Solved! Can the Processor in a Dell Inspiron 3542 be upgraded to an i7 by buying a new motherboard/processor combo?

[Blue712021]

Can I upgrade the motherboard & processor in my Dell Inspiron 15 3542? It currently has a soldered in i5 4210U @ 1.7 GHz. I was looking at where I can get a used(refurbished) i7 4510U processor, but I need a compatible motherboard to go with it, or I need the motherboard with the i7 already assembled.

 

[COLGeek]

You would need to find a compatible motherboard (same laptop series) with the i7 already in place. These systems are not intended to be CPU upgrade-able. Motherboards are not standard like with desktops, further complicating things.

For example: https://www.parts-people.com/index.php?action=item&id=18078

 

[Blue712021]

Wow, that looks like just the hardware I need!

This is another suggestion I was given although the price is prohibitively high.....:
https://www.servers4less.com/motherboards/system/dell-0v28dp
It seems to have a better processor, but wouldn't be worth the extra expense.......

 

[COLGeek]

Wow, that looks like just the hardware I need!

This is another suggestion I was given although the price is prohibitively high.....:
https://www.servers4less.com/motherboards/system/dell-0v28dp
It seems to have a better processor, but wouldn't be worth the extra expense.......

If spending that much, just get a new laptop.