New CPU in HP dv7t-4100?

[Fezzler]

Hi community.  I just inherited my daughter's HP Pavilion dv7t-4100, Product: WW187AV.  I'm thinking of using it to do some light home recording and DAW work.  It is running Windows Home 10, has 4GB ram, stock C:drive, it has the Intel Core i5 cpu M580 @2.67Ghz.

I was thinking of cloning the current C: to a SSD drive and then clean the original drive for a second drive.  In home recording, the software goes on the SSD and the audio goes on the hard disks.  I was also thinking of doubling the ram to 8gig.

In searching what ram is compatible, I saw some posts about possibly being able to upgrade cpu to i7.  Is that true?  If yes, what CPUs represent a worthwhile cost-performance benefit?  I also saw this computer can handle more than 8GB ram.  I'd love to go to 16GB (8GB x 2). Is that possible?  With the i5 CPU or only the i7 upgrade?

I think if I can do that, I will have a nice laptop for me.

Any advice and counsel would be appreciated.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Unoffically, only the models with the quad core processors can run 2 x 8 GB of memory.

Yours can take a max of 2 x 4 GB.

However, you can't upgrade to a quad core processor according to the manual, as different motherboards are used by the models with dual core processors and quad core processors.

See chapter 3 of the service manual, starting on page 23.

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c02666747

So, I can't confirm if you just install a quad core processor in your dual core motherboard, that it will work.

If it did, it would make no sense why HP has different motherboards for dual and quad core processors.

Upgrading the memory in any HP notebook with a Mobile Intel Series 5 chipset is nothing short of a nightmare.

You have to be right on target with what memory you buy.

These would be your best bets for 2 x 4 GB...

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220476

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIAFVF75G5876

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIAD8U7EJ7714

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIAHZU8GG9870