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Upgrading CPU in my M90

post #1 of 8
4/28/09 at 4:47pm
Thread Starter 
I ordered my M90 on Dell Outlet a while ago. Top of the line everything except the CPU. It's a T2300, I believe (Core Duo, 1.6 Ghz). In preparation for Windows 7, I want upgrade the CPU for speed and for 64 bit.

I'm looking at a T7200 (2.0 Ghz, 667 fsb) for under $100 new, but pulled. First off, just to double check, this will work in my laptop, right?

Second, how involved is replacing the CPU? I've built desktops before no problem, and I've repaired my wife's screen on her HP, but never on my M90. I assume it won't be too bad as long as I follow the manual and keep track of parts.

Lastly, what kind of thermal pad/paste should I use on it? I assume it has a pad. Will I need to replace it, or will the existing pad work? Can I use paste on it if I wish? What have you guys had success with?

Thanks for the help, everyone.
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post #2 of 8
4/30/09 at 4:17am
According to the info PDF on the M90 the top supported cpu was the T7600 2.33 so I'm pretty certain it will support the T7200.

Manual to assist dismantling http://supportapj.dell.com/support/e...n/sm/index.htm

Looking at the manual,it look's as though it uses a thermal pad unfortunately,so putting paste on won't fill the gap up between the core and heatsink if you remove the blue pad,I'd personally just re use the old pad and try to keep it as clean as possible when it's removed.
Pretty sure dell will sell you a new thermal pad though,I don't know of any after market brand's,although a PC shop should have something.
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post #3 of 8
4/30/09 at 11:02am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by gerryjoson View Post
According to the info PDF on the M90 the top supported cpu was the T7600 2.33 so I'm pretty certain it will support the T7200.

Manual to assist dismantling http://supportapj.dell.com/support/e...n/sm/index.htm

Looking at the manual,it look's as though it uses a thermal pad unfortunately,so putting paste on won't fill the gap up between the core and heatsink if you remove the blue pad,I'd personally just re use the old pad and try to keep it as clean as possible when it's removed.
Pretty sure dell will sell you a new thermal pad though,I don't know of any after market brand's,although a PC shop should have something.
Thanks for the reply. I can get Thermal Tape and just cut off the piece I need, an of course "save" the rest for my next cpu job years down the road lol.

Thanks again.
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post #4 of 8
4/30/09 at 5:51pm
Your welcome ew2x4....can you let us know what you think of the difference with your cpu upgrade.

I upgraded my original P8600 on my M4400 to an X9100 and was pretty disappointed overall unless running specific high calculation task's.
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post #5 of 8
5/1/09 at 11:05am
Thread Starter 
I'm an architect and I do a lot of work 3d modeling/rendering, as well as Photoshopping, so I'm sure I'll see some improvement, as opposed to most people who don't really get too intensive outside of gaming. Getting 64 bits is the main reason I'm upgrading though. I'm also upgrading the hard drive to a 320GB 7200 RPM drive.

I have the Windows 7 RC right now from Technet, but I'm trying to decide if I want to upgrade twice or just wait for all my parts to get in. lol
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post #6 of 8
5/1/09 at 12:43pm
The only advantage of a 64-bit CPU on a M90 is when coupled with a 64-bit OS, you should get 64-bit registers. And yes that CPU definitely works with your computer. I'm pretty sure the average user would be able to tell the difference between speed so you should be fine.
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post #7 of 8
5/5/09 at 4:58pm
Thread Starter 
I installed it over lunch. Everything went great. Very smooth. I will install 7 x64 tonight.
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post #8 of 8
5/9/09 at 12:29am
Good to hear it went well.
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