CPU compatibility for Intel945GM chipset

[Bullix]

Hello everybody. I've got a HP530 notebook with an Intel T2400 CPU (on a sticker it says Centrino Duo, in Device Manager it says it's Intel Core Duo T2400 1.83Ghz processor). I took a look on the mainboard. First I saw the socket, which is "mPGA478mt". Then, this is what i read on the chipset "Intel 82801GBM".
I'm wondering what more powerfull CPU can I fit to my laptop? I searched the chipset on Google, and the first result sent me to the Intel official page, where I could see that it supports a T7600 Core 2 Duo processor, on 64 bits. But, my actual T2400 is a 32-bit processor. And, more surprising, my T2400 is not listed there. I talked to a buddy from HP Live Support, and he gave me the next list of supported processors:

"Here are the list of Processors which are shipped for this particular unit:

1. Intel Celeron M processor 410 - 1.46GHz
2. Intel Celeron M processor 420 - 1.60GHz
3. Intel Core Solo processor T1300 - 1.66GHz (Yonah, 667MHz front side bus, 2MB Level-2 cache)
4. Intel Core Solo processor T1400 - 1.83GHz (Yonah, 667MHz front side bus, 2MB Level-2 cache)
5. Intel Core Duo processor T2300 - 1.66GHz (Yonah, 667MHz front side bus, 2MB Level-2 cache)
6. Intel Core Duo processor T2300E - 1.66GHz (Yonah, 667MHz front side bus, 2MB Level-2 cache) "

But I can't believe this, my T2400 is not listed, again.

I don't understand one more thing: are the 479-pin socket and my "mPGA478mt" the same? If so, it seems that a T7600 or T2700 could be supported.

But, again, could the same chipset drive both 64 and 32 bit processors? I'm asking you this because that's a little bit surprising to me, and my technical culture is a little bit obsolete, when I talk about new hardware 🙁

I really want to buy a stronger CPU but I don't want to have the bad surprise that what I buy will not work...

Thanks!

 

[Bullix]

Sorry, I was actually talking about a "NH 82801GBM" chipset. I forgot the "NH".

 

[505090]

any 64bit compatible processor can run 32 bit os and programs
most processors from early 2000 and up are 64 bit compatible

the bigger issue is what your bios supports not what the chipset supports. the only people who can answer that question is HP, though it would be safe to assume any cpu they shipped in it will be supported

I wouldn't bother upgrading unless it was to a 2.8 or better

 

[Bullix]

Maybe you are right but, you know, notebooks cannot be upgraded is as big steps as a desktop could be. Laptop parts are much more expensive that desktop parts. What you say, 2.8 or better, means almost doubling my actual CPU's frequency. It would be ok to me if I make a modest upgrade: 2.33-1.83=1/2GHz boost. Not bad at all I think.
So, as you said, it is possible to run a 64-bit CPU using the same motherboard and chipset that actually runs my 32-bit one. But if the BIOS won't work with it, what should I do? Could it be re-flashed or updated? As I know, bioses are just simple ROM memories, which I think they could be programmed with any information needed. Am I wrong?

Btw, I might have made a mistake, I think I was talking about a T7400 processor (Core 2 Duo, on 64bit).

 

[505090]

virtually all processors now day are 64 compatible now days, that is not an issue.

it is rarely worth the money or trouble to upgrade unless you need a new feature or double up the performance, but that's just my opinion

the bios is just a simple rom and it can be re-flashed but the only people who are going to write the code is the manufacturer, basically if they don't do it your screwed

 

[Bullix]

Well... which people? Those who worked the mainboard or those who released the CPU? Aren't there support updates for any upgrade? Let's say I buy the new CPU and, before installing it, I download an official bios update for supporting the new CPU, I install it, and after that I just replace the CPU. Something like this?

 

[amdfangirl]

Well laptops normally don't get upgrades.

 

[Bullix]

Just because they have smaller parts and many of them are directly soldered on the mainboard, this doesn't mean they are not upgradable. And as well as desktop systems, CPUs at least are very upgradable. I have also seen graphic CPUs for sale and, with some good tools on good hands, they can be changed too...

I think I'll first buy a T2700 CPU which I'm 100% sure it will work. It's on 32 bit like T2400, but at 2.33Ghz, and I'll try to sell my T2400. Meanwhile, I will try to get a T7400 or T7600 at a good price. But in time. Need money first 😛

 

[amdfangirl]

Well OEM's aren't a fan of upgrades

They don't make a cut

That's why you don't see much BIOS updates.

 

[Bullix]

That's not good... 🙁

 

[amdfangirl]

A T2700 might work... same sorta class of chip... depends on the phase of the mobo.

No guarantees here.

I think it might just be better to buy a whole notebook...

T2400 to T2700 isn't worth it.

 

[Bullix]

Come to Romania and burn 1000Euro on a new notebook when you can buy the same with 500$ in your town. Sorry, I don't live in US, even if I would love to...
Lucky me, I heard about eBay 😛

 

[macminiman]

You can most likely use up to a t7600 but unless you are running a 64 bit operating system your now going to get any advantages over the t2700 which is much cheaper.

Have fun, save money, and get the t2700.

 

[Bullix]

I think I'm going to make this upgrade in two steps. First I get the T2700 and after I save more money, I will try the T7600. Of course I will not buy each new CPU unless I first sell the old one. Here in Romania you almost can't find a new buyer for this kind of CPUs. So I will have to risk a little. Anyway, I can buy a T2400 from eBay for 40 dollars, so let's say it wouldn't be such a great sacrifice.

 

[jankiewicz]

Any luck with that CPU upgrade? I've got a dv2201ca I'm trying to fix for a friend and ended up getting an Intel motherboard for it by mistake (vendor screwed up and then wanted to charge me a restocking fee). So, since I have this board I was wondering if I could get a T7600 to run on it. The Intel 945GM chipset is compatible with the T7600 CPU but I'm concerned that the BIOS won't like it. I hate to spend the money if it's not going to work. Otherwise I'll have to get him a T2400 or something.

Cheers,

Kris

I think I'm going to make this upgrade in two steps. First I get the T2700 and after I save more money, I will try the T7600. Of course I will not buy each new CPU unless I first sell the old one. Here in Romania you almost can't find a new buyer for this kind of CPUs. So I will have to risk a little. Anyway, I can buy a T2400 from eBay for 40 dollars, so let's say it wouldn't be such a great sacrifice.