T530, upgrading CPU to quad with higher TDP possible?

[Ravenik]

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?

[JohnD.]

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

[Ravenik]

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.

[brchan]

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.

[JohnD.]

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

Thank you,
John