Replacing nonfunctional CPU on a Pavilion dv6-2120sf

[zdimension]

A friend recently gave me his old HP notebook (Pavilion dv6-2120sf running the factory Windows 7 Home Premium x64) and told me it "was dead" and that if I wanted to take it I could since he was planning to dump it anyways.

He said it's been dead for 2 years, but didn't know what was the problem. So I turned it on, and then the fans started turning, the power LED and the volume button turned on too but the screen was black. The NumLock or CapsLock keys didn't do anything, and plugging in an external monitor didn't show anything. I restarted the machine multiple times and I noticed that every time the NumLock and CapsLock LEDs would quickly turn up and on (only once per boot). I found out on HP website that the problem came from the CPU (an AMD Turion II M520).

I completely disassembled the laptop and took the CPU to check no pin was bent, and I put it back. Still not working.

As I am bored and have time to spare, I would like to replace that CPU.

Some questions:

• How can I be certain that the problem come from the CPU and not from the motherboard?
• As I am going to replace the CPU, is it possible to put a "better" CPU in? (I haven't been able to find any motherboard information on HP website so I can't tell.)

Thanks in advance.

[Huffer]

I believe this is your Service Manual:

Manual

You can install any of the AND processors listed beginning on p. 4. 

However, you are correct in wondering if the problem is really the processor. It is much more likely to be the motherboard like 20 to 1 more likely. 

These are the dedicated video motherboards:

For use in computers equipped with discrete graphics with 1 GB of dedicated memory 571187-001

For use in computers equipped with discrete graphics with 512 MB of dedicated memory 571188-001

You have the 512 meg version but either one would work:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tested-100-Working-A-Grade-HP-Pavilion-DV6-Motherboard-571187-001-M61-3I-/15...

Top processor is $30:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-AMD-Turion-II-Ultra-M640-TMM640DBO23GQ-Mobile-CPU-/330723025336?hash=ite...

So for $100 you could have the top motherboard with the best graphics and the best processor. 

The laptop is still not going to be cutting edge but it would be competent. 

Windows 7 would be the best OS for it.

Post back with any more questions. 

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

[zdimension]

I've no idea if it can be important or not, but the "Product Information" (p.2) page of the PDF you gave me doesn't contain the actual CPU my notebook currently has.

[Huffer]

It was important. I updated my post. Check again. I added some stuff you will want to know. Post back after reading the revised post and looking at the other Manual I linked. 

[zdimension]

Thanks for your help. The thing is, $100 seems quite expensive, but at least I would have the guarantee that it works afterwards. But I guess I'm going to try to buy a CPU instead and hope that it works. The link you gave me with the CPU at $30 would be perfect, but it doesn't ship in France. I'm gonna try to find one that does.

[Huffer]

Let us know how that works out. You should have no trouble finding the CPU and maybe even cheaper but I just think you are going to find you really need the motherboard.