I want to change the processor on my laptop. Change the processor on your laptop to a more powerful one. Replacing the processor in a laptop yourself. How to replace the processor on a laptop

One of the main advantages of modern computers over ancient huge computers is modularity. Today's computers are made up of compatible components from different manufacturers, which may have different parameters, and often belong to different generations, but nevertheless work together. Therefore, for example, a desktop computer can be made more powerful by simply replacing its processor with a more powerful one (the main thing is that the socket - that is, the processor socket - is compatible). Is it possible to change the processor on a laptop with the same ease?

Alas, the answer will be disappointing. Laptops, just like desktop PCs, are made from compatible components. But the production process is organized differently: the task is to fit all the filling into a thin body that the user certainly will not disassemble. Therefore, the processor is very often firmly soldered into the motherboard, and it is impossible to replace it without the help of specialists. And this help can cost so much that it is better to immediately buy a new laptop with a powerful modern processor.

But even if the processor is not soldered and can be replaced, this work requires a very qualified approach. What you need to do before changing the processor on your laptop:

  1. Check the modification of your laptop and (therefore) motherboard. The fact is that completely different laptops can enter the market under the same name, the only things they have in common are their design and manufacturer. The motherboard, processor socket, video card, amount of RAM and storage, display parameters - in short, almost everything may differ. Therefore, searching for the type “processor for HP Pavilion G6” will most likely yield nothing.
  2. Make sure that replacing the processor on your model with your own hands is in principle possible. The answer to this question can be found on various forums dedicated to laptop manufacturers or even specific models. You may need to improve your English skills or even use an online translator.

There is a general rule for Intel models. If the processor nomenclature contains the abbreviation BGA, then it is non-removable. Removable processors contain the abbreviation PGA in their name. Unfortunately, you can’t easily recognize an AMD processor by its name: you’ll have to go to the official website and look at the description of the model you’re interested in.

  1. Decide which processor you want to replace. It's one thing if your laptop fails due to the fault of the processor, and you want a functional replacement. Then you can safely take the same version as before. It's another matter if you want to replace the processor in your laptop with a more powerful one in order to increase its performance. You will have to google which processors are basically compatible with your chipset and which one is the most powerful. Pay attention not only to the socket, but also to the code name of the core, as well as the thermal package of the processor. All of them must match the corresponding parameters of the motherboard, otherwise no one guarantees the operation of the Frankenstein laptop.
  2. Find the processor you want to install on sale. Mobile processors are not sold as freely as desktop ones. The fact is that not every technician will undertake to change the processor in a laptop on his own. You may have to order the “stone” from foreign online stores, especially if your laptop is no longer new. In any case, the price “over the hill” (especially in China) may turn out to be much more attractive.
  3. Find instructions for replacing the processor with illustrations or a video version. Searching on YouTube may be the most productive. However, be prepared that the video voice-over may be in a language you do not know. Then focus first on the picture.
  4. Watch the video to see what tools the master uses and prepare the appropriate kit.
  5. Follow his example. From time to time you will have to pause while watching to do the same thing afterwards. It is advisable to watch the video to the end in advance to make sure that everything worked out “there”, and only then proceed.

However, we all understand that such a decision is not a good life. Perhaps there are some ways to do without replacing the processor in a laptop at all?

How to avoid replacing the processor in a laptop

As long as the processor copes with your everyday tasks, you are satisfied with it, and its clock speed, number of cores and other parameters do not bother you. To avoid having to think about replacing the processor for as long as possible, you need to do two things:

  1. It is wise to choose a laptop right away so that in the future it can cope with its tasks longer and more confidently.
  2. Handle the device in such a way that its performance remains as high as possible.

