Replacing laptop CPU

[MaxG123]

I'm looking to replace the CPU in my Asus X54C. It currently has a Celeron B820 (1.7GHz, 2 core, 2 thread). I was wondering if it is possible, which CPU I could use, and how it would affect the thermals of the laptop.

 

[chalky16]

I would say just get a new laptop. That platform most likely has bad upgrade options, and upgrading a laptop is never easy unless you know what you're doing. It will also void the warranty which is obviously not recommended.

 

[delaro]

You shouldn't have a issue going with a i5-2450M, Socket G2 is upgradable.

 

[robert600]

Your current processor is 35 watts. Most folks would say not to exceed this because of heat issues so..

your processor:

Celeron B820 2 / 2 1.7 GHz 2 MB 35W

good replacement?:

Core i5-2540M (PGA) 2 / 4 2.6 GHz 3.3 GHz 3 MB 35W

You can see that 2540m is big improvement over your current processor (2.6 vrs 1.7 GHz ... and it turbos to 3.3). The thing is - does your motherboard support the 2540m ... who knows? The socket is of course the same and .... they both have 'sandy bridge' microarchitecture so my best guess is that chances are good lol.
Looks like $20 would get you one from ebay.

 

[robert600]

If you're feeling adventurous there is a nice quad core for that socket with the same microarchitecture - but it is 45 watt so ... heat and power concerns. But if it worked - how sweet would that be lol.

Core i7-2860QM (PGA) 4 / 8 2.5 GHz 3.6 GHz 8 MB 45W

mmmm ... nothing on ebay for this cpu < $100 at the moment. In my opinion that's too much to risk.

 

[MaxG123]

Update:found an I5-3210m for just under 30€ and a 2540m for 30€. The motherboard is an Asus K54C 1.0. The laptop has also been out of warranty for the past 2 years (24 month retailer's warranty) so no worries about voiding warranty.

 

[MaxG123]

Update:found an I5-3210m for just under 30€ and a 2540m for 30€. The motherboard is an Asus K54C 1.0. The laptop has also been out of warranty for the past 2 years (24 month retailer's warranty) so no worries about voiding warranty.

 

[robert600]

the I5-3210m has 'ivy bridge' microarchitecture - your current processor and the 2540m has 'sandy bridge'. I'm not saying the 3210m won't work but ... it is riskier in terms of compatability and it's not quite as quick. If it were me ... I'd go for the 2540.

 

[robert600]

Just looked at a side by side comparison of the 3210 vrs the 2540. Despite being a wee bit slower ... the 3210 handles graphics a little better ... it's just that compatibility issue.

 

[robert600]

Oh ... and both those processor come in a PGA (pin grid array) and a BGA (ball grid array). You most definitely want PGA - 99% of the time - that is what the processors will be but .... best to check.
The cpu part number of BGA will probably start with AV.... avoid these.

 

[delaro]

Core i5-2540M Is the only upgraded processor that shipped with this unit and the only version that has been confirmed to work by multiply sources whom have asked the same question "Can I upgrade?". Suggesting anything other than a 35W PGA988B risks not having Bios support.

 

[MaxG123]

Yep, probably going to go with the 2540m, but it's gonna have to wait a bit because I'm currently on vacation. Thank you for your responses.