Is CPU upgrade from i7-4700MQ to i7-4900MQ worth it?

[PrfyVdlxSg]

My laptop is having the i7-4700MQ CPU, and I am okay with it. I have 16GB RAM and using SSD, so the performance is better compared to when I was using the original HDD.

All else upgraded, the only component left is the CPU, and as per the manual, there is the i7-4900MQ final upgrade.

Intel® Quad Core® i7-4700MQ 2.40 GHz processor (SC turbo up to 3.40 GHz; 1600 MHz FSB, 6.0 MB L3 cache, 47 W)

Intel® Quad Core® i7-4900MQ 2.80 GHz processor (SC turbo up to 3.80 GHz; 1600 MHz FSB, 8.0 MB L3 cache, 47 W)

The TDW is the same, 47W, so this upgrade should pose no issue on the heat generation or power consumption. Otherwise, I stand corrected.

So with that out of the way, all I see is the speed gain and the larger cache. But before doing the upgrade, I still would be comfortable posing this question: is it worth the upgrade at all?

Do let me know of the good and bad points. Thank you.

[banhien · Accepted solution]

@PrfyVdlxSg 

Luckily your machine is one of the last machines which you can replace Processor/CPU. It is up to you depending on the cost. How much for only 0.4GHz and you are right with 2 MB more cache.

For experimental I would do. Do you have another machine to use if something went wrong ? Page 74 of the following manual shows you how

    http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c04091768.pdf

Regards.

[PrfyVdlxSg]

Thank you Banhien.

I can find some used CPU units to minimize the cost impact. And the additional 0.4 GHz and 2 MB cache could spell the big difference in Windows. Yeap, Windows. I find that in Ubuntu Linux 20.04, Even the lowest configuration would suffice, but not for Windows.

Thanks for pointing me to the guide in the manual, but I have disassembled this machine by simply following some Youtube videos. But the manual would be of big help in case of doubt.

And yes, you are right. I am more of the curious type, but I am also cautious. That is why I posed this query in case there is something that I am missing before the change.

I will keep the i7-4700MQ unit just in case things don't work out right. And yes, I have a few other machines to use as back up. 

Thank you once again for your quick reply. Kudos!

[PrfyVdlxSg]

A couple of days back, I got the CPU upgrade unit: i7-4910MQ. Yes, I opted for the last in the series.

And for an additional 0.4 GHz base speed, I immediately noticed the faster boot time and loading of applications.

For how much? US$140.

So for that small price to pay, literally, I am happier with my old laptop which is now way much better than when it was using the i7-4700MQ processor. All that is needed is to tweak ThrottleStop to prevent overheating. All in all, I am very, very satisfied with the upgrade.

I am adding this to the post in case somebody is thinking of doing it, and wondering for what benefit. I'm one to say, "Go for it!"