Handling a CPU

[xavier.nguyen]

So, I'm planning to replace my girlfriend's laptop processor from i5-3210M to i7-3612QM (she's a video editor by the way). Both processors are in the rPGA988B package (the same but smaller than those found on AMD's CPU and APU lineup). This is the first time I've ever deal with that $h!t, so anyone who has some experience in doing work on PGA-socketed chips can tell me, how to handle those babies properly, in order not to mess up the pins?

[Aereldor]

Those are mobile CPUs. I don't think you can upgrade those. They tend to be soldered to the motherboard.

[PenPoint]

Yes, you can upgrade.

BUT even sockets are identical, compatibility is not guaranteed - so I usually don't recommend upgrading manually.

Why don't you contact laptop manufacturer for it?

[PenPoint]

1 minute ago, Aereldor said:

Those are mobile CPUs. I don't think you can upgrade those. They tend to be soldered to the motherboard.

Nah, what you are talking about is BGA ones. Those CPUs which has been mentioned are all PGAs.

[xavier.nguyen]

2 minutes ago, PenPoint said:

Yes, you can upgrade.

BUT even sockets are identical, compatibility is not guaranteed - so I usually don't recommend upgrading manually.

Why don't you contact laptop manufacturer for it?

I tried but they're kind of a pain in the ass about changing out a processor

So, I bought the processor myself and decided to DIY with it

 

[Bananasplit_00]

just dont touch any pins or the silicon and you are fine

[Aereldor]

Just now, PenPoint said:

Nah, what you are talking about is BGA ones. Those CPUs which has been mentioned are all PGAs.

Oh, I see. Well, protocol should be the same as installing a desktop CPU then.

@xavier.nguyen- PGA CPUs have a triangle marked out on the pin side that you have to line up with the corresponding plastic triangle on the socket. Hold the CPU by the sides or corners to avoid touching the pins. be very careful not to touch the CPU die (little silver bump on the top) and apply a smaller-than-usual amount of thermal compound, as it has far less surface area than an IHS.

[PenPoint]

Just now, xavier.nguyen said:

I tried but they're kind of a pain in the ass about changing out a processor

 

Then check the chipset of the laptop and google whether that specific chipset can handle it or not.

If there are no search results, first get it and try it. If that doesn't work, just sell it back to somewhere else.

[xavier.nguyen]

1 minute ago, PenPoint said:

Then check the chipset of the laptop and google whether that specific chipset can handle it or not.

If there are no search results, first get it and try it. If that doesn't work, just sell it back to somewhere else.

I checked it just now, the processor work just fine
The chipset was HM77.
I also checked and found out that it can support up to the i7-3940XM

[PenPoint]

1 minute ago, xavier.nguyen said:

I checked it just now, the processor work just fine
The chipset was HM77.
I also checked and found out that it can support up to the i7-3940XM

Go for it! I think it will work.

[xavier.nguyen]

1 minute ago, PenPoint said:

Go for it! I think it will work.

Thanks a bunch

[PRTI]

See on the manufacturer site if the CPU is supported