We tech enthusiasts always want to get the best performance and long-term usage times at the best cost. When it comes to computers, upgrading hardware is always on our minds. So, do we have a chance to change the processor in laptops?
Similarly, we explained the video card replacement process and talked about how difficult the process is and even how it is often impossible. CPU replacement is similarly difficult, but at least more possible than the GPU.
Replacing the CPU on desktop computers is a few minutes’ work. On the other hand, since laptop CPUs are soldered onto the motherboard, it is a completely different world, a portable platform.
Is It Possible to Upgrade a Laptop Processor?
As a general rule, modern laptops do not allow processor upgrades. Unlike a desktop computer, where you have a modular motherboard with an accessible CPU socket, most laptops have a CPU that integrates with the motherboard. Change is not possible after soldering, and even if it were possible, it is an extremely complicated process. Therefore, it is not worth embarking on change.
That’s why it’s so important to consider the generation and model of the processor when buying a laptop. Two major manufacturers, Intel and AMD, strive to offer better performance by updating their product series every year. In other words, new generations of desktop and mobile processors are released almost every year. While 13th and 14th Generation processors are on the market, it does not make sense to choose 9th or 10th Generation chips.
New generation laptops have a very high level of component integration to offer the best possible user experience with the thinnest design. Since the space on mobile platforms is very limited, it is necessary to deal with problems such as heat management. That’s why laptops are not modular.
Manufacturers who want to fit more hardware into the smallest possible space often use non-standard parts and designs. Future upgrade scenarios are not taken into consideration when components are soldered to the motherboard.
This is the case, with a few exceptions such as Eurocom and Framework. Eurocom laptops use socketed CPUs, just like desktops. Framework computers, on the other hand, adopt a modular design that allows you to replace almost every component, including the motherboard and CPU.
So are there laptops with easily replaceable processors? Yes, it exists, but it is not common at all. Especially in the new generation. So what should be done to upgrade the laptop processor?
How to Upgrade Laptop CPU?
First you should check if the upgrade is possible. Research is required for this. You should obtain information about the chipset and processor in your computer.
- To check your processor details, type “System Information” in Start and click on the first result. Then look at the Processor line on the right.
- Then search for your processor’s name on the internet and go to the manufacturer’s website.
- For example, my processor is Core i7-4702MQ. Click on “Package Specifications” on the web page. Here you will find all the necessary information: The socket of the processor I use, i.e. its package is FCPGA946.
- The letters “PGA” indicate the type of CPU assembly technique. So, what type of processor socket is it and how is it mounted on the motherboard? Therefore, the mounting type also indicates whether the processor chip can be separated from the motherboard.
- There are three types of mounting techniques:
- Land Grid Array (LGA): Socket type used in Intel desktop processors and new generation AMD processors. So the CPU can be separated from the motherboard.
- This type of surface mounting is commonly found in Intel desktop CPUs.
- Pin Grid Array (PGA): Socket type used on some Intel processors as well as older generation AMD desktop processors. By the way, let us point out that it is removable.
- Ball Grid Array (BGA): Laptop processors often have this type of surface mounting. Such CPUs are soldered onto the motherboard, meaning they cannot be disassembled.
If you have a BGA type laptop processor, this means that it cannot be upgraded. It is technically possible to upgrade a BGA-based processor, but doing so requires great expertise and equipment.
My socket is PGA type, so upgradeable. However, although not as much as BGA, still almost all users do not have the technical skills to make the change. Let’s say your laptop CPU is PGA or LGA mount. Let’s list the things to do as follows:
- For example, let’s say you want to upgrade from a Core i5 to a Core i7 processor.
- You should find a list of chips that are compatible with your socket and choose a model from there. You need to pay attention to the socket type and make sure that the CPU you want to upgrade is actually compatible. When you search you will immediately see a list of compatible CPUs:
- The job doesn’t end with choosing the CPU. You should make sure that your laptop can handle a more powerful processor. A more powerful processor brings with it some changes that will affect your laptop in different ways. Therefore, your device must be compatible with the new CPU not only in terms of socket but also in terms of power consumption and thermal capacity.
- For example, you will need to check the Thermal Design Power (TDP) of the processor you want to upgrade. This is very important. TDP is directly dependent on both power consumption and the amount of heat it can produce in general use. Laptop manufacturers use cooling designs depending on the processor they use.
Once you are sure of everything, you need to obtain the new CPU, which is another challenge. Let’s assume you have a more powerful and compatible chip. Afterwards, you need to disassemble your laptop and replace the processor. Even disassembling the laptop, let alone changing the processor, is a difficult task for most people. As a matter of fact, if you are not technology savvy, you have no choice but to get help from someone you know or have it done for a fee. As a final note, if you replace the CPU, the warranty will be void.