In general, both of these problems can be solved if you approach them consciously. Let's first pay attention to the choice of processor, based on the fact that you are buying a ready-made laptop and you do not face compatibility issues at all. As you know, modern processors differ in the following set of parameters:

  1. Manufacturer. The vast majority of laptops are based on AMD or Intel processors (not counting transformers, which can use a Qualcomm chip or, God forgive me, Allwinner). In the budget and mid-range segments, their positions are approximately equal, but if you need a very powerful laptop (for gaming or for serious work tasks), then your choice is only Intel.
  2. Clock frequency. The more, the faster the processor. However, at the same time, it consumes more power. Therefore, it is up to you to decide what is more important - performance or autonomy.
  3. Number of Cores. The more cores, the more processes can be run in parallel. This has little effect on games, for example. But for video editing, working in a browser with many tabs or working with photographs - yes. Therefore, for intensive tasks it is better to choose a processor with the maximum number of cores, and for difficult ones - a processor with a higher frequency.
  4. Cache memory and system bus frequency. Everything here is clear: the more, the better.

Consider what tasks you need a laptop for and choose the best solution within your budget. It may make sense to add a few thousand, but go for a more powerful solution that will last you a year or two longer.

Another piece of advice: if out of two equally priced laptops, one has a weaker processor, but the other has less RAM and a smaller storage capacity - take the one with a better processor. The fact is that later you can replace both the hard drive and the RAM, but with a processor this (see above) will be much more difficult, if not impossible.

As for laptop maintenance, everything is obvious here: do not clutter it, do not install too many programs, and so on. Nevertheless, let us recall the basic principles of successful work with a laptop:

  1. Clean the device from dust regularly. Dust gets into the laptop case, which interferes with ventilation, causes the device to overheat and, at best, reduces its performance. If possible, do it yourself. No - take it in for service at least once a year.
  2. Don't install too many programs, especially those running in the background. They can also affect productivity by eating up precious resources.
  3. Use disk and registry cleaning apps (such as CleanMaster)
  4. If you are using a traditional hard drive, defragment it regularly. And better…
  5. Replace the hard drive with a solid state drive. Nowadays SSDs for laptops can be purchased at a very affordable price, and a capacity of 120 GB or more will be enough to work with documents. On 240 or 480 GB you can store a collection of music or videos, as well as other large files.
  6. If possible, increase the amount of RAM. Yes, both RAM and SSD cost money, but you can put these expenses aside for a while and then enjoy the faster performance of your laptop. In addition, these elements (unlike the processor) are easy to replace yourself.

If you comply with all these conditions, you may not need to replace the processor at all. The laptop will finish its life with its “native” processor and will fail later for another reason or become morally obsolete. You will then be able to purchase a new one with a clear conscience. And if you follow the recommendations, then the new one will serve you as long as possible.

One of the most important elements in a laptop is the processor - the device responsible for processing data in it. Unlike a desktop computer, it can operate in automatic mode for some time, maintaining energy efficiency with the help of batteries. Sometimes it breaks down and it becomes necessary to replace it. Sometimes users want to change it to a more powerful device. A completely logical question arises about how to change the processor on a Lenovo laptop. This is a rather complex and painstaking procedure that requires concentration and accuracy in performing certain actions. But doing the necessary processes yourself is quite possible.

How to find out if the processor is faulty

Before you buy a new processor, you need to be sure that it is faulty. The following signs will indicate its failure:

  • the fan that cools the CPU (central processing unit) works when turned on, but the system does not boot;
  • no image appears on the screen;
  • The laptop reboots itself.

The processor may fail as a result of constant overheating. The reason may be dust that has accumulated on the radiator and makes it impossible to provide the necessary cooling. Overheating can also occur as a result of contact between the radiator and the processor due to the fact that the thermal paste has lost its purpose.

Processor replacement steps

First you need to prepare the necessary tools. To do this, you need to purchase thermal paste, flat and Phillips screwdrivers, and napkins. Replacing the processor on a Lenovo laptop takes place in several stages:

  • It is mandatory to disconnect the device from the network and remove the battery from it.
  • Remove the cover of the mobile device by unscrewing the fastening bolts with a screwdriver.

  • After this, you need to deal with the cooling system of the mobile device by removing the fan and impeller.

