Thinkpads Forum

What is the most powerful Quad Core i7 processor I can upgrade my T520 to? Currently is has the i7 2620M 2.7 Ghz model.

I'm not satisfied with the performance rating of this compared with the 16 GB of memory and the SSD. Seems the processor is the weak link in this power chain.

I do not want to have to reflash the BIOS as I just did this not long ago for the Ultimate N6300 WiFi card.

Can I install a quad core processor without a reflash?

Most powerful 45W CPU is the Core i7-2860QM, and the i7-2920XM for 55W.

No special BIOS is needed, but you better use the W520 170W PSU. I'll also recommend to use the Nvidia heatsink, even if you have an Intel only model.

Thank you for the answers. I did not expect a processor that old to still fetch those prices. I may have to lower my expectations.

Yeah, they're still pricey. I modded one of my T520 with a 2670QM, was the cheapest I could find. You can use if you want the the T520 heatsink, but you need to remove part of the black plastic coating since the die of the quads is bigger. Buying directly a W520 heatsink is better IMO.

Thanks.

Tasurinchi wrote:Most powerful 45W CPU is the Core i7-2860QM, and the i7-2920XM for 55W.

I'm not 100% certain, but I believe that only W520 was offered with an upgraded heatsink capable of handling 55W CPUs. You may want to verify that one way or another before grabbing one of these monsters.

I don't think I want to pay that much for one of these monsters.

I will probably opt for one of the lesser quad-core processors.

ajkula66 wrote:I'm not 100% certain, but I believe that only W520 was offered with an upgraded heatsink capable of handling 55W CPUs

That's correct, only the W520 has a 55W heatsink, while technically an XM CPU could run in a T520, it won't be very cool

MikalE wrote:I will probably opt for one of the lesser quad-core processors

A much better idea IMO. If you don't need to squeeze every MHZ out of a processor, the difference won't be very noticeable I guess...