Laptop CPU upgrade (2020m to i7 3740qm)

[LinusFan21]

Hi everyone!

I have a Toshiba Satellite C55-a laptop and I was wondering if it is possible to upgrade its CPU from a Pentium 2020m to an i7 3740qm.

I found on Ebay the 3740qm for under 100$

Also the Pentium 2020m has a 35 watt TDP and the i7 3740qm has a 45 watt TDP, will I get any other problems other than thermals?

I know that it's physically possible to do this but I've been on a site that says it only has a 13% chance to successfully work.

What does that mean?

http://www.cpu-upgrade.com/CPUs/Intel/Pentium_Dual-Core_Mobile/2020M.html

 

Thanks!

[KarathKasun]

Different TDP/power consumption.

 

The cooler may not be able to cool it or the power delivery components may not be up to the task.

[LinusFan21]

Thanks for the reply!

The 2020m stays below 63 Celcius under full load so I'm guessing that it can handle another 10 watts for sure.

[zombienerd]

You'll run a little warmer, but what they mean about 13% success is it probably depends on the BIOS revision.  Update your bios to the latest version before trying to swap the chip. 

 

Be careful, use quality thermal paste, and hope you get lucky