  • Using dry wipes, remove dust that has accumulated on the shaft and impeller.

  • After cleaning, lubricate the shaft.
  • Before replacing the processor, you need to select a device that matches the laptop in terms of configuration and necessary parameters. It is better to consult with specialists on this issue.
  • Now you can remove the stone (processor). To do this, unscrew the screws that secure it. Some models have special latches. When removing the processor, the main thing is not to damage them.
  • The new device is installed very carefully, and you need to ensure that the legs fit exactly into the holes. The processor should fit into the sockets easily, no force should be applied. After installation, a thin layer of thermal paste is applied to it, evenly distributing it over the entire surface.

  • Check whether the thermal pads of the chipset (chips responsible for interaction of the processor with other elements) and the battery are positioned correctly.
  • The parts of the Lenovo laptop are assembled: the fan is put in place, the cover is attached, and the battery is inserted.

If all steps were completed correctly, the mobile device will function normally. Now you know how to change the processor on a Lenovo laptop.

Almost every user with the invention of the laptop got the opportunity to be free. This device allows you to carry with you all the necessary tools for relaxation, entertainment and office work. Even if you get out into nature, you will be able to control your affairs and entertain yourself with your favorite game. All mobile devices have become very popular due to this. In the life of any user, over time there comes a time when his device becomes not as fast and powerful as it was before. After the release of new games and computer programs, the system requirements become higher and higher, so your laptop can no longer handle them. The most popular device upgrade is replacing the laptop processor with a more powerful one. Modernization refers to the replacement of weak computer components with more powerful and modern ones. The processor's job is to perform a number of functions specified by the user. All these tasks are performed in the operating system. Their solution ensures acceptable operation of the device. To completely solve the problem of a weak computer, you often have to replace the motherboard paired with the processor. When is it necessary to replace? The need to replace a laptop processor with a more powerful one can be caused by various technical reasons. The main ones include:

— power surges;

— damage to the electrical network in the office, apartment, etc.;

- presence of physical damage.

After replacing the central component, your laptop will become much faster. However, it is worth considering that each device has a certain resource. Accordingly, you can install not any processor, but only the one that suits your motherboard. Replacement is generally relevant only on devices that were initially powerful, and after 3-5 years of use they become not as relevant as they were at the time of purchase. It is worth saying thank you to the manufacturers for the opportunity to increase productivity at relatively low costs.

What should I change it to?

Replacing a laptop processor is a fairly complex process. Finding the microprocessor model that is suitable specifically for your motherboard will be quite problematic. For example, on desktop computers this process is much easier, since on the market you can find many different devices for one or another type of board. Some components are eliminated during selection; they include expensive and powerful models, and users simply have no choice but to look for their part among broken devices. Such devices can be found at various auctions. They are sold at ridiculous prices. You shouldn't expect a huge performance boost after installing them. Of course, maybe your laptop will work faster, but most likely the result will be far from what you expected.

What to fear?

Replacing a processor with a more powerful one comes with a number of features. Users who do not have sufficient computer assembly experience may make mistakes when choosing computer components. This may damage the entire device. If you act carelessly, you can damage many units. As a result, you will be forced to spend a significant amount on restoring your old device or buying a new one. If you are not confident in your own abilities, then it is better to contact a specialized service center. Specialists will do all the work there. If your device is under warranty, then any action of such a plan will immediately remove the device from warranty service. If you change the processor and then discover a breakdown, then you will have to pay for the repair of the device yourself.

CPU replacement: algorithm

Replacing a laptop processor with a more powerful one is carried out according to the following scenario:

  1. You need to choose the processor model that matches the type of socket on your motherboard. This stage is considered quite important, because if you do not select the right component, then your choice can become completely useless and lead to a waste of money.
  2. The next step is to prepare the tools that may be required during the modernization process. Usually this is a small screwdriver and a tube of thermal paste.
  3. After you take your laptop apart, you will need to remove the cooling system from your processor.
  4. Remove the processor and thoroughly clean the installation area of ​​the old thermal paste.
  5. Before installation, you must thoroughly coat all components with thermal paste.
  6. We install the parts in reverse order.
  7. We assemble the device case and check the laptop for functionality.

