Can I upgrade my T61's processor later on?

[Steve06]

... for example, if today I buy a T61 equiped with a Intel Core 2 Duo T7300, i.e. with 2 Ghz, can I upgrade the CPU myself later with a T7700 (or one beyond?)?
Would this void the guarantee?

You might wonder why I don't order my notebook with the correct CPU in the first place, but the issue is that here in Germany, unlike in the US, we cannot customize our orders on Lenovo's website, but have to pick one from a line of pre-configured systems.

Any reply is welcome.

Cheers,
Steve

[csv96]

Yes, it's fairly easy to upgrade the CPU yourself. Search the forums for more detailed discussion and a link to the hardware maintenance manual, but basically you just remove the palmrest, keyboard, bezel, and heatsink/fan to get to the CPU. Popout the old CPU and put in the new one. Add some thermal paste and put everything back. Keep your old CPU in case you ever need to send the laptop in for warranty service.

[dickeywang]

I would like to know if it is possible to upgrade to Penryn. It says that the early version of Penryn will be available on Santa Rosa platform.

[NaT]

I would like to know if it is possible to upgrade to Penryn. It says that the early version of Penryn will be available on Santa Rosa platform.

Haha, I saw that quote from intel too, but I think the official statement would be, "it is too early to know for sure". There might be voltage incompatibility from its shrinking to 45nm. Even it does support the upgrade, I think it'll be a very short interim solution before intel launches the new chipset. So, I don't count on that.

For the OP question, yes you can upgrade the processor with not much difficulty. Yet, since Lenovo designated that as a customer installable part, it may void the warranty. You can keep the CPU and put it back when you you need to send it in to Lenovo for repair though. I think someone in the chinese forum even put an X7800 or X7900 in the T61p.