Solved CPU replacement on a laptop

[edgil1985]

I got my problem identified as a bad CPU on my laptop but couldn't get help on how easy of a fix it will be. So I was suggested to start a thread here. I have never replaced the CPU on a laptop so I need to know what information somebody that can help will need to push me further on in my quest.

 

[jimbo45]

Hi there
While some things on a laptop are usually pretty easy to change -- for example swapping the HDD for an SSD , changing the keyboard (tricky but usually do-able) or adding more RAM - or even on an OLDER laptop changing the DVD device, I'd really leave this operation to a local repairer -- look in your equivalent of the ONLINE "Yellow pages" for these sorts of trades people. You would probably need to remove the motherboard which is a fairly NON TRIVIAL task on most laptops.

I've opened enough computers in my time -- and I've learned when to leave well alone - you might also need some specialized tools for this job too.

Note also just swapping the CPU for a faster one won't necessarily bring better results. Things like Internal Bus speed will limit the improvement - so just replacing an i5 with an i7 won't necessarily give you what you expect (apart from more heat and higher power consumption. - On almost ANY conceiveable laptop from a Netbook upwards the BEST performance you can get --always assuming there is sufficient RAM in the computer is to fit an SSD. !!)

Cheers
jimbo

 

[edgil1985]

What I am looking for is to get this one fixed and sell it. I am more of an Intel man and this is an AMD. As far as laptop repair I have replaced a keyboard before in a different laptop. I'm really just wanting to know if it is something I can do realistically or is only possible with professional help.

 

[edgil1985]

Another concern I have is can I upgrade the processor or just replace with the same version all ready installed?

 

[Mellon Head]

What I am looking for is to get this one fixed and sell it. I am more of an Intel man and this is an AMD. As far as laptop repair I have replaced a keyboard before in a different laptop. I'm really just wanting to know if it is something I can do realistically or is only possible with professional help.

It's best left to a professional. Getting down to repair on that level on a laptop is very tricky, and it's easy to screw things up and make the laptop unusable.

Another concern I have is can I upgrade the processor or just replace with the same version all ready installed?

Being that most laptops have the CPU encoded into BIOS, it may not run right with an upgraded processor. Some manufacturers allow you to use one kind of processor, and one kind only. It's probably best if you just replace it with the same model of CPU. If you're going to sell the laptop, why go to the extra expense of an upgrade that may not work?

 

[edgil1985]

Where's the best place to look for a factory laptop CPU? I know of Tigerdirect and Newegg but I don't think they sell what I need.

 

[badger906]

Laptop CPUs arent that taxing to replace if youve got good general tinkering skills. My first place to look would be ebay, see if someones breaking or splitting a laptop the same as yours, and or selling one for spares or repairs with a fault other than the cpu.

 

[edgil1985]

I found many different auctions on eBay with my processor type. I'm just not sure when I do buy one off of there if it will be right with what little info is given on the auction.

 

[matts6887]

I found many different auctions on eBay with my processor type. I'm just not sure when I do buy one off of there if it will be right with what little info is given on the auction.

I would be very careful when considering getting something off ebay; as while they may describe something that looks exactly like what you need; in the end you could end up getting it and it may not be what you were looking for. Unfortunately for me; trust me when i say been there done that; cause i have and i learned the hard way.

 

[edgil1985]

I replace the processor in my laptop and everything is back to normal. Thanks for everybodys help.