If the components have been installed correctly, the laptop will work and you can start working with it.

HP laptops

If you purchased a laptop, but some parameters of the device do not suit you, then replacing the processor with a more powerful one can help you. HP is quite well known today. The manufacturer has proven itself well. HP produces quite powerful laptops that can be further upgraded. At this stage, replacing a processor is practically no different from devices from other manufacturers. In this case, installation, like with other manufacturers, begins with the selection of components. HP makes its devices mainly on well-known processors from Intel. This manufacturer is a leader among component manufacturers. In its model range you can find a processor for any motherboard.

AMD processors

If the central processing unit of your laptop has completely become unusable, then only replacing the processor with a more powerful one can help in this case. AMD ranks second in the global processor manufacturing market. AMD is also the largest manufacturer of graphics processors. The products of this company are famous for their low price and high performance. Intel is the main competitor of this company. In 2010, AMD released its first 6-core processor, which was designed to compete with the top i5 and i7 models. The device quickly took a leading position in the market. AMD's product range is quite diverse. In the manufacturer's arsenal you can find a processor for almost all models of motherboards. Components have a very wide price category. Each user can easily choose a device to suit their needs and wallet size.

Replacing Intel Core 2 duo

If your motherboard has become unusable, then most likely you will need to replace the processor with a more powerful one. Intel Core 2 duo are 64-bit microprocessors. Production of these components began in 2006. Today, processors of this model can be considered veterans among modern devices. This processor was famous for its availability and speed at the time of its release. All devices that work today on this processor, unfortunately, are already outdated and require modernization. This processor is so old that the motherboard on which it is installed does not support modern processor devices. If you want to make your device running Core 2 Duo more modern and faster, then you need to think about buying a new motherboard.

Replacing i3 with i5

As a rule, when updating a device, it is necessary to replace the laptop processor with a more powerful one. The most common modification of changing processors is i3 to i5. In the portable electronics market at the moment, laptops with great scope for improvement are increasingly found. As a rule, all such devices have pre-installed processors from Intel. Such devices are the best option for a compact laptop. If necessary, it can be improved to such characteristics that even some desktop computers cannot boast of. Replacing an i3 processor with an i5 is the most common modification as the difference between the two is enormous. The i3 processor in this case can be considered the younger brother. It runs on just two cores. There are also options equipped with multiple information processing streams. This brings its performance closer to i5 levels.

Rostislav Kuzmin

Greetings to you, regular readers of my blog! Today, it’s a rare person who doesn’t use a desktop computer or laptop, and the latter are confidently crowding out the first option. The reasons are obvious - compact sizes, which allows you to carry them and work outside the home. The second point of the popularity of mobile devices is that their power has long ceased to be inferior to a stationary PC, although there was a difference two or three years ago. The only nuance that can stop a user when choosing a device is whether it is possible to replace the processor on a laptop with a more powerful one. Upgrading a laptop system is quite possible, but usually it concerns the hard drive or RAM. Not all users will decide to change the central chip, and this is not an accident. We’ll talk further about what the difficulty is, but looking ahead, yes, replacing the CPU is possible. There are two options for the development of events - complex and simple. Let's look at both cases in detail.

Why change the processor

Before replacing the processor on a laptop with a more powerful one, you should understand in what situation this should be done. The development of computer technology is proceeding at a rapid pace; devices purchased several years ago may turn out to be far from effective in a year and a half, or even earlier. Of course, any user wants the purchased equipment to work for a long time. The problem with digital devices is that they age faster than they fail. A laptop can work for 5 or more years, but it simply cannot solve most problems. In such situations, mobile device owners begin to think about an upgrade. It is worth understanding that replacing components with a more powerful option is cheaper than buying a new device. The second option is to sell your old work laptop and buy a new one at an additional cost. The secondary market for digital equipment is not the most popular and sometimes it is quite difficult to sell an old device profitably. One of the reasons for replacing components and, in particular, the CPU is the desire to increase system performance and generally make the laptop more powerful. In fact, you need to understand that it is quite difficult to achieve serious performance simply by replacing the processor.


