Motherboard compatibility & Upgrade

[WestBruce]

NEW UPDATED QUESTION POSTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS THREAD:

I have a Pavilion g7-1261NR with AMD A4-3300M   Llano   FS1 processor    QE310UA#ABA

For whatever reason, all 3 USB ports will not work, and no HP Support solutions will fix them.

So I have to replace the motherboard apparently. That being said, my question is: What is the best g7 motherboard that will fit in my laptop and accept my processor?

My wife has a completely different g7 model, and I have swapped her motherboard out too, so as far as I can tell all g7's seem to have the same internal dimensions, indicating motherboards are compatable across different models. If I am going to have to replace mine, I might has well have the best one out there for a few bucks more than just a direct replacement for my current model.

Thanks! 🙂

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

Here is the Service Manual:

Manual

The best motherboard for AMD A-series processors would be this one:

For use only with computer models equipped with the AMD A60M chipset and a graphics subsystem with 1024-MB of discrete video memory 649950-001

It has the best dedicated video chip. ATI HD6470M. Right now you just have the graphics that are built into the processor. 

There is not going to be a big difference between this motherboard and yours in terms of performance or features. If you want to improve performance you also need to upgrade the processor and your top option is an A8-3500M. They are not expensive as there is little demand for AMD processors. Still it would be a noticeable uprade. 

Motherboard:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-G4-G6-HD6470-1G-AMD-Laptop-Motherboard-sFS1-649950-001-/131427108181?hash...

Processor:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AMD-A8-Series-A8-3500M-1-5-GHz-Laptop-Processor-CPU-AM3500DDX43GX-/361722286...

The ebay listing for the motherboard does not say G7 but it is the same motherboard, just used in many different models. Post back with any more questions. If you just stick with the image on the hard drive you will get a Windows not genuine message and may have to reinstall Windows 7. 

If this is "the Answer" please click "Accept as Solution" to help others find it. 

[WestBruce]

Thank so much!!

[2jono]

Hi there , i have the same situation . It appears i need a new motherboard for my 1261nr QE310UA and would like to upgrade motherboard and processor as well .

Could you kindly relist them both for me as i noticed they are currently not available and i want to make sure i order the correct motherboard and processor . Do you have any helpful info on best replacement procedures also ?

Thanks so much for your help.

Cheers Jono

[WestBruce]

I purchased the new CPU and motherboard, however, upon idsassembly, it looks like I need a different heat sink & fan combo, with a secondary graphics chip heat sink. My original heat pipe only has the CPU sink. Do you know the specific part number of tis new fan I need to get? Thanks!

[Hank1946]

Hi in your reply to replacing a G7 1261nr motherboard you said this "The best motherboard for AMD A-series processors would be this one:" but there was no model# after the statement. I am thinking of doing the same so could you List the bets  serial numbers if possible. I am running the A4-3300M. Also if I can upgrade to the A8-3550MX what would be the fastest memory I can use. The Memory specified by HP for my existing Laptop lists a speed that will not boot 1600mhz and I was told on the forum 1333mhz is the most I can use.

WHAT I HAVE NOW

Hewlett-Packard HP Pavilion g7 Notebook PC 0690120000204620000620100
System Serial Number: 5CD15179ZD

[Huffer]

You have to do me the favor of reading what I write...right after the statement you quote I wrote:

For use only with computer models equipped with the AMD A60M chipset and a graphics subsystem with 1024-MB of discrete video memory 649950-001

Bold is the HP Part number for the motherboard I was speaking about.