Upgrading processor

Dear gurus here.


i have an MSI CX420 Laptop with Intel P6100. is it possible to upgrade the CPU to core i7 720QM? the laptop has HM55 chipset and dedicated ATI 5470 graphic. i got a nice bargain on the i7 but hesitating to buy it.

i'm concerned about the bios since MSI CX420 product only list i3 and i5 processors.
can i use MSI GX730 BIOS in CX420?


thanks for the help.

 

It might be possible if you find the correct bios. But be aware that the i7 720QM uses more power than the P6100 and you might need a higher wattage power adapter too.

What you see for the i2 and i5 processors is correct for the USA. Check if there is an MSI site for the country your laptop came from.

Either way, It is not worth it to upgrade the processor on that model. You would be much better off selling it and getting a new laptop altogether.

 

You are correct, the bios will most likely not support the i7 CPU. Also the CX420 will not be able to support the i7 because of thermal limitations. The GX730 bios is not compatible and will most likely stop you during a reflash because of a mis-match.

 

okay. but can i upgrade it to i3 or i5 processor?
on MSI CX420 product page, it only list 1 bios for all processor type.
and the spec of every MSI CX420 is the same except for the processor itself.

 

If other CX420's come with i3 or i5, your CX420 will work with one.

 

i have done the upgrade myself.
from P6100 2.0Ghz to Core i5 460M




the new i5 processor (second hand actually)


open up laptop case
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg82...&filename=img00386201204041937.jpg&res=medium

switching the proc
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg3/scaled.php?server=3&filename=img00387201204041939.jpg&res=medium

P6100 CPUID
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg215/scaled.php?server=215&filename=p6100.png&res=medium

new core i5 CPUID
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg17/scaled.php?server=17&filename=77336752.png&res=medium