I would like to replace my intel pentium CPU N3700 by a better one, is it possible ?

[Sylvio2]

I would like to replace my intel pentium CPU N3700 by a better one, is it possible ? If yes, which one is preferable ?

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

That would not be possible.

The processors in today's notebooks are integrated into the motherboard.

The only way to upgrade the processor would be to replace the motherboard with one listed in the service manual for your notebook's model series that may come with a better processor.

Doing such an upgrade would probably cost as much as buying a new notebook with a better processor already included.

[Sylvio2]

Thank you for your answer.

But except the speed, my computer is working correctly, so i would prefer to have a look on the replacement of the motherboard, do you know where i could find the manual that you are mentioning please ?

And if i replace the motherboard, may i have some conflicts with other hardware or software on my laptop ?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

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

The supported motherboards can be found in chapter 3.

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c05819369

Looking at the manual, it appears that you can't replace the motherboard.

See the notes in chapter 3, page 17, item 10.

System board (includes integrated processor and replacement thermal material):NOTE:System boards labeled as “ESH” can only be replaced with boards labeled as “ESH”.

System boards labeled as “ISH” can be replaced with boards labeled as ”ISH” or “ESH”.

Your notebook's motherboard has neither description.

[Huffer]

I am reading it a bit differently. You could replace the motherboard with this:

Intel Core M3-6Y30C processor and a Windows 10 operating system (ISH) 849141-601

But a couple observations. First, HP does not have any stock of this board for sale so that's a problem. I checked the Parts Store. The 3rd party vendors where I did find it for sale want to charge $937 Australian dollars which proves @Paul_Tikkanen 

correct. Lastly, even if you could get someone to give you the motherboard free and install it for you, the difference between the two boards is not that much. The M3-6Y30C is a low powered Intel Core processor and is better than what you have but not by very much. This series just has no viable upgrade path available. You are far better off with a stronger computer. 

[Sylvio2]

Thank you for the answers. I will keep this laptop, i don't want to put it to the trash just because of a problem of speed, enough pollution ....

Do you have any idea how i could speed up my laptop ? I already change my original HDD of 500Gb by a 250Gb Samsung SSD 860 EVO, it helps a lot. 

But do you think i could add some RAM maybe or any other idea ?

I don't do crazy things with my computer, i put almost nothing of the desktop so i don't heavy folders, and i try to keep all movies or photos on an external hard disk already.

[Huffer]

The SSD was a great idea and likely the best single upgrade you can do. If you look at p. 1-2 it appears your model has a memory slot. It has a single 4 gig module of DDR3L-1600 SO-DIMM and you could put up to an 8 gig module in the slot to double the memory. Pages 49-50 (linked in @Paul_Tikkanen  's post above) show how to replace the memory but one of the steps is removal of the motherboard so its not an easy thing to do. 

https://www.amazon.com/HP-PC3L-12800-DDR3L-1600-SODIMM-Notebooks/dp/B00ILBWRRO

Upgrading to 8 gigs of memory would have some positive effect but do not expect miracles. The N3700 CPU is just going to be a drag on system performance no matter what you do. No one suggested throwing it away. You might consider selling it or gifting it to someone.

You might also consider adjusting the visual effects of Windows to "best performance". This takes away some of the eye candy of Windows 10 and makes everything a bit more plain vanilla like Windows 2000 but does have a positive effect on general system speed:

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/disable-visual-effects-windows

Also consider adjusting the size of the paging file to a constant size.

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/increase-page-file-size-virtual-memory-windows

Particularly if you increase to 8 gigs system memory you can adjust the page file to a custom size 1024 megs (1 gig) for both initial and maximum. On a low power system if you allow the page file to adjust itself the adjustment is constantly taking up CPU cycles you can't afford to give up. 

That about all I got. Good luck.