User replaceable CPUs in new Ultrabooks?

3560freak

Member
Jul 11, 2009
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I have not purchased a laptop in many years, but the previous one I had lasted for quite a while due to the upgrades I performed (new CPU, SSD, RAM). I am looking to pick up a used laptop for little money but I cannot seem to find anything about post purchase upgrades to the internals. The laptop I am currently looking at is the Dell Inspiron 14z (i3 cpu), I can get a used one for around $200-250 locally. Can this be upgraded to an i5 or i7 as it is an option from Dell when creating one.
 

corkyg

Elite Member | Peripherals
Super Moderator
Mar 4, 2000
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Most of the new Ultrabooks are locked up - can't even change the HDD or SSD. It is all related to making them very compact. That sacrifices user access in many cases. Example, Lenovo Carbon X1.
 

Bateluer

Lifer
Jun 23, 2001
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Most of the new Ultrabooks are locked up - can't even change the HDD or SSD. It is all related to making them very compact. That sacrifices user access in many cases. Example, Lenovo Carbon X1.

Usually the SSD is about the only part the user can upgrade.

Ultrabooks are so tightly integrated though, that even you could swap out an i3 for an i7, you'd run into cooling issues.
 

corkyg

Elite Member | Peripherals
Super Moderator
Mar 4, 2000
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Usually the SSD is about the only part the user can upgrade. Ultrabooks are so tightly integrated though, that even you could swap out an i3 for an i7, you'd run into cooling issues.

No replacement in Carbon X1. You make your choice when ordering, then that's it. WYSIWYG. :) It uses a SanDisk SSD that has a unique, non-standard form factor.

And that is all that keeps me from buying one.
 
Last edited:

Zap

Elite Member
Oct 13, 1999
22,377
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To be called an Ultrabook, Intel requires the manufacturer to use an ULV CPU. ULV CPUs are all soldered on (BGA).