R61 processor upgrade question

[andregb1]

Hello,

I have searched the FAQs, as well as some of the R series forum topics for an answer to my question. The answer is probably here somewhere but I couldn't unearth it.

I have a R61, with Windows XP, with a Celeron 530 uniprocessor, running at 1.73 GHz. Like many people here, I want to upgrade to a faster processor. In particular, I am interested in the Core Duo series but haven't decided on which one. Cost will be a factor on which one I purchase.

I used CPU-Z to determine that the Celeron 530 uses socket 479 in my R61. I then found that there are a number of Intel Core Duo processors available that use socket 479. Here's my question: Is the socket the only compatibility consideration when purchasing a processor upgrade? If not, what else should I look for so that I can be sure to select a new processor that has a high probability of working?

Thanks,
Bruce

[ni5l]

Check out this link. I will be doing the upgrade myself in the near future.

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... etooth+r61

[andregb1]

ni5l,

Thanks. That is an excellent link and will be extremely useful when I actually proceed with the upgrade.

I am confused by the statements made in that particular link that imply that the R61 has a socket P, while CPU-Z indicates that my R61 has a socket 479. Does the R61 ship with a variety of motherboards and I simply got an older motherboard? Or is CPU-Z perhaps not indicating the correct socket type for the R61?

Thanks,
Bruce

[ni5l]

Good question, Bruce. I don't have a soild answer for you.

I would have to guess here, as I am no Thinkpad guru, but I would bet CPU-Z is mistaken.

Or perhaps the R61 and R61e have different sockets.

[aaa]

All the recent Intel sockets have the same number of pins, including the old "Socket 479" for Pentium Ms and the newer sockets, M and P. So it's easy to get them confused.

There is no way it uses the real "Socket 479" (Pentium Ms), those have been obsolete for a while.

I'm guessing it is Socket M, from looking up the Celeron 530 on Wikipedia. Also, the chipset in CPU-z will be a stronger hint. Chipset 945 is Socket M, chipset 965 is Socket P.

[andregb1]

aaa,

Thanks for the additional information. CPU-Z says that the chipset is GM965, so that basically points to the socket being "socket P".

Strange that CPU-Z also indicated that the socket was "socket 479"

Bruce

[getsandy]

aaa,

Thanks for the additional information. CPU-Z says that the chipset is GM965, so that basically points to the socket being "socket P".

Strange that CPU-Z also indicated that the socket was "socket 479"

Bruce

Hi Andregb1,

CPU-Z is not a best program to detect the Motherboard Chipset. Recently I purchased R61e. The Lenovo site says my R61e has GL960 chipset. But Window Vista & CPU-Z shows it is GM965 chipset.

Better to use Everest Corporate Edition Software (Beta Version). This software correctly display the Chipset & other detail information. Then you will be able to decide what CPU's are compatible with your R61.

You can download the Everest Trial Version@ http://www.lavalys.com/products/overvie ... CE&lang=en

Here is nice guide from another forum about Intel Mobile Processor Compatibility

Sandy

[andregb1]

Sandy,

I tried Everest, as you suggested, as well as a program called Sandra Lite. They both produced consistent results, indicating that the chipset is a GM965 and that the processor is a socket P.

Thanks for helping me get my question answered.

Bruce