Can I upgrade my Dell 600M's processor?

[MangoTBG]

I'm a complete n00b when it comes to laptop and laptop hardware. I mistakingly got the Celeron 1.5 processor and I was meaning to go Centrino. Is it possible to do this through a simple processor upgrade? Or is it a different mobo all together?


Thanks in advanced

Manny

 

[febuld]

You first have to give us the system specs. Try to be exact with the models as possible...

 

[MangoTBG]

Order detail - order placed 2004-10-19 14:51:37
Inspiron 600m CeleronCeleron®M Processor 340(1.5GHz/400MHz FSB) 14.1-in SXGA+, 64MB Video, Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition Qty: 1 Unit Price: $1,527.00
Inspiron 600m Celeron®M Processor 340(1.5GHz/400MHz FSB) 14.1-in SXGA+, 64MB Video BC15X6N [221-6687]
Memory FREE UPGRADE! 512MB,266MHz,2DIMM (from 256MB,266MHz,2DIMM) 512M2PP [462-8900]
Hard Drive 30GB Hard Drive 30GB [340-8045]
Operating System Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition WHXP [313-1828][412-0408][313-2208][412-0689][420-4766][463-2282]
Integrated Modem and NIC Internal 56K Modem and Integrated Network Card 56MPC [313-1659]
Document Management Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 6.0 ADOBER [430-1048]
Optical 24X CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive with Sonic RecordNow 24COMBO [313-2180][430-1050]
Wireless Networking Cards Intel® PRO/Wireless 2100 Internal Wireless (802.11b, 11Mbps) IP2100 [430-1088]
Bundled Software Productivity Pack including WordPerfect® ICORELM [412-0556][412-0714]
Security Software No Security Subscription NS [412-0735]
Digital Music Dell Jukebox - easy-to-use music player and CD burning software MMBASE [412-0691]
Primary Battery 6-Cell Lithium Ion Battery (53Whr) 53WHR [310-5188]
Limited Warranty, Services and Support 2Yr Ltd Warranty, 2Yr At-Home Service, and 2Yr Technical Support S2OS [950-1000][950-1001][950-3338][412-0360][960-2780][900-8221]
Dial-Up Internet Access 6 Months EarthLink Internet Access Included ERTHLNK [412-0584][412-0625][420-3224][412-0687]
Digital Imaging or Digital Photography Paint Shop? Pro® Trial plus Photo Album? Starter Edition DPS [412-0521]
Personal Finance Software Microsoft® Money 2004 Standard MNY [412-0552]
Dell Media Experience Dell Media Experience? DMX [412-0706]

 

[febuld]

I don't see anywhere that says the motherboards are different. I'm sure you can change the processors, but it might be annoying to reach the socket...I don't know if any other normal CPU-replacement restrictions exist or apply...

 

[MangoTBG]

Anyeone else know for sure?

 

[kayatai]

goto support.dell.com and check the online support manual for the 600m, Dell's manuals have instructions on replacing parts. I believe the CPU is replacable, you may need to flash the bios (downloadable from dell) if you have an older model.

 

[MangoTBG]

Kayatai, thanks for the advice.


I went and found this so I know that the processor can be removed, but still don't know if it'd be replacable with a Centrino CPU.

Any help, guys?

 

[GnomeCop]

I'm pretty sure you can upgrade to a centrino cpu.
go on intels website for details on what chipset your cekleron M uses, if you use an 855PM chipset, then a pentium M cpu will work.
You might have to flash your bios though.

incidentaly I have a 1.7Ghz Pentium M "Banias" cpu for sale if you are interested. Selling it for a decent price, trading it for an even better price if you have what I'm looking for.

 

[busmaster11]

I just got a 1.6 Banias chip. Anyone know if the 2+ ghz Dothans work on the same mobos?

TIA

 

[theblackbox]

supposedly dothans will work on any mobo that supports banais, you probably need to flash the bios for the extra cache suport.

 

[MangoTBG]

What would I flash it to? Does dell have the bios?

 

[ai42]

Yes just goto the support site on Dell.com and they have bios updates.

I have taken apart a 600m before and the CPU is removable. Not extremely easy to get at however and it is NOT a ZIF is one of those funky screw click-locking mechnicsm. Basically you take a small flathead screwdriver and turn either left or right to lock/unlock the CPU.

It's been a while since I've owned a 600m so I don't remember the exact procedure. But the basic jist of it is you remove the plastic piece just above the keyboard is clips out and back in. You will then expose the keyboard top where you can unscrew the keyboard and once you remove the screws holding the keyboard you tilt the keyboard up and remove the ribbon cable (carefully) and totally remove the keyboard. The heatsync is visable just under the keyboard and you unscrew the CPU/heatsync mounts which is just 4 spring loaded screws. Once you have this just remove the heatsync/fan (remember to unplug the power for the fan) and then you see the socket swap processors and reverse the steps to put it back together.

BTW just as a rule of thumb I wouldn't upgrade a processor past what Dell sells them with. Goto dell and figure out how fast they sell 600ms. I think its a Centrino 755? So I would say that would be your limit to how fast of a CPU to go with. Dothan of course is just super cool and lower power usage than Banias so get that if you can.