Are these CPU upgrades compatible?

[JHann1]

I want to upgrade an i5-2450M to a quad core CPU. I'm confused about sockets though. Are any of these models compatible?

https://ark.intel.com/products/50067/Intel-Core-i7-2720QM-Processor-6M-Cache-up-to-3_30-GHz Intel® Core™ i7-2720QM Processor (6M Cache, up to 3.30 GHz) Product Specifications

https://ark.intel.com/products/53474/Intel-Core-i7-2760QM-Processor-6M-Cache-up-to-3_50-GHz Intel® Core™ i7-2760QM Processor (6M Cache, up to 3.50 GHz) Product Specifications

https://ark.intel.com/products/53469/Intel-Core-i7-2670QM-Processor-6M-Cache-up-to-3_10-GHz Intel® Core™ i7-2670QM Processor (6M Cache, up to 3.10 GHz) Product Specifications

[AlHill · Accepted solution]

Well, it is not just the socket that you need to worry about.

Here is the comparision of all four processors: https://ark.intel.com/compare/53452,53469,53474,50067 Intel® Product Specification Comparison

Look at "Package Specifications, Sockets supported".

There you will see that some use different sockets. More importantly, some are "BGA" sockets, which means the processor is soldered to the motherboard, and cannot be replaced.

So, the big question here is "Is your processor soldered to the motherboard"?

If it is, you can stop now and do not pass go.

If it is not, you still have a lot of work to do.

Assuming you can remove your processor, you will need to contact the manufacturer of your machine (Laptop, I am guessing) and ask them what processors are compatible WITH THEIR BIOS.

An upgrade processor must be socket, BIOS, and chipset compatible.

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/processors/000005682.html Intel® Desktop Processor Upgrade Information

Let's further assume you can upgrade your processor. I noticed that all four of these processors support Intel HD Grpahics 3000. If you goal is to run Windows 10, none of these graphics are supported.

If your goal is a bit more performance, it is (in my opinion) not worth the time, effort, and cost.

Best to purchase a new machine.

Doc

[JHann1]

Thanks for all the info! Upgrading from a dual core to quad core for $40 is a lot cheaper than buying a new computer. It's already on Window 10, but it's got a discrete GPU. I'll make sure that it's not soldered on first, and that one of them is compatible with the BIOS.

PS: Can't believe someone gave me a 1 star rating just for asking a question.

[AlHill]

Good that you have a discrete GPU. Just make sure it is supported on Windows 10.

None of those Sandy Bridge processors are supported on Windows 10:

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/processors/000006105.html Intel® Processor Support for Microsoft Windows® 10

You will probably be OK until Microsoft decides differently.

If you can upgrade, just make sure any minimum bios is installed BEFORE you swap processors.

Good luck with the upgrade.

Doc

[JHann1]

I talked to HP and they said the i7-2670QM was compatible. I checked CPU-Z and it said the socket on the laptop was 988B rPGA. Is that a removable one? Here's more info if it's helpful:

[AlHill]

If you can open the machine and gain access to the processor, you should be able to replace it.

You may want to view: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/processors/000005576.html How to Apply Thermal Interface Material (TIM)

Doc

[JHann1]

Thank you. I do know how to replace TIM. I'm a computer technician, but replacing CPU's in a laptop is one thing I haven't done before. I'm not familiar with the sockets outside of desktop CPU's.

I won't have physical access to the laptop for a month, or I'd just open it up now and look. I'm going to Wisconsin and I'll be doing some work as a favor while I'm there. I want to do as much preparation before hand, though. I don't want to get there and find out the CPU was soldered on.

[AlHill]

Also, as I mentioned, make sure you have the BIOS updated to support the new processor before you upgrade, if necessary.

Doc

[LDelV1]

How did the upgrade go? I want to upgrade exactly to the same chip. Any tips that you can give me?