How to change your laptop CPU? Most laptops can be replaced or upgraded without having to replace the motherboard. However, if most low-cost or ultra-notebooks have their CPU soldered to the motherboard, if you want to upgrade laptop processor, you need entire motherboard is replaced.
1. Guide for Upgrading the CPU Without Replacing the Motherboard
1.1 Replace the Same Model of Processor
If you want to replace the same model CPU,you can go to the notebook accessories online store to buy the same model of CPU, and upgrade old laptop CPU. (if you handle the device is not soldered to the motherboard. This information may be found in the machine's manual or consult the brand's official website.)
1.2 Can You Upgrade a Laptop CPU
If you are looking to upgrade your CPU,this will be more complicated, you must make sure that the motherboard can support the new CPU, they must be compatible,
you need to do this:
Step 1: The CPU you want to change must be compatible with the old motherboard. Please log in to your notebook website to find out which CPU models are compatible with your notebook model, and choose a more advanced CPU. You can also consult the notebook service.
Step 2: Update the motherboard BIOS. Because the motherboard BIOS must support the microcode sequence of the processor on the motherboard to run, and the new CPU may use a different microcode sequence, which is not compatible with the part of motherboard BIOS,or is completely incompatible.
Step 3: Whether the motherboard support to laptop upgrade a processor Motherboard manufacturers typically update their BIOS programs to add support for previously unsupported CPU. You need to know the manufacturer and exact model of the motherboard, especially if you plan to upgrade your laptop, because the upgrade feature of your computer is determined by the motherboard model of your laptop, and this information is also required when downloading the updated BIOS.
How to decide whether to upgrade the motherboard?
Please check the hardware maintenance manual for all component information.
To find the hardware maintenance manual, navigate to the support page for your specific notebook model on the manufacturer's website (for example, lenovo.com, dell.com, hp.com). Find a downloadable manual and select a service or hardware guide.
The hardware maintenance manual should tell you how to open the laptop and replace all laptop parts. In most cases, you can upgrade parts by removing some screws.
If the hardware maintenance manual tells you that the memory or hard drive disk you want to remove is soldered to the motherboard, you cannot upgrade. Also, if you have to break through the adhesive or have to remove anything from the entire motherboard, then give up on this operation.
Once you have determined and obtained a compatible replacement CPU and ensure that its motherboard's BIOS has been updated, you can use the following method to upgrade your laptop CPU or change the same model new one. You can refer to: How to Performa BIOS Upgrade
1.3 Steps to Replace Laptop CPU
Find your notebook manufacturer and download the repair manual. The maintenance manual should tell you how to open the laptop and replace laptop parts.
1.Prepare the laptop repair tools
2.Turn off the laptop
3. Use the tool to remove the laptop back cover and locate the motherboard and CPU
4. Remove the fan cooling module connected to the CPU and GPU
5. Clean up dust, erase the old grease on the heat pipe
6. Open the card slot and remove the old CPU
7. Install the new processor correctly
8. Turn off the CPU card slot
9. Apply new silicone grease evenly to the CPU cooling module you will be using
10. Reassemble laptop parts and boot to test
2. What to Do after Upgrading Laptop CPU
There is a question in Quora: Would I need to reinstall Windows after changing my CPU (only the CPU, not the motherboard)?
You will not usually need to reinstall. At worst you might need to reactivate Windows. Windows will allow some hardware changes to use an OEM license, so when the hardware changes, it may cause the license to be unrecognized.If you are replacing the motherboard and CPU, the license key is effectively stored in CMOS (so the new motherboard will not have the same key or hardware ID).
Summary:
Can you upgrade laptop CPU that need to be confirmed? To replace or upgrade your laptop CPU without replacing the motherboard, you need to know that the new CPU you choose is supported by the current motherboard and is compatible with the motherboard BIOS. If not, you may need to update the appropriate BIOS.
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