Mobo Upgrade, Satellite P100: T2250 w/ T5500

Hi All,

First post here. I saw some threads that were sort of similar, but my question is actually related to downgrading while upgrading. I'll explain:

I had a satellite p100 notebook with a dead mobo. No one has a replacement mobo in stock anywhere, but there is a replacement for the next model up, and the dimensions, etc. are identical, with the addition of a DVI port and a better graphics card, and the casing already has a ready-to-go spot for the new DVI port. It is also much cheaper!

After doing a lot of reading and comparisons, my only concern is with putting the old CPU (a T2250 Core Duo w/ 533mhz FSB) into the new mobo, which originally shipped with a Core 2 Duo T5500 w/ 667mhz FSB. I believe both are socket M, but when comparing specs, it seems like the T2250 sometimes requires lower voltages than the T5500 for power-saving features. Both are rated to accept the same maximum voltage. Also, it seems that the T5500 was rated for 34W while the T2250 was rated for 31W.

I realize that comparing processors isn't really the object here, since the new mobo will be the issue, but finding detailed specs on Toshiba manufactured parts is... hard. I'm just trying to find out if the older processor will work with the new motherboard. Whether or not I can use a Core Duo processor in a board with the same socket meant to accept a Core 2 Duo processor. All the mounts for the heat sink/fan are identical.

The original mobo came out of the Satellite MA105C, while the new mobo was made for the MA305C.

Any help or advice would be appreciated. I'm trying to do this without buying a new T5500 to save a little dough. The unit will be going to a family member for general use, so they don't need a powerhouse machine.

 

I don't think it will be backwards compatable.

Also be sure to check heatsink design compatability.

 

The CPU's won't be the issue, the motherboard fitting correctly might be an issue

 

Good point about the heatsink design, Meaker...
The heatsink mounts for the two boards are identical. The heatsink is designed to extend past the CPU socket onto part of the chipset and provide cooling there, so it all seems like it would line up perfectly. If i get to use the old CPU with the new board, then I know it will be rated for it.

I've got a third party website I'm on that shows the compatible models for my old motherboard model (a000012540) and the one I'd like to replace it with (a000012720). The lists are identical, and I know the sound card and daughter boards and display will be compatible... But nowhere can I find a proper model number that will give me a list of compatible CPUs. Does anyone know of such a fabulous repository of knowledge? I used to rely on Google, except now all it ever wants to do is sell instead of tell...

The price difference is staggering. I can get the newer model brand new for ~65$, whereas the older model refurbished is ~75$ IF you can find one. Getpartsonline.com seems to have the best deals for these boards so far.

Sucks that I might have to find a new/used T5500 if I go through with all this. Anyone know of a good place to pick one up cheap? Ebay cant do any better than about ~50$

 

Finally got a copy of the service/repair manual. Realized that the one expansion slot on the new board I couldn't explain was for the dedicated graphics card, which did not come with the older model I want to swap it out for. So that's the final nail in the coffin. Thanks for the input, I do appreciate it.