Swap CPU in Inspiron 15r 5520 model
Swap CPU in Inspiron 15r 5520 model
Hey there! I'm using a 6-year-old Dell Inspiron 15R 5520 and have made several upgrades like RAM and SSDs. Despite those changes, my CPU (i3-2370M) still limits performance. After looking online, I discovered that the 15R 5520 is one of the last models without a soldered CPU. I started searching for compatible alternatives and found a list suggesting the i7-3520M as a better choice. However, I'm unsure if my motherboard supports this CPU. Here are my current specs: model, CPU (i3-2370M @2.4GHz), socket type, TDP, graphics. On Intel's site, I learned that my board uses a G2 socket and the FCPGA988 is actually the rPGA 988B socket—so technically swapping should work. But before buying, I wanted your advice to avoid wasting money. Do you think there are any issues with this plan? Any tips or cautions would be appreciated! Thanks!
Are you considering whether the performance boost from 2 cores versus 4 cores justifies the cost? As someone who prefers power over gaming, your focus is on smooth multitasking—light data science work and many open Chrome tabs—so I’d weigh the gains against the price. The I7-3520M does offer faster cores than the I7-3612QM, which might make it a better fit for your needs. Regarding purchasing from AliExpress, you haven’t found used units at a good rate elsewhere, so it might be worth checking there.
Absolutely, having four cores is superior to two. The idea of giving up core count for faster single-core performance only applies if you have more than four cores. I don’t have any experience with AliExpress.
Upgrading laptops with socket-style CPUs is something I've handled before, several times without altering the BIOS. It's definitely achievable. The last time I did it was on a Medion laptop, replacing the i3 3120m with an i5 3210m. Performance improved noticeably, and since that model had a decent GPU for its era, it was well worth the change. In short: If the i7 3520m (or similar) was offered out of the box for your machine, it's likely a straightforward swap without needing BIOS adjustments. Just verify the TDP matches, as mismatched chips could make the upgrade problematic. Keep in mind that the i7 3520m is essentially a dual-core/i4 processor, so if you're already investing in an upgrade, consider a quad-core option like the i7 3612qm or similar. Aim for a 35W model with the 'xxxx-qm' suffix for mobile variants.
Thank you for your feedback! I explored multiple i7-3612qm listings on AliExpress and noticed they could suit your laptop. The i7-3632qm with matching TDP looks promising, though there’s no Dell recommendation for the 15R 5520. Could it fit in your system? I have some experience purchasing used laptop CPUs from AliExpress and would be happy to share my thoughts on whether it’s a good risk.
The 3632QM is an updated version of the 3612QM, essentially the same processor but with a 100Mhz increase on both the CPU and GPU speeds. If it works, the other model should too. Get it at a comparable price and opt for the faster one. The extra 100Mhz won't significantly impact performance unless you find it at a similar cost.
Just checking in, in case anyone wants to try the same. I replaced my i3-2370M with an i7-3612QM and it functions perfectly on my system. You’ll need to update your BIOS to version A14 (the latest is A16) for Turbo Boost activation. Right now I’m around 50°C during idle, using the same cooling solution, and temperatures stayed below 70°C thanks to fresh thermal paste. The guide is useful if you plan to swap it yourself—it’s not overly complex but requires attention to detail. Dell mentioned the Inspiron 5520 supports only up to 8GB RAM, but my machine has 12GB and runs smoothly. The laptop feels much faster now; responsiveness improves noticeably, especially when switching from 2 to 4 cores. Playing YouTube videos at higher resolutions or frame rates is now effortless with the i3, whereas the i7 lets me hit 1080p60fps easily. Locating the right CPU was challenging—it cost around €140 (a significant amount for a third-gen chip), thanks to a sale I found. Overall, considering the performance gains and the investment I made, it seems worthwhile. I’ve already spent a lot on my machine and don’t really need a powerful desktop. Hope this thread assists others in the future! Thanks to everyone who supported me.
I understand this discussion is quite old, but could you share any suggestions for purchasing a CPU? I’m also looking to upgrade my laptop with better specifications and am currently using a Core i5-3210M with 800Mhz RAM. It’s far from the performance of my professional machine.
You might want to check a reliable seller on eBay right now. I purchased one from a clearance sale on an online French hardware reseller (LDLC), but I haven’t seen an i7-3612QM there since. I plan to upgrade my system soon. I’ll let you know if I can’t find a use for it, or maybe I could offer it to you.