Upgrade the processor components
Upgrade the processor components
Your Acer Aspire 4738Z should work with the upgrade you're considering. The Intel Core i5 480M is compatible with your system, though performance may vary slightly from the i5 460M. Make sure the RAM and storage meet the requirements for a smooth transition.
Unless you're purchasing it very affordably or require outdated components for a specific reason, it would likely make more sense to switch to a current system.
You might attempt it, though it's a mobile CPU here—likely housed in a socket, making replacement relatively straightforward. However, the laptop's motherboard might not be compatible even if it fits, and no software updates will be available to fix the issue. Since it's built into a laptop, disassembling the case, motherboard, and heatpipes will be significantly more complicated than on a desktop. Be prepared for a high chance of failure, and don't expect major performance gains from this outdated device.