Laptop CPU Upgrade

[B3astiie]

I have recently upgraded my Toshiba Sattelite L645D from a AMD Turion Dual Core 2.3 to a AMD Turion 2.6. It was successful and it works fine. However I found that my socket is also compatible with a AMD Phenom II Quad-Core 2.4GHZ.

Would this be better for gaming?
Also, it is a 20 watt increase would this be safe?
Should I upgrade my fan as well?

 

[ICIT2LOL]

B3 first mate you need to ascertain if the CPU will really be supported as I am running short of time have a look at this http://support.toshiba.com/support/staticContentDetail?contentId=2926768&isFromTOCLink=false
the power usage is this for the one you have
http://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/K10/AMD-Turion%20II%20Dual-Core%20Mobile%20N550%20-%20TMN550DCR23GM.html

for the Phenom we need to know what the model is as I cannot find it on a search in CPU world only here http://products.amd.com/en-us/DesktopCPUDetail.aspx?id=714&f1=&f2=&f3=&f4=&f5=&f6=&f7=&f8=&f9=&f10=&f11=&f12=
Now the CPU worlds quotes the wattage at 35 watts for the Turion and AMD quote 125 watts for the Phenom the Turion is quite an older model if I am not badly mistaken and I think you may be pushing the power supply and the cooling system a bit much - not to mention the board, because that is some leap in power requirements especially in a laptop.

 

[B3astiie]

Okay I'll check out the link you gave me

Also this is where I got the specs for the processor I would like to trade for:

Socket S1 (S1g4)

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Well they look ok to me from a power usage perspective.
I think personally from a laptop point of view you need to be very aware of the very enclosed space the components are in, and the limited cooling capacities of these machines.

I suppose the only way you are going to find out if the CPU is going to be ok - is to try it and just to keep a check on the temp of the CPU. I think also that is especially pertinent when you are gaming which stresses just about everything.

My own Toshiba here has a 35 watt i5 Intel and the Tunjction is rated at 105C - my temps are generally around the 40C mark just surfing - on a scan it may rise to 55C - 60C which is a temp I don't like exceeding personally.

I hope it does ok for you and let us know how it goes.

Just in finishing I would check out the socket compatibility just to make sure because the Turion came out in 2009 and the Phenom I think you are looking at in 2011. I am not doubting what you first posted but I just want you to be absolutely sure.

 

[B3astiie]

Okay, I just ordered the part. If it goes well I'll be sure to follow up. If I don't reply it mean my laptop blew up and I failed lol.

Thanks guys, love this forum.

 

[B3astiie]

Alright guys, so I installed my upgrade from a 2.3 to a 2.6 ghz processor and the result is....

After hours of game play my cpu temperature stayed between 65-74 Celsius. This could be also due to the fact I used a really thin layer of Artic Silver 5 but still a good result.

At rest its between 49 and 55 Celsuis. Not too bad I suppose.

So it works fine, system recognized it and installed the driver right away.

But now I have a question. My integrated graphics only has 250mb of dedicated memory. Does anyone know where or if there is a board from another version of my laptop that I can install that has at least 512mb?

Also it says I have a PCI Standard Express Root Port. Doesn't that mean I can add modern graphics?

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Now the thermal compound does not have to be thick it is purely there to fill in the microscopic "holes" and grind marks for want of a better description in the top of the CPU and the cooler plate.
It is purely there to get the highest possible passage of heat away from the CPU.

Some have tried "lapping" which means getting surfaces to be like a mirror by fine grinding and buffing but I think you would still find crevices and "trenches" in those two surfaces under high magnification.

Don't make the mistake of putting a great deal on as that will or can overflow onto the board and surrounds and in worst case scenarios into the CPU and socket space and the you will be in trouble.

 

[B3astiie]

Thanks for the tip IC. I've been running with the upgrade from a 2.3 to 2.6 ghz processor for about two weeks now. It runs smooth.

However, I am thinking about upgrading to a 3.2ghz Dual Core or maybe a quad-core 2.4 ghz. Which one would be better for gaming, Day Z in particular.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

I think you will be fine B I don't know the game mate as I don't game but the specs of the Phenom are in sync with the Turion insomuch as pin configuration and more importantly the power usage - 35 watts for bot. If you take a look at these links side by side (two tabs the nearest I could get to the Phenom you first mentioned) then you will see the only real differences are the speeds and core numbers for each one. My only advice would be to be aware of temps when you run the Phenom even thought the power usage is the same - I am not sure but using four cores may give the graphics a bit of a work out.
AMD Turion II Dual-Core Mobile N550 - TMN550DCR23GM

AMD Phenom II Quad-Core Mobile N970 - HMN970DCR42GM