The fact is that the central chip, although it is the heart or brain of the laptop, cannot work separately from the motherboard, and it affects what kind of CPU can be installed in the laptop. In other words, with an existing motherboard, the choice of compatible processors is very small, and it is quite difficult to find a powerful processor for an old laptop. In general, upgrading the chip will bring a slight increase, but not on such a scale that the old laptop will start running new games. The device will simply work faster and more stable. It wouldn't hurt to add RAM and install a faster hard drive. In particular, an SSD is suitable, at least for installing an operating system or new memory from Intel - Optane; it increases the performance of a conventional hard drive several times. In some cases, RAM and a faster hard drive will show a better result in terms of power gain than replacing the CPU. This nuance should be taken into account and you should think about what is more profitable - to buy a stick of RAM and an SSD in order to continue working on the laptop without brakes and lags or to look for a compatible processor (it is not a fact that it is realistic to buy a non-used option). Obviously, it is advisable to install a powerful processor if the old one has basically stopped working due to a power surge or due to mechanical damage. By the way, if you can’t buy a new CPU, but you can buy a used one, then buying Intel is a safe option. It either works or it doesn't. The brand does not have any defective chips.

In what case can you change the processor?

Above I answered the question of whether it is possible to change the processor, but I mentioned that the development of events can be difficult or easy. In the first case, the processor is built into the motherboard, that is, physically soldered. Accordingly, to replace it, you will need to desolder it, and then solder in a new one. The procedure is not trivial and not every user can handle it themselves. In this case, I recommend not changing the processor if it is working and try to increase performance using the methods mentioned above - add RAM, replace the hard drive.

The second possible option is that the processor is not soldered. In this case, replacing it is easy, just disassemble the laptop and just install a new CPU. Read more about how to change it below. In the meantime, let’s find out how to find out whether the processor is soldered in or not. The first option is to disassemble the laptop and take a look (obviously, this method is not the easiest). The second tip is to look for technical documentation for the laptop (also not always realistic). The third way is to look for an answer on the forums. It is worth noting here that even within the same model everything may differ. I have come across a situation where in a review they disassemble a specific laptop and show a certain system configuration, but in real life the same model may differ in hardware, for example, instead of two RAM sticks there will be one. In other words, you shouldn’t blindly believe reviews. It happens that people cheat there, but they do it not out of malice, but because manufacturers do not assemble the model in one specific configuration.


The most reliable way is to install the program CPU-Z, which takes up a couple of megabytes, and scan the laptop with it. In the field with the name of the processor, the mark PGA indicates that it is socket and can be replaced. BGA – the chip is soldered. Replacement is possible, but will be difficult.

If we talk about manufacturers, many older Acer and Asus models have the ability to be replaced. In newer models this is more difficult. The old guys in the HP market still make some of the most common laptops and they are still easy to repair or upgrade. However, they fail more often. Lenovo entered the market relatively recently (compared to its competitors), so there is no definitive answer with their devices. You need to check each laptop separately.

Processor replacement procedure

So, the first stage of replacement was announced above - you need to find out whether you can change the processor yourself. If yes, then you should select the appropriate chip from compatible devices. To do this, you need to know what motherboard is in the laptop. This information can be obtained using the Everest program or AIDA64, in the chipset section we look at the motherboard, and then we search on the Internet which processor is suitable for this board. It is worth understanding that you should not blindly believe information about compatibility from the first site you come across and it is better to double-check it on a third-party resource. However, the most useful information is contained on official resources. In my opinion, the best processors are created by Intel, and the old one should be replaced with products from this company. To choose a compatible processor, just go to the brand’s website and look for information there. There were no cases of incorrect information from Intel.


