[SOLVED] Upgrade cpu in Toshiba Satellite C870-186

[davidvanbreden]

I want to upgrade the cpu in my Toshiba Satellite C870-186 as its not solded on the motherboard but before i order the wrong cpu i would like to know what is the best upgrade that works on my mobo. Can i just replace it with any ivy bridge 3 gen cpu? I have dual core i3-3110m now can i upgrade to a i7-3940xm?

 

[jojesa]

You could install a Intel Core i7-3520M (35W) CPU but you might not see any difference in performance.
I have tried an i7-3630QM and it was running quite faster but it shuts down when at full speed. So it was useless.
I think it could not handle the 45W power draw from it. So I doubt the i7-3940xm will work since it draws even more power (55W)

 

[asoroka]

So they should be ompatible in terms of chipset, however the i7 is a 55W part while the i3 is a 35W part. That 20W of heat may not be compatible with your laptop design.

I have seen them configured with the i5-3230M.

You may need to get a bios update.

Would you be better off with a new laptop? How much will this replacement chip cost?

How much memory do you have as that will have a big bearing on your performance.

 

[davidvanbreden]

So they should be ompatible in terms of chipset, however the i7 is a 55W part while the i3 is a 35W part. That 20W of heat may not be compatible with your laptop design.

I have seen them configured with the i5-3230M.

You may need to get a bios update.

Would you be better off with a new laptop? How much will this replacement chip cost?

How much memory do you have as that will have a big bearing on your performance.

Im only using it as a workstation and since i installed an ssd it runs quitte well and i like to keep it for a couple of years if i can upgrade the cpu. I have 8gb of memory ram installed. The i5-3230m is good cpu and only 45 euro on ebay, do you think it will work?

 

[asoroka]

It is worth a try.

I don't know how much performance gain you will see.
Your biggest problem will be you RAM it is no really enough.

But for 45Euro why not.

 

[jojesa]

Im only using it as a workstation and since i installed an ssd it runs quitte well and i like to keep it for a couple of years if i can upgrade the cpu. I have 8gb of memory ram installed. The i5-3230m is good cpu and only 45 euro on ebay, do you think it will work?

Yes, the i5-3230m will work on your Satellite C870.
You said that you are using it as a workstation, so depending on what task you do (math calculations) you might see a difference. For everyday tasks like word processing, internet email and browsing there will be no difference.

 

[hsdino]

I upgraded the C870 of my mother from a b960 at 2,5GHz to a i5-2450m at 3,1GHz, a SSD and 8Go of RAM.

It works better with Windows 10 for a total cost of 100€.