CPU upgrade for presario CQ50 series

[Ray1966]

CQ50-139WM notebook, has a celeron 575 socket p CPU, HP tech support was not very helpful and said that upgrading the CPU was not possible or recommended. The only thing I can find out about the MB is that it is a westin. Do not know FSB. I know HP would not use a MB that only accepts one CPU. The documentation that came with it lists 11 different intel processors from the celeron 575 to core 2 duo T9600. Does anyone know what options I have, with or without a BIOS update?
Regards, Ray

[cnfrisch]

The advice you received from HP tech support is correct.  Notebook CPUs are soldered to the motherboard and cannot be replaced except by an expert.

[Ray1966]

My documentation shows a complete step by step dissasembly of notebook with pictures to access CPU and how to remove and install same, complete with pictures on how to onlock, lift out, line up and how to reinstall and lock in. Not soldered in.

                                                                    Regards, Ray

[y2ken]

Download, install and run the free CPU-Z program.

It will give you all the info you need about your motherboard (and more) in order to help you determine what CPU upgrade path to take.

* If you found my answer helpful please give me a Kudo, Thanks!

[blew888]

First thing is to update the bios.  This will allow you to go maximum cpu.  In the release notes, you will sometime see new microcode added, or new processors added.  This way you can tell if your notebook can use that processor you want.

You can change the cpu, not recommended, but requires lots of work and many screws.  I believe the cpu/heat sink is located on the bottom, not below the keyboard, which you will need to remove the entire motherboard to get to.  You can look at the spec on what you got, is it Intel or AMD?

[CQ50-139WM]

I just wanted to add my two cents since I couldn't find any information on CPU upgrades on this unit, nor could I find any evidence that any has tried and succeeded.

I successfully upgraded my CQ50-139WM CPU from a Intel Celeron M 575 to a Intel Core 2 Duo Mobile T5550. Both are Socket P with a bus speed of 667 MHz. Vista discovered both cores just fine.

Take your time. You will have to fully disassemble the notebook, so please allow at least 5 hrs and probably more for the entire procedure if you're not familiar with taking laptops apart. I find it easiest to take pictures with a digital camera along the way to keep track of screws, connectors, etc.

I did a BIOS update prior to this CPU upgrade to v. F.36 A dated 4-2009.

[anon]

Check the TDP on the CPU you plan upgrading to. If its significantly higher, the relatively poor cooling in a laptop will mean it could overheat, and it will guzzle thru your battery

[RoyalSerpent]

I've worked with many mid-high end notebook PCs.  The CPUs are not soldered to the board.  The el-cheapo stuffs may use a BGA chip (ball grid array) for surface mount.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&SubCategory=759&N=2000340759&SpeTabStoreTy...

[ApolloSoyuz1975]

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@anon wrote:
Check the TDP on the CPU you plan upgrading to. If its significantly higher, the relatively poor cooling in a laptop will mean it could overheat, and it will guzzle thru your battery

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Intel's Processor Finder utility <http://processorfinder.intel.com> is very useful for this.  It appears that most of Intel's 65nm mobile CPUs with the 667 mHz front-side bus speed have a TDP rating between 30 and 35 watts... just have to pay attention to the voltage specs, I suppose.

[ratman41]

bullcrap,i replaced mine with t 6670.they are just like pc just snap into socket.