Changing a laptop CPU, help!!!

[djglenn]

OK I have an old sony vaio laptop (PCG-FXA53) which is an american model. I would like to give it a performance boast as it currently has an AMD XP 1500+ CPU in it. However it is proving difficult to get any information on this chip i.e the socket arrangement. From what I can see (on ebay) alot of these chips are socket A, so maybe this one is also? I also dont know what the motherboard can handle, as sony do not provide any super technical information. Any advice would really be appreciated..

(Was hoping I could use one of the Sempron 2800+ Socket A chips, but probably wishfull thinking on my part)

[FInalD]

Laptop chips are different chips completely, even if they have the same pins/socket layout.

You put a Socket A CPU in a laptop and it'll do what Dell laptops do...catch fire. Socket A has been well known for hot chips, I used to run decent coolers on mine and 45C idle was a good temp...laptops have nothing anywhere near the same cooling capabilities of a desktop PC.

Your best option would be to look on ebay for a Sony laptop that's the same model with a more powerful CPU, and something like a busted screen, then swap the chips around.

-=EDIT=-

How old is it?
What is the information supplied when you right-click My Computer > Properties (only the information following 'Computer:' is needed)?

After a short Google it looks as if you can stick some more RAM in the laptop aswell, as it's got a max capability of 512MB, but is shipped with 512MB. - That'd help a bit if you can't do the CPU.

FinalD

[listy]

you used to be able to buy mobile chips form online retaillers 2500m xp were really good clockers from what i recall

and they use lower voltage

[excalibur2]

you used to be able to buy mobile chips form online retaillers 2500m xp were really good clockers from what i recall

and they use lower voltage

.......and if you go on Ebay they are bidding ridiculous prices for used ones e.g. >£40 + postage (well they were a few months ago when I wanted to buy one).

[djglenn]

Laptop chips are different chips completely, even if they have the same pins/socket layout.


How old is it?
What is the information supplied when you right-click My Computer > Properties (only the information following 'Computer:' is needed)?

After a short Google it looks as if you can stick some more RAM in the laptop aswell, as it's got a max capability of 512MB, but is shipped with 512MB. - That'd help a bit if you can't do the CPU.

FinalD

Its about 4-5 years old. I have already put 512MB of RAM into it (according to sony thats the maximum). I might be tempted to buy a 2500+ XP-M in the new year, and if it doesnt work just put it back onto ebay. I just have never changed a laptop cpu before so I just a bit hesitant. Desktop PC's are alot more flexible.

[dave87]

I'm not sure FinalD is referring to with regards SoA Athlons - mine has run perfectly cool in my desktop (around 38C full load on lowest fan setting). Plus side is it can't run any hotter than teh P4 1.8 that was in my last Dell laptop - and apart from getting a little toasty after an hour or so of usage, it was fine

Dave

[djglenn]

so you recon a socket A desktop cpu would work in the laptop?

[dave87]

It probably would (talking lower end ones, not the 3200+), but would be toasty. Much better looking at the Mobile Socket A Bartons - they are more suited to laptop/SFF applications.

[spazman]

There were many variations of the socket a athlon, lots of FSB speed differences DDR ram support ect, i'd make 100% sure you know what you want before commiting.

[nvening]

Im guessing you have run CPU-z to get as much information about your current chip? If not, do this!