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    Upgrading processor

    Discussion in 'MSI' started by ArrowWind, Mar 3, 2012.

  1. ArrowWind

    ArrowWind Newbie

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    Dear gurus here.


    i have an MSI CX420 Laptop with Intel P6100. is it possible to upgrade the CPU to core i7 720QM? the laptop has HM55 chipset and dedicated ATI 5470 graphic. i got a nice bargain on the i7 but hesitating to buy it.

    i'm concerned about the bios since MSI CX420 product only list i3 and i5 processors.
    can i use MSI GX730 BIOS in CX420?


    thanks for the help.
     
    ArrowWind, Mar 3, 2012
    #1
  2. MrSeaBass

    MrSeaBass Notebook Evangelist

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    It might be possible if you find the correct bios. But be aware that the i7 720QM uses more power than the P6100 and you might need a higher wattage power adapter too.

    What you see for the i2 and i5 processors is correct for the USA. Check if there is an MSI site for the country your laptop came from.

    Either way, It is not worth it to upgrade the processor on that model. You would be much better off selling it and getting a new laptop altogether.
     
    MrSeaBass, Mar 3, 2012
    #2
  3. robm@rkcomputer.net

    [email protected] Company Representative

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    You are correct, the bios will most likely not support the i7 CPU. Also the CX420 will not be able to support the i7 because of thermal limitations. The GX730 bios is not compatible and will most likely stop you during a reflash because of a mis-match.
     
    [email protected], Mar 4, 2012
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  4. ArrowWind

    ArrowWind Newbie

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    okay. but can i upgrade it to i3 or i5 processor?
    on MSI CX420 product page, it only list 1 bios for all processor type.
    and the spec of every MSI CX420 is the same except for the processor itself.
     
    ArrowWind, Mar 5, 2012
    #4
  5. Nick

    Nick Professor Carnista

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    If other CX420's come with i3 or i5, your CX420 will work with one.
     
    Nick, Mar 5, 2012
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  6. ArrowWind

    ArrowWind Newbie

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    i have done the upgrade myself.
    from P6100 2.0Ghz to Core i5 460M




    the new i5 processor (second hand actually)
    [​IMG]

    open up laptop case
    http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg82...&filename=img00386201204041937.jpg&res=medium

    switching the proc
    http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg3/scaled.php?server=3&filename=img00387201204041939.jpg&res=medium

    P6100 CPUID
    http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg215/scaled.php?server=215&filename=p6100.png&res=medium

    new core i5 CPUID
    http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg17/scaled.php?server=17&filename=77336752.png&res=medium
     
    ArrowWind, Apr 4, 2012
    #6