update processor for Pavilion 17 labtop

[datoneguy4u]

hello everyone.

I was looking for a into buying a new laptop computer for my family and then realized there's a pavilion 17 gathering dust in the closet, waiting to be used. Its in great condition but I would like it to have a bit more power. Adding ram and a better processor would surely help but i'm not sure how to go about doing that.

I couldn't find the model number but i did some searching and i think its a pavilion 17-e071nr. I can handle the ram but install of a new processor worries me. do i need a bios update before the install? after?

any help would be appreciated.

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

Here's the Service Manual:

Manual

If you have the model number right it shipped with 8 gigs RAM which is already the maximum you can put in. 

Your model does have a socketed removeable A8-5500 AMD processor and it can be upgraded to a 

AMD A10-5750M 2.50 GHz processor (turbo up to 3.50 GHz; 1600 MHz FSB, 4.0 MB L2 cache, DDR3, quad core, 35 W) 713548-001

This would be a bump from 2.1ghz quad core to a 2.5 ghz quad core, which would be a somewhat noticeable but not overwhelming upgrade. You would also improve the video power since on the AMD APU processors, video rendering is done right in the processor core. HD 8550G to HD 8660G. Again, not a big bump but a bump up. 

The processor swap is a drop in replacement. Be sure to use good installation technique and high quality thermal compound.  This is a major tecnnical job so study the Manual before you start. Screw management is the key to success. 

Since this is the top AMD processor of that series they are not super cheap:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/AMD-Quad-Core-Mobile-CPU-A10-5750M-2-5Ghz-Socket-FS1-AM5750DEC44HL-A10-5750...

You might consider in lieu of a processor upgrade to replace the mechanical spiining hard drive with a solid state drive. You will get much more improvement in general performance that way although it will not help gaming or apps that need raw processor power like Photoshop. 

A BIOS update is not strictly needed as all versions of the BIOS are made to be compatible with any processor listed in the Manual but a good technician would always do a BIOS update before doing a processor upgrade if possible. 

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

[datoneguy4u]

I didn't even think about an SSD! Thanks! I'll have to look into what'll fit.

[Huffer]

What will fit is a 2.5 inch SATA SSD 7 mm thick like the Samsung 850 Evo or similar SSD.