Thinkpads Forum

Hi, I consider upgrading CPU. I have a T530 laptop (type 2429-7C0), which has i5-3320m CPU. CPU's
TDP=35W.
I found a document :
http://download.lenovo.com/parts/ThinkP ... ru_bom.pdf
which contains FRU part number:
04W6813 = CPU i7-3820QM PGA
I can buy this CPU with good price on the local market.
However this CPU has TDP=45W, which is higher then my current CPU's TDP=35W.
My question is if it is safe to swap abovementioned CPU's in my T530 despite greater TDP in a substitute? I thought that BIOS will anyway control CPU Fan to provide proper temperature. But I am not sure - maybe the whole cooler for CPU should be different for i7-3820QM, or mobo. However the abovementioned document seems to indicate i7-3820qm as a part for my T530 (laptop type 2429 is mentioned in the header of the document).
Can anyone help? Maybe someone has already tried to upgrade from CPU with TDP=35W to CPU with 45W TDP?

Hi Ravenik,

I just purchased a T530 with a i7-3720QM CPU. I looked up the specs and the TDP is 45 Watts, the same as the CPU that you want to place in your T530.

I should look at the Hardware Maintenance Manual to see if the logic board is different.

My question would be if the cooling system is different from when the machine supports a i5 to an i7 (quad).

If I can help you in any way, let me know since I have a machine that has an i7.

Thank you,
John

After studying Lenovo "Hardware Maintenance Manual" and T530 models found on the Internet I came to the conclusion that ThinkPads T530 with i7-3720QM and higher CPUs have addidional nVidia GPU unit and the CPU&GPU Cooler is then different than mine (I have no dedicated graphics adapter).
In such case I give up the idea of upgrading to i7-3720qm or i7-3820qm, cause I am afraid that my CPU cooler may be not sufficient for the upgrade. In the futer I will just buy a laptop with faster CPU if the current will prove to be not sufficient. Thanks for your time.

You could also install the upgraded cooler found on the models with the quad core processors, which would solve the cooling issue. The fan/heatsinks coolers are interchangeable.

I had the same thought as well, brchan. It might show a different FRU number but it should fit.

Thank you,
John