Upgrade g7-2215 CPU

[mikejfm]

I would like to replace my g7-2215 Pentium B950 with an i5 or i7 processor. Would the i5-2450M or the i7-3632QM (from the manual) work in my laptop? Also I see alot of used CPU's on Ebay that say they are tested. Is that a good source for parts or is there another that's better?

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

All the motherboards use the same chipset so any of the listed CPUs will work on any of the motherboards. Used CPUs are problematic and your best bet is to buy from a vendor with a high reputation on eBay even if it costs a few more bucks. In that case, if there is a problem the seller will take care of it. 

Post back with any more questions and please accept as solution if this is the info you needed. 

[mikejfm]

Thanks for the reply, I will go forward with the upgrade. Will I need to make any BIOS, driver, or software changes to support the CPU change?

[Huffer]

Competent techs always upgrade BIOS to latest before a processor upgrade. Not absolutely needed but a "best practice". I also once had an old tech who had seen it all tell me that one should reinstall the OS after a processor upgrade but I do not usually do that. Still, it could be called a "best practice" as well. No driver change is needed. 

[mikejfm]

Thanks for your help. I was able to upgrade my processor with the i7 chip and everything is working great! Nice improvement over the Pentium as expected. The steps in the Maintenance manual were exactly correct with one exception. There is a WLAN (WIFI) module connected to the System Board on the bottom that needs to be removed before removing the System Board. So the steps on page 71 should include removal of the WLAN Module from page 46. Other than that it was fairly easy. And don't forget ESD protection!

[Huffer]

Thanks for the report