Upgrading CPU on MSI GX740 EU version/i5

Hi,

As I mentioned in the MSI forum I ordered a MSI GX740 with the i5 CPU (just go to www.msi.com then to any EU country to check the specs, but they should otherwise be the same as any other none-EU GX740, just change the i7 to a i5).

I was told that it should run most games good (the GPU is still the bottleneck, true?) , but I still want to upgrade the CPU.

I tried to find stores that would sell the i7 QM720 but found a bunch of places which sell the desktop version . At Intels homepage the price is around 340$, but none of the stores that they suggested had the mobile i7.

A few questions:

I have read that the warrenty isn´t voided if I change the CPU, true?

Anybody know any reliable stores that sell the mobile version of the i7 QM720? Within EU would be great (no taxes).

Finally, I´m going to the UK and I just read a thread here that someone pretty much destroyed there laptop because they used a different adapter, now I wonder if anybody here has had any problems with using adapters in the UK (they have different power outputs then in most countries)?

Thanks!

 

90% of the time, when you crack open a laptop case you WILL void the warranty. Lots of people will go through all kinds of mental gymnastics to try and justify why they THINK warranties should never be voided, but it's not your or their opinion that matters. If the maker decides that you opened up the case, you will be the one with a broken machine that will cost a pile of $$ to fix.

If you have doubts about warranty coverage, why not call the maker directly?

Power adapter OUTPUTS are the same worldwide. 19 volts DC (or whatever your laptop calls for) is the same 19 volts DC in the UK and China and the US and Chile. It's the power INPUT you need to look out for. Having said that, most (not all) adapters these days are universal input running from 80 vac to approx 250 vac 50/60 cycles. Just match up the correct mains cable for your local wall power and all should be well.

Read the label on the new power adapter. And match the info up with the label on the original adapter.

It is the OUTPUT voltage from an adapter that gets fed to your laptop that you need to pay close attention to. Make sure your new adapter is rated for the exact voltage as the original adapter and at least the same output amperage. Additional amperage CAPABILITY on the output will not harm anything, it's the voltage that matters. Make sure that you have the correct plug for your laptops DC input jack (+- POLARITY COUNTS!!) and all should be well.

I say again: Read the label on the new power adapter. And match the info up with the label on the original adapter.

If any of that it too much for you, buy an ORIGINAL adapter from the maker of your laptop.

New mobile processors are very hard to find at retail. The only constant source is salvage dealers on ebay, etc.

 

Thanks! Good answer!

I think I´ll check with a few stores, I´m under the impression that those adapters arn´t cheap . Would it be best to get an original MSI adapter, atleast that couldn´t void warrenty if it still goes 'boom' for some reason?

 

The only components that are upgradable without voiding your warranty is RAM & HDD .. that's it.

 

Alright an update.

I found a new i7 820QM on ebay from a "top seller" for quite a good price. I´m seriously thinking about ordering it right away. I just have to be sure of a few things:

1) Opening up my GX740 will void my warrenty, no chance of installing the original processor back if say the blu-ray drive is the faulty component? Or can I leave the processor there in case of something else then the processor breaks or what (hoping that they don´t check it)?

2) How hard is it to upgrade, I´ve built desktop computers so how much more difficult is it to change a processor on the GX740?

3) Can I apply "normal" paste that goes on desktop processor on the 820QM?

4) Is the change going to effect the temps (anywhere) dramatically? Is the change even possible?

Thanks a bunch, really would like to buy a GX740 version with the i7 right away but what can u do when it isn´t on sale in the EU...

 

i was wondering if u ever did replace that CPU.
and if u had anny troubles?

 

CPU upgrade in GX740 is just as easy, if not easier, as upgrade in a desktop computer.