOS. Easier said than done though and a bad BIOS can complete brick your laptop meaning it cannot be deleted or replaced.

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