CPU Upgrade from AMD Turion MK-36 to TL-64

[joshlgoodwin]

Hey Guys,

So I have a ASUS F5N laptop, I'ts a X50N-AP048C. I've had it almost 6 years now, and It's still going strong - but I want to put a faster dual core processor in it, see if I can get another 5 years out of it before I have to upgrade to a newer model! Its currently running Windows 7 and has a new Seagate Momentus XT 500GB hybrid hard drive in, which I must say is fantastic.

Anyway, I was thinking I could just replace the old single core MK-36 processor it has with a beefier TL-64, as it has the same socket fitting. Before I go ahead and order the new processor though, I thought I'd see if any of you guys had any suggestions, if any of you have done this sort of thing or have any advice? I cant see any problems with a straight swap, although I have read that the BIOS need to be compatible, so any help would be great.


BIOS version: 213

EC BIOS version: B200B60001

Here are some links to the info on my laptop and the processors:

Laptop Specs: http://www.asuslaptop.co.uk/Grade_X50N-AP048C/Multimedia+Entertainment/Asus+laptops/d

MK-36 processor info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_AMD_Turion_microprocessors#.22Richmond.22_.2890_nm.29

TL-64 processor info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_AMD_Turion_microprocessors#.22Trinidad.22_.2890_nm.29



Thanks guys,

Josh

[Neon]

Josh,

I'd say you have it straight. The BIOS must support the new CPU. Most notebook sellers do not make that information conveniently available, so you may have to try the new CPU to determine if it is supported - unless you can find someone with your model notebook who has succeeded with an upgrade.

There is probably a good chance of success, and the performance improvement over the single core CPU is notable. If you can obtain a TL-64 for modest cost, it is certainly worthwhile. I upgraded a Dell single core Sempron-based notebook to a TL-60, and it was much improved.

Also note that the TL Turions are rated for 35W output, which exceeds the 31W output rating of the MK Turions. Not a major cause for concern, but it may run a little hotter when at 100% utilization.

[joshlgoodwin]

Thanks for the heads up on the TDP Neon

so after a little more research this morning regarding the TDP difference in the two processors, I checked out the fan my laptop uses to cool the CPU. I then went ahead and checked out what Asus laptops use the TL-64 processor, and found that the Asus G2K-A1 has it. Anyway, it turns out that they both use the exact same fan to cool the CPU, and I'm pretty sure they use a similar, if not the same heatsink too.

I found a brand new TL-64 on ebay for £15, so I'm going to go ahead and get one, see what happens. Hopefully all should be well, just to be safe I'm going to use the best quality thermal paste I can find (which seems to be the ShinEtsu Microsi G751) and clean all components thoroughly with some alcohol rubbing wipes. As long as the BIOS support the new processor, all should hopefully work well!

Wish me luck guys, ill put up the results as soon as I can!

[fenyal]

i prefer artic silver personally.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=35-100-007%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20

[joshlgoodwin]

Hey guys,

So this evening I went ahead and upgraded the CPU. Absolutely no problems at all with the upgrade, was very quick as well as I only needed to remove a small portion of the back panel (5 screws). The old thermal paste had definitely aged, as I had to literally scrape it off the heatsink with a flat head screwdriver!

For anyone attempting this, I'd check out this video on how to disassemble a F5 series laptop, as it helped me out alot http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uk8qFczG-5E

Also, I have gotta say that despite the increase in 4W TDP, everything runs alot cooler now. Before I upgraded, the core and CPU were running at around 55-60C, even though I've gone dual core and increased the speed by 0.2Mhz. Its now running at 45-50C. Maybe its because I cleaned the heatsink, took apart the fan and cleaned everything in it and vacuumed out all the dust from the radiator / exit vent, along with replacing the thermal paste with a much better one.

Anyway, thanks for the advice on this one neon. Here's a few benchmark comparison graphs from before and after (I used SiSoftware Sandra to benchmark) for anyone interested. If anyone is attempting this upgrade on this computer (I recommend you do!) shoot me a message if you need anything.

[Neon]

Great job, and very nice improvement in performance.