Legit Reviews

I have an Asus notebook with the Intel-T5450 processor. (see specs below) I'm thinking about upgrading the CPU. I would like a CPU that runs at 2.0-Ghz or preferably faster. I'm wondering what my options are. Do I have to stick with the 5000-series? Can the new one have a different core stepping? The current bus speed is 667-Mhz. I'm not sure if it can be increased. I'd appreciate the groups advice on this subject.

Thanks


Intel core-2 Duo T-5450:

sSpec Number: SLA4F
CPU Speed: 1.66 GHz
PCG:
Bus Speed: 667 MHz
Bus/Core Ratio: 10
L2 Cache Size: 2 MB
L2 Cache Speed: 1.66 GHz
Package Type: Micro-FCPGA
Manufacturing Technology: 65 nm
Core Stepping: M0
CPUID String: 06FDh
Thermal Design Power: 35W
Thermal Specification: 100°C
VID Voltage Range: 1.075V-1.175V

which ASUS notebook are you using?

Welcome to the forums btw!

If you could control the fan speeds, you could always OC the CPU. Just make sure to keep the temps in check. To me, spending money on a CPU for just a 500Mhz speed increase isn't worth it.

I agree that a 500-Mhz gain isn't that much but I was hoping for perhaps an upgrade to around 2.5-Ghz from the current 1.66-Ghz. I know the notebook was available in a 2.0-Ghz version after I bought mine. I thought about overclocking but I have no specs for the MoBo and the fan speed is out of my control unless I get into the bios (I assume). The price of the Intel mobile CPU's that might work as an upgrade are coming down considerably and I thought I might get one while they're still available. Then there's the matter of the bus speed, which is currently running at 667-Mhz. I'm not sure if there is any point in upgrading the CPU if the bus speed can't be increased too.

Thanks for the reply

geokilla wrote:If you could control the fan speeds, you could always OC the CPU. Just make sure to keep the temps in check. To me, spending money on a CPU for just a 500Mhz speed increase isn't worth it.

It's an Asus-F5VL, about a year old.

Thanks for the welcome

Apoptosis wrote:which ASUS notebook are you using?

Welcome to the forums btw!

I've been doing some research and it looks like the best I might do with this upgrade is a T-7600 (specs below). This CPU runs at 2.3-Ghz with a 667-Mhz bus.
But here's the kicker; Intel made an overclocking version of the T-7600 called the T-7600G.

Check out this webpage:

http://www.cp65.com/news/20061219.shtml

This might be a very good option if I had more specs on the notebook's MoBo and bios. So far the lowest price I've found on the regular T-7600 is about $250. I'd like to hold out for a few more months to see how much more the price drops but I might be pushing my luck when it comes to availability.

Intel T-7600 Specs

sSpec Number: SL9SD
CPU Speed: 2.33 GHz
PCG:
Bus Speed: 667 MHz
Bus/Core Ratio: 14
L2 Cache Size: 4 MB
L2 Cache Speed: 2.33 GHz

Package Type: Micro-FCPGA
Manufacturing Technology: 65 nm
Core Stepping: B2
CPUID String: 0X6F6
Thermal Design Power: 34W
Thermal Specification: 100°C
VID Voltage Range: 1.0375 - 1.30V

I can't recommend overclocking a notebook / laptop for any reason as it's just too much heat in a small confined area.

If it were me, I would stick with your original CPU.