Hello,I have a dell m6500 with an i5-520m. Can I change it out with an i5-3470?

[CaleWalker]

I'm looking to upgrade my laptop, I've looked into 4GB 1600mhz ram sticks, but this cpu is slow and I might have a spare i5-3470 kicking around.

 

[cin19]

No.
1) i5 3470 has the lga1155 socket, i5-520 has the G1 type.
2) I5 3470 is the desktop cpu, and i5-520m is the mobile.

 

[CaleWalker]

what would be a good upgrade then that would fit into this M6500?

 

[Alabalcho]

what would be a good upgrade then that would fit into this M6500?

As much RAM as you can afford, and as much SSD you need (and can afford). There is a slight chance your CPU is socketed, bu even then I would not go with upgrading it - you will break the thermal design.

 

[cin19]

The dell m6500 has two models, Quad-Core cpu and Dual-Core cpu. The one you had is the Dual-Core cpu model, and you may not can find the cpu for the laptop anymore. You can upgrade the RAM to 8GB max for the Dual-Core model.
Before you buy any RAM, you are better to install the cpu z to confirm what RAM is in your laptop. CPU Z http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html then buy the same speed , timing RAM and not more 8GB total because the laptop has two slot.
And like Alabalcho, you can buy the SSD too, but I recommend you can buy the SSHD (Solid State Hybrid Drive), if you have more data on the HDD.

 

[CaleWalker]

Ok, thanks guys. I have 2 160GB HHD's installed. I can put the SSD into there and upgrade my ram. Thanks for the help.