Can a BGA Based Mobile CPU be Upgraded?
This is technically possible but almost impossible in practice. So it makes more sense to replace the entire motherboard or buy a new laptop.
What Will Change?
While there are many different benefits to updating a laptop processor, there are also a few significant drawbacks. Let’s look at the advantages first:
- The processor is the brain of your computer, so to speak. In other words, it directly affects performance.
- Thanks to the performance increase, you can use your computer for longer.
Let’s not forget to mention the cons and risks of this job:
- The replacement process is very difficult and requires a lot of technical knowledge.
- There is no guarantee that your new processor will work well (or at all). In other words; You may also cause irreparable damage.
- If you’re embarking on this journey, forget about the product warranty.
- You may need to update the BIOS.
- Since the TDP of the new processor will most likely be higher than the old one, overheating issues may arise.
- A processor with a higher TDP will negatively affect your battery life.
What Can Be Done Apart from CPU Upgrade?
If you want higher performance, a more stable system, there are other things you can do. At least these options are much easier to implement.
Use SSD
If you’re still running your operating system on a mechanical hard drive (HDD), the first thing you need to do is switch to an SSD. When you do this and install the operating system on the new drive, you will notice big differences. There will be a world of difference in terms of system response time, data transfer and responsiveness.
Every action that happens on your computer (including boot times) will happen very quickly compared to a hard drive. Also, an M.2 or NVMe SSD is not required, a SATA-based SSD is sufficient. You’ll feel improvements in every aspect, from your computer’s startup times to web browsing, from file opening and responsiveness to gaming.
RAM Boost
RAM boost can also breathe new life into your computer. Your system can be relaxed thanks to both the capacity increase and the use of dual channel memory.
We observe high amounts of memory consumption in Windows operating systems even when we are not performing any operations. If the capacity is full, you may experience lag, slowdown and long response times on your computer.
It is possible to monitor memory usage in real time via Task Manager. For example, on my laptop with 8 GB memory, I see 75% memory usage even with a few tabs open.
Another issue is the use of dual channel RAM. Dual-channel memories provide a noticeable performance increase compared to single-channel memories for many reasons, especially increasing bandwidth and memory access. Memory bandwidth increases, data access becomes easier, the memory controller works more efficiently and we can perform multiple tasks more easily. Therefore, it is possible to easily feel the difference in all kinds of usage scenarios, especially in games.
As a result, boosting RAM can be of great benefit depending on the condition of your computer. However, unfortunately, it is not possible to easily upgrade RAM in every laptop model. In full-fledged desktop computers, adding RAM is not a problem as they are completely modular and upgradeable. On the other hand, some laptops do not have this luxury.
Most modern ultrabooks come with RAM soldered onto the motherboard, with no additional slots for adding it. An extra SO-DIMM slot can be included in large size (14“-18”) models. As a matter of fact, you need to do some research to find out whether your laptop can be upgraded.
4 GB RAM is obviously not enough nowadays, especially in current Windows versions. 8 GB capacity is acceptable for standard usage scenarios. If you use your computer actively, do tasks that consume memory, play games or do video work, we recommend at least 16 GB of RAM.
Cleaning and Thermal Paste Replacement
Regardless of desktop or laptop, the thermal paste of computers lasts for a certain period of time depending on its quality. Thermal materials will begin to lose the effectiveness of the paste originally applied at the factory as time goes on. Thus, CPU and GPU temperatures rise and thermal throttling may occur. When high temperatures combine with accumulated dirt and dust, performance can be greatly compromised.
Replacing thermal paste on a desktop is relatively easy, but replacing a laptop’s CPU and GPU paste is much more difficult. If you are confident, do this yourself. If you do not trust yourself and want to continue using your computer for a while, pay a certain amount and have it cleaned and replaced by people you trust.
No matter desktop or laptop, fans should always work properly. Dirt and dust slow down the fan and may even cause it to stop completely after a while. One of the most effective ways to improve computer cooling is to clean the internal fans. There is a fan on top of the CPU, a fan inside the power supply, and several fans all around the case.
Turn off your computer, open the case, and thoroughly clean any dirt from each fan. While you are cleaning the fans, you can also do the general cleaning of the case. If your system is heavily contaminated, take it outside and use a compressor or hair dryer. In this way, the resulting dirt does not spread to other parts of the room.
The most common places where dust accumulates are the fan blades, radiator, and power supply. It would be beneficial to clean the entire case, especially these.
Source: www.technopat.net
