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downgrade CPU, will it work?

post #1 of 11
11/21/10 at 11:30am
Thread Starter 
I have this Asus N61JQ comes with i7-720QM CPU and been thinking to downgrade it to N61JA's CPU which is i5-540M for a long time, both CPU using the same CPU socket, but i5 is cooler and faster then 720QM just perfect for games.

However from the Asus support page seems like both models are not using the same BIOS firmware and maybe not even the same mainboard design, so i'm wonder if that matter?

Note: JQ and JA are the same spec except CPU and other minor.
http://event.asus.com/au/2010/n61series/Spec.htm

Thanks
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post #2 of 11
11/21/10 at 4:22pm
I don't see why you can't use the i5 instead of the i7-quad. BIOS sometimes is needed for higher processor but not necessary when you downgrade it.

cheers ...
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post #3 of 11
11/21/10 at 6:21pm
Thread Starter 
Was afraid the some laptop mobo will not accept other CPU then the specified Quadcore CPUs only. I have this odd feeling but from the experience that shouldn't be happening and i'm hoping for.

Xmas is near, should try not to let the wallet bleed

Thanks again...
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post #4 of 11
11/21/10 at 7:30pm
Your call on the $$$$ Sell the i7Q

cheers ...
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post #5 of 11
11/21/10 at 7:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by NEX_SASIN View Post
Was afraid the some laptop mobo will not accept other CPU then the specified Quadcore CPUs only. I have this odd feeling but from the experience that shouldn't be happening and i'm hoping for.

Xmas is near, should try not to let the wallet bleed

Thanks again...
It would not surprise me if you are correct that your BIOS is for quad-core only. I would check with a reseller like GenTech to double check.
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post #6 of 11
11/21/10 at 7:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Djembe View Post
It would not surprise me if you are correct that your BIOS is for quad-core only. I would check with a reseller like GenTech to double check.
From what I understand a BIOS is mostly hacked to support Quad processors, but not necessarily locked into supporting only Quad (???)

cheers ...
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post #7 of 11
11/21/10 at 9:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by qhn View Post
From what I understand a BIOS is mostly hacked to support Quad processors, but not necessarily locked into supporting only Quad (???)

cheers ...
Not true from what I understand. It has to do with the fact that in the current generation of Intel processors, the dual-core models have integrated graphics and the quad-core models do not. BIOSes had to be specially adjusted to account for this difference, hence why not every BIOS can handle both dual and quad-core models.
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post #8 of 11
11/22/10 at 1:00pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Djembe View Post
Not true from what I understand. It has to do with the fact that in the current generation of Intel processors, the dual-core models have integrated graphics and the quad-core models do not. BIOSes had to be specially adjusted to account for this difference, hence why not every BIOS can handle both dual and quad-core models.
That should explains the different BIOS firmware i found for JA and JQ.

But for theory, if both same generation JA and JQ build using the same BIOS chip and IC version, even same mainboard layout perhaps flashing JA's BIOS can indeed unlock the use for i5 CPU? Or could it possibly end miserably to paperweight?

Anyway i visited GenTechPC site so far shows the JQ can only be upgrade to higher end i7Q, no mentioning of i5 but i'll try email them this inquiry.
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post #9 of 11
11/22/10 at 1:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by NEX_SASIN View Post
That should explains the different BIOS firmware i found for JA and JQ.

But for theory, if both same generation JA and JQ build using the same BIOS chip and IC version, even same mainboard layout perhaps flashing JA's BIOS can indeed unlock the use for i5 CPU? Or could it possibly end miserably to paperweight?

Anyway i visited GenTechPC site so far shows the JQ can only be upgrade to higher end i7Q, no mentioning of i5 but i'll try email them this inquiry.
I personally feel that there is no need for BIOS flash in order to use a lower, albeit different CPU. But Djembe has a very valid explanation regarding the dual core and Quad core handling.

I am interested in knowing what GenTechPC says about this CPU downgrade for the JQ.

cheers ...
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post #10 of 11
11/22/10 at 5:41pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Hello GenTechPC,

I have an Asus N61JQ-A1 and been thinking for an upgrade to either N61JA's CPU which is an i5-540M or to i7-640M, i need to know if that would be possible for my laptop?

Thank you very much for your time.

Gordon.
-The reply:
Quote:
Gordon,
Mainboards are different, i5 mainboard won't work with i7 CPU.

Ken
I don't know if the answer is relevant to my question. Perhaps i made a confusion in my question.
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post #11 of 11
11/22/10 at 5:47pm
I would clarify by asking if an i5 CPU would work with an i7 mainboard.
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