CPU Upgrade for 8440p

[Manos1]

I have an HP EliteBook 8440p with an i5 processor and I noticed that the same model comes in an Intel Core i7-720QM quad core version using the same chipset.

Is it possible to buy that particular CPU and upgrade the laptop?

If so, is there any more steps I should take?

Is a BIOS upgrade necessary?

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

Below is the link to the service manual for your notebook.

http://bizsupport2.austin.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/c02745864/c02745864.pdf

Please see chapter 1, page 1-1 for the list of supported processors.

I checked chapter 3 for the list of motherboards and it does not appear there is a different motherboard needed for your model to install a quad core i7 processor.

I have read for some model notebooks there are separate boards for the dual core processors and quad core processors.

The system boards listed in this manual only indicate with discrete or UMA (shared) video.

BIOS updates...looks like there are 2 series. One that goes from F.02 - F.13 and one series that goes from F.20 to F.21

If you have F.20 or F.21 installed, no BIOS update is necessary.

If you have less than F.0B, then I recommend you update the BIOS to F.13 at least.

Read the release notes and you will see where support was added for some processors with F.0B.

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareDescription.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodTypeId=32...

You should be able to get a processor from any reseller or on eBay

Read the service manual above, which will tell you what you need to do to change out the processor.

Paul

[Manos1]

Thank you very much Paul.

I have found some sellers of  i7-720QM and I will try to upgrade it very soon. I will post my results here.

My only concern now is the extra heat. Although, I asssume the fan and heatsink will be able to cope. They are the same as the ones used in the i7 models.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Yes, I overlooked the cooling solutions. If there is only one fan/heatsink part # listed, that is good for all processors.

Just make sure you apply your thermal compound properly for good heat transfer, and you should be OK.

Looking forward to reading about your successful upgrade.

Paul

[Manos1]

There is one thing that troubled me when I compared the specs of the different CPU's available for this machine.

According to the manual bellow, all of the models of the 8440 are using the same chipset.

But, I noticed that whenever a Quad Core CPU was used, there was also a discrete graphics card present too. My model (8440p) has UMA and I looked to see if there are intergrated graphics differences on the CPU's.

And indeed, comparing the i7-720M with the i7-620M and i5-540M, I see that in the CPU's suggested in the UMA configurations (i7-620M and i5-540M) had intergrated graphics capabilities. While the i7-720M used with a discrete GPU, has no intergrated graphics.

So, is it right to assume that at my current configuration I can only go for CPU's with intergrated graphics?

And if that is true, is it possible to add a Quad core (non-intergrated graphics) CPU by adding also an Nvidia N10M-GLM GPU?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Your questions are beyond my area of knowledge, but I share your concerns.

There may indeed be a limiting factor that is not mentioned in the service manual or the general specs.

It certainly would be wise to stick with a processor that is offered with the UMA graphics to guarantee compatiblity.

I can answer the one question for you...

In order to do any graphics modifications, you need to replace the entire motherboard for the one with the discrete nVidia GPU.

Even though the GPU's are "discrete," they are also integrated chips soldered onto the motherboard and cannot be upgraded or replaced without the entire motherboard being replaced.

Paul