a31p CPU upgrade

[iv76erson03]

I did a quick search and didn't see this so hopefully this isn't a repost. I'm fairly confident I'm correct in assuming the only CPUs I can put in a a31p are P4-m with the northwood core. see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_In ... processors (about 3/4 of the way down the page). Is this correct?

My second question has to do with heat. Assuming the wiki chart is correct, the 2.2 through the 2.6 all have same Thermal rating of 35W. Does this mean the 2.6 won't get any hotter than the 2.2? That doesn't agree with my common sense but who knows. Thanks for the info.

[sjthinkpader]

Higher core frequency do get hotter. But a fan/heatsink assembly that can remove 35Watts can handle a continuous heat output from this processor. Fan just stays on longer. In reality, most PC CPU are only working at 10% duty cycle.

The A31 fan/heatsink is designed for 31W TDP, not 35W. If you are a gamer, it is better to stay with 2Ghz and below. The rest of us can use a faster CPU since duty cycle is low for common usage. I have a 2.5Ghz in my A31p now.

[iv76erson03]

I know IBM made two different heatsinks for the a31p, the 46L4697 and the 62P4092. Do these offer a different thermal rating? I have the 1.7 stock CPU btw.

[ajkula66]

You'll need the second heatskink if you're intent on upgrading the CPU.

Maximum you can get in there is 2.6 and that runs pretty hot.

Personally, I'm NOT in favour of upgrading the CPU over 2.0 but to each his/hers own.

Drop me a PM for more details when you're up for it.