What CPU to buy?

[johnnyrebeljr]

I want to upgrade my old Dell Inspiron 1545 running Windows Vista to be able to run low spec games like The Sims 3 flawlessly as well as watch videos, and do some basic tasks. I was given a newer Compaq laptop that had a bad screen and wouldn't turn on. I stripped it down for parts so I need to know if I can use those for my Dell or if I have to buy new ones, specifically I was wondering about the CPU and which one to buy.

[Hackentosher]

1 minute ago, johnnyrebeljr said:

I want to upgrade my old Dell Inspiron 1545 running Windows Vista to be able to run low spec games like The Sims 3 flawlessly as well as watch videos, and do some basic tasks. I was given a newer Compaq laptop that had a bad screen and wouldn't turn on. I stripped it down for parts so I need to know if I can use those for my Dell or if I have to buy new ones, specifically I was wondering about the CPU and which one to buy.

Are you trying to build a new rig or drop a new CPU in the dell machine?

[Moonzy]

step 1) figure out what cpu your laptop uses

step 2) check the socket for that cpu/laptop (if its not soldered on)

step 3) find a cpu that fits in a similar socket on intel's ark

step 4) make sure the TDP of the new cpu isnt that much far off from the original, or you might be facing overheating issue

 

these are the steps you should take to replace your laptop's cpu, though there is no guarantee your laptop's bios will support the new cpu

 

edit: also, to run games, you need better graphics card too, unless your game isnt that demanding

graphics card in laptops are tougher to swap because there's no standard for laptop gpu

[kirby99_2016]

M8 laptops are hard to deal with when it comes to upgrading because manufacturers work with non standard components and you are better off building a PC yourself with standard desktop components (also laptop motherboards don't work with desktop ATX-ITX cases and the from a battery will probably not be able to sustain the TDP of a modern CPU).

2nd point: CPU's have gotten fast enough to the point where they are no longer a bottleneck in the system so I would suggest upgrading your GPU instead.

 

This may be possible if you have the manufacturers knowledge and engineering skill (maybe even a 3D printer would help) to upgrade such a system.

 

In my opinion when it comes to laptops it's better off selling your old laptops and buying a new laptop or maybe if you have the money maybe even consider building a new desktop PC so you have the ability to expand in the future by upgrading with standard components but if you plain just dont have the money maybe buy a used laptop pc with a decent spec to play your games.

[Seminole]

Everyone above is right. Upgrading the CPU on a laptop can be really hard. A lot of the time, laptop motherboards have a very restrictive amount of watts that can be delivered to the CPU, a lot of CPUs are soldered on, and a lot of laptops have obscure socket types and support for only certain CPUs.