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

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06-12-2020 12:15 AM - edited 06-12-2020 12:17 AM
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.
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06-12-2020 12:40 AM
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.
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06-12-2020 12:40 AM
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.
***
**Click the KUDOS thumb up on the left to say 'Thanks'**
Make it easier for other people to find solutions by marking a Reply 'Accept as Solution' if it solves your problem.
06-12-2020 01:46 AM - edited 06-12-2020 01:52 AM
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!
07-21-2020 09:36 PM
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!"
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