[ladytj86]

After damaging my existing processor I have decided to upgrade rather than simply replace.

I need a few tips on what I should look for and keep in mind.

I have a Gateway MX6436 with a AMD Sempron 3300+ 2 GHz Processor.

How high can I go and will I need a new fan?

[raziel_]

As far as i can see your motherboard have Socket A. So any CPU with that socket you can put it there. The temp is pretty the same for every CPU and since your old is AMD your fan can handle well (they are kinda hotter then Intel). I have change my old to AMD Dual core 5400+ but thats on my desktop. Also check how much will they ask you for changing the damn thing perhaps a new laptop will be better if the price is too high

This post has been edited by NoBrain: 27 April 2011 - 05:11 AM

[modi123_1]

Maybe I am a bit more cautious that NoBrain, but I would advocate not trying to fiddle with the processor and just get a replacement of the same make and model. Then again with a six year old laptop it might behoove you to recycle it. Clearly keep the hard drive and use it as an external.

The reason I say this is for two reasons. First, laptops are designed to dissipate heat with the components they shipped with. Chucking in a newer, faster processor at best will make it warmer and just suck more juice. AT worst it causes the fans to over work and it starts shutting down due to heat damaging components. While a tower has more wiggle room with heat laptops.. not so much.

Second, not just any cpu goes into a motherboard. If it's not on the supported list then it's best to avoid the headache and the return shipping cost. This is true for both mobile and desktops. I would love to upgrade my desktop to the top of the line hex-core, but it's not supported so I won't. Oh well.

I tried looking around for a 'supported cpu' sheet for your laptop online and I cannot find one. It's not surprising with Gateway - who loves to prevent users from upgrading their machines. (grr.. stupid non standard sized motherboards!)

I've seen your replacement chip for $75 USD in some places.
http://www.pelltechn...ement-P8877.asp

Sure you can roll the dice on a different chip. Maybe it'll work.. maybe it won't. I would just remember the good times you had with that laptop as you kick it to the curb and get a newer, sleeker one. Again - pull the hard drive and use it as an external.... or make sure it's wiped clean. Heck - make a mobile out of it!

[raziel_]

Yes modi123_1 is correct the processors of the laptops are low energy consuming and cooler then regular CPUs.

[ladytj86]

modi123_1, on 27 April 2011 - 07:07 AM, said:

Maybe I am a bit more cautious that NoBrain, but I would advocate not trying to fiddle with the processor and just get a replacement of the same make and model. Then again with a six year old laptop it might behoove you to recycle it. Clearly keep the hard drive and use it as an external.

The reason I say this is for two reasons. First, laptops are designed to dissipate heat with the components they shipped with. Chucking in a newer, faster processor at best will make it warmer and just suck more juice. AT worst it causes the fans to over work and it starts shutting down due to heat damaging components. While a tower has more wiggle room with heat laptops.. not so much.

Second, not just any cpu goes into a motherboard. If it's not on the supported list then it's best to avoid the headache and the return shipping cost. This is true for both mobile and desktops. I would love to upgrade my desktop to the top of the line hex-core, but it's not supported so I won't. Oh well.

I tried looking around for a 'supported cpu' sheet for your laptop online and I cannot find one. It's not surprising with Gateway - who loves to prevent users from upgrading their machines. (grr.. stupid non standard sized motherboards!)

I've seen your replacement chip for $75 USD in some places.
http://www.pelltechn...ement-P8877.asp

Sure you can roll the dice on a different chip. Maybe it'll work.. maybe it won't. I would just remember the good times you had with that laptop as you kick it to the curb and get a newer, sleeker one. Again - pull the hard drive and use it as an external.... or make sure it's wiped clean. Heck - make a mobile out of it!

I've decided to just replace it. Seems like less of a headache....

I purchased a new system almost 2 years ago which works beautifully, and was using the Gateway as back up for company and the nephews, so I don't really NEED it.

I've been told to just junk it and pull the hard drive before, but I apparently have an unnatural attachment to the system. I mean, it was my closest friend all through college, lol. I refuse to let it go until I have tried everything to bring it back to its original splendor (or as close as possible).

[modi123_1]

That might be true, and I can vouch for that emotional attachment, but realize it's just hardware. The data though.. that's precious. I have lugged papers and what along since back when I had a 486mhz. Sure the shell looks different now but that data is still there!