NotebookForums.com › Forums › Notebook Manufacturers › Acer Forums › Acer Notebooks › CPU Upgrade - Help needed
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

CPU Upgrade - Help needed

post #1 of 9
5/13/07 at 2:12am
Thread Starter 
I have a Acer Aspire 5610z. It's a nice laptop and all but I kinda don't like the way vista uses all the memory. Now I want to install windows xp pro on it (Don't care if I loses my genuine vista, I still have a genuine windows vista ultimate). So here's my first question:

1) Where can I get drivers for windows xp? Acer's website is so complicated, I can't find anything on it.

Plus I was thinking about upgrading my cpu. I have done this before with desktops but never with laptops. Is this smth I should let a proffesional do? Or can it be done by myself?
If yes, which cpu should I upgrade to? Currently I have the Intel Core Duo T2060 (1.60Ghz-1Mb cache-533mhz fsb). I was thinking about the Intel Core Duo T2400 (1.83Ghz-2Mb cache-667mhz fsb). Is this worth it? Will it the motherboards support it? Will it generate too much heat for the laptop? All I want is a fast laptop.

Plus i'm going to upgrade my memory to 2GB (2 sticks of 1GB DDR2-PC2-3500). It should work right?

Thx for the help.
Reply
Reply
post #2 of 9
5/13/07 at 12:29pm
The drivers are on the Acer website. It's not confusing at all. Just go to support, downloads and select your machine.

the cpu will be easily swapped granted you can get to it. I dunno how your machine is set up, but some Acers I saw had a very hard time getting to the cpu. Also make sure to update your bios when you do so. Just be warned you will be voiding your warranty.

Also, why not go for a Core 2 cpu instead?

And the ram is pc5300 not 3500.
Reply
Reply
post #3 of 9
5/13/07 at 5:07pm
Thread Starter 
Oh is that possible? Wouldnt it generate too much heat? Yes My bad I meant 5300 Which core duo 2 cpu do you recommend me?
Reply
Reply
post #4 of 9
5/14/07 at 1:34am
No cuz the c2d's are more efficient, plus u can always undervolt and use a cooling pad. But that shouldn't be a problem.

I would say that the t7200 2.0GHz is the best choice for the money. Anything less and it doesn't have all the cache, anything more and you're overpaying like crazy.
Reply
Reply
post #5 of 9
5/14/07 at 6:28pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Thoughtless
I have a Acer Aspire 5610z. It's a nice laptop and all but I kinda don't like the way vista uses all the memory. Now I want to install windows xp pro on it (Don't care if I loses my genuine vista, I still have a genuine windows vista ultimate). So here's my first question: 1) Where can I get drivers for windows xp? Acer's website is so complicated, I can't find anything on it. Plus I was thinking about upgrading my cpu. I have done this before with desktops but never with laptops. Is this smth I should let a proffesional do? Or can it be done by myself? If yes, which cpu should I upgrade to? Currently I have the Intel Core Duo T2060 (1.60Ghz-1Mb cache-533mhz fsb). I was thinking about the Intel Core Duo T2400 (1.83Ghz-2Mb cache-667mhz fsb). Is this worth it? Will it the motherboards support it? Will it generate too much heat for the laptop? All I want is a fast laptop. Plus i'm going to upgrade my memory to 2GB (2 sticks of 1GB DDR2-PC2-3500). It should work right? Thx for the help.
If you don't know where to find drivers for XP, you don't have any business swapping out a CPU. Plus, it's totally inadvisable, as the speed boost will be negligible. However, you're halfway there going with 2 gigs of RAM. The other move should be to put the fastest RPM hard drive you can find in the laptop. Easier, safer than replacing the CPU, and definitely you'll notice the performance upswing. Also, just going to XP from Vista will speed things up because Vista is the doodoo in the catbox.
Reply
Reply
post #6 of 9
5/15/07 at 6:08am
Thread Starter 
yeh changing hard drive sounds like a good idea. I've done it before. Do happen to know the RPM speed of teh hard drive that's in my laptop?
Reply
Reply
post #7 of 9
5/16/07 at 2:06pm
Quote:
Do happen to know the RPM speed of teh hard drive that's in my laptop?
Kinda hard to know, given that you have the laptop in ur hands, not us... Anyway, what you can do is download everest home edition (it's free) and find out the serial number of ur hard drive. Then u can google that and u'll get the exact specs of it.
Reply
Reply
post #8 of 9
5/30/07 at 5:21pm
The CPU on this machine is conveniently, the most conveient I've ever seen, beneath the largest removable panel on the bottom. This is also where the memory is located. Once removed, you'll see the heat pipe is held down by 4 screws over the processor. Now, keep in mind that you are running 943 chipset and 533mhz bus speed. This limits the processor choices, at least as far as performance, as does the BIOS being able to post to the processor properly. Core 2 Duo are all (mostly all) running at 667Mhz. Check Intel's website, but it can be cryptic for compatability of chipset to CPU. The socket style (pin count and spacing/position), the socket number is usually cast on the soceket itself visible once you remove that large panel, usually gives the best upgrade clue. The BIOS still needs to be able to post to it however; i.e. understand how to poke it alive and patch it (yes patch it). Good luck. You are braver than I, since returning a CPU that doesn't work in your laptop is a little tough.
Reply
Reply
post #9 of 9
6/6/07 at 11:54am
You're lucky. In order to access my CPU, I practically have to unscrew the entire bottom of the laptop.
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Acer Notebooks
NotebookForums.com › Forums › Notebook Manufacturers › Acer Forums › Acer Notebooks › CPU Upgrade - Help needed