Once the processor has been selected and purchased, you should begin the replacement procedure. There is such a nuance here - the BIOS may not see the new processor, even if the motherboard is supposed to work with it. To prevent this, it is necessary to carry out an update procedure before replacing. You can update the BIOS directly in the BIOS itself, under DOS or in Windows. In the last two cases, you need to know the motherboard, BIOS type and its current firmware.

After updating the BIOS, the processor is replaced. There should not be any particular difficulties here if the user has cleaned the device from dust at least once on his own. The laptop needs to be disassembled down to the motherboard, the processor removed, the old thermal paste removed and fresh applied to the new chip. Then everything is put back together as it was. If the assembly is carried out correctly, then after an overload everything will work.

Another useful tip that will allow you to use all the capabilities of the CPU is to update the driver. Modern Intel products have a lot of features that can make the owner's life much easier. However, not all of them work by default, and in some situations you will need the latest software and even the latest operating system updates. By the way, modern processors work better with the Windows 10 OS, so if the chip is new, then the OS can also be installed with the latest one.

So, to summarize the above, replacing the processor looks like this:

  1. Checking the processor type.
  2. Find out the model and manufacturer of the motherboard.
  3. We select a compatible CPU.
  4. We update the BIOS.
  5. We change the processor.
  6. Install the latest driver and latest OS updates.

Possible problems

It is worth understanding that processors differ not only in their performance, but also in their heat dissipation. This point should be taken into account when choosing a new chip. If its power is higher, then additional or new cooling will be required, and the battery may also discharge faster. Sometimes the device starts to heat up more, but the processor generates the same heat. In this case, the problem may be caused by thermal paste - there may be a lot of it or, on the contrary, not enough. There is also cheap thermal paste that dries almost immediately. When applying it to the chip, you need to make a very thin layer and make sure that not even the smallest clean area remains, otherwise high heating will be ensured. If the CPU generates more heat, then you should immediately buy a new cooler for it that can cool it. Overheating of the processor is not only a slowdown in operation, but also the cause of rapid breakdown of the device.

Thank you for your attention! See you on the pages of my blog! Sincerely, Rostislav Kuzmin.

Cool

Many people often wonder how to do this? Today we will find out whether it is worth changing the processor to a more powerful one.

You can replace the processor of a laptop or desktop PC. If you decide to upgrade your PC, then you can start modding by replacing the processor.

REPLACING THE PROCESSOR ON A LAPTOP:
There can be two reasons for replacing a processor, one of them is the failure of the processor, the second is a PC upgrade.

1. First you need to decide on processor selection, his model that fits the motherboard connector. We decide on the price-quality ratio and move on to the second stage of choosing a processor.

2. After purchasing the processor, we prepare everything necessary to replace it. We will need thermal paste, screwdrivers and instructions for the motherboard.

3. After everything is prepared, turn off the laptop and power from it, disconnect all peripherals, remove the battery, and remove the back panel of the PC case. In order to remove the old processor, you need to disassemble (remove) the cooling system. Removal should be carried out as carefully as possible, unscrewing without damaging the thread. Has the cooling system been removed? Let's move on to the next stage.

4. After removing the cooling system, we got to the treasured processor. Carefully unscrew all fasteners, carefully lift the CPU, after this remove old thermal paste using a clean disposable napkin.

5. Before installing a new processor, lubricate the parts fresh thermal paste. After that we install the processor. Please note that it installs without any effort. If you cannot install the processor, then you are doing something wrong.

6. After everything is done, we return the cooling system, close the back panel, insert the battery and check that the processor is installed correctly by starting the laptop.

So today you learned about Is it possible to change the processor on a laptop to a more powerful one? and how to install it on PC. As you may have noticed, installing a processor is a labor-intensive process, but not particularly difficult if you follow the instructions. If you are not sure that you can replace the processor yourself, then it is better to entrust the installation to a specialist. Replacing a processor at a service center is not expensive.