Troubleshooting upgrading an old laptop CPU, socket issues Confusion around G1 and G2 connectors
Troubleshooting upgrading an old laptop CPU, socket issues Confusion around G1 and G2 connectors
I found my old Sony VAIO (VPCEH1J1E), a pretty unique find. It functions adequately, but I aim to get the most out of it. I’m curious if an upgrade was even possible. Userbenchmark mentions users who ran it with an i5-2520M, which I can install relatively easily. They also note that the i5-2520M is a +71% improvement over the original Intel Pentium B940 found in this laptop. Based on what I read, it seems compatible if the BIOS supports it—something I’ve confirmed from another source. The i5-2520M was released early in 2011, and my BIOS version is dated April 28, 2011. Should I proceed? Are there any additional considerations? Thermal paste might be needed, but RAM and an SSD installation should be straightforward.
I wouldn't rely on your laptop's board supporting a CPU since it wasn't included with the device. Keep in mind that laptop hardware doesn't need to match exactly across different models. Two laptops can be identical in make and model yet use different motherboards due to component shortages or mid-production changes. You might try, but success isn't guaranteed.
This site is really useful, but the information it provides matches what I’ve heard. On my G580 motherboard there’s only one RAM slot available instead of two, and only a portion of Wi-Fi cards are listed as compatible. Even though Lenovo claims all Wi-Fi cards should technically work, it seems to be limited in practice.
Socket PGA988A(G1) and PGA988B(G2) are distinct models; mixing them isn't possible. However, a socket (PGA989) can accommodate both G1 and G2 CPU variants. If your laptop uses that socket, it might function—provided the BIOS supports it.
For reference, the website mentions a model with a PGA989 socket featuring an Intel i5-2410M processor, which shares similarities with the 2520M but doesn't confirm compatibility across all systems.
If you need certainty, disassembling your laptop to verify the socket type would be advisable. This could yield the i5-2410M, offering a solid upgrade and increasing the likelihood of success.
I don't get any clear indication. My board shows RPGA989B has the HMM55 chipset. My machine uses a Je70-CP model, 09923-1N, but they said it needs to run with the HMM55 and be in G2 mode. I own an i5 480M that works with the G1 slot, but I had to change the board from another Acer 7741Z. Now it has the RPGA989B slot—Google says it supports both. Some say no, but I can't find a G2 version that works with the HMM55 except the i5 480M that I have, which they claim runs in RPGA989B. I'm really trying to figure this out.