Upgrading Processor

[mr_mbuna]

I have a 1.7GHz Pentium M processor in my T42. I intentionally stepped back from the bleeding edge when I got the machine in 2004 to save some money with the mentality that I could upgrade in the future at a lower cost.

Did I make the right assumption? How difficult is it to swap processors? Where can I buy a processor? Will my warranty be invalidated if I do this sort of upgrade myself?

[richk]

As far as the warranty, I would certainly keep the old processor and swap it back before taking it in for warranty service. You wouldn't notice any difference in speed unless you got at least 2.0 gHz, and even then, depending on what you use the PC for, you might not notice. You can always get more improvement for your money with more memory or a faster hard disk. You should also be aware that the faster the processor runs, the hotter it is. A 2.1 gGz machine is MUCH hotter than your 1.7.

[mr_mbuna]

I see the 2.10 GHz SL7V3 is the fastest option for my machine and, according to Google, would cost about $230.

I currently have 1 GB of RAM installed (2 x 512 MB). I would have to replace both the internal slot and external slot with 1 GB sticks, which would cost about $170 from Crucial.com.

I do mostly basic office work and browsing. But I also do a lot of Photoshop and that can always be faster.

You say that the 2.10 GHz would be hotter - but would it significantly reduce battery life? I assume it can be stepped down to a low voltage / low speed to match the portability of the current 1.7 GHz, correct?

[Tim M]

I would recommend considering the 2.0 GHz P-M 755; it is about $90 less expensive than the 765. I was able to perform this upgrade successfully (replacing the original 1.7 GHz processor).

I would agree with others, however, that a RAM upgrade (to the 2GB maximum) would provide a more noticeable performance boost.

[ThinkPad]

I upgraded from the 1.8 745 to 2.1 765. I did notice some change in performance; nothing to write home about. I also got more heat dissipation and gets alot warmer when processing high graphical (video games etc) content. Then again I was aiming for the maxed out pc, with 2gb ram, 7200rpm drive and the 765.

[log111]

It's just amazing to know that CPU of Thinkpad can be upgraded! Maybe I should upgrade my T43's 1.6HZ.