Motherboard & Processor match

**paisleypark** · 17-07-2009

Hi,

I currently have the HP NW8440 laptop with the following relevant specs:

- Intel Core Duo processor T2500 (2.00-GHz, 667-MHz FSB, 2-MB L2 cache)
- Mobile Intel 945PM Express Chipset with 667-MHz front side bus
- 4GB 667-MHz DDR2 SDRAM

Since I would like a 64-bit system and not really want to buy a new laptop; I reviewed the website that stated this laptop can support up to the Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7600 (2.33-GHz, 667-MHz FSB, 4-MB L2 cache) processor. This processor is a little bit old now, and hence very expensive.

So I was thinking of getting this one instead: Intel Core2 Duo Processor P8600 (3M Cache, 2.40 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB).

So basically: can I insert a 1066 MHz processor into a 667 MHz environment?
Surely the fastest that processor will be able to run is at 667 MHz (which it probably will do anyway when running in battery mode).

It may not be officially supported by HP, but technically/theoretically possible?
Has anyone actually done this?

Regards,
P

**Rudra.J** · 20-07-2009

Practically, just for the sake of installing, you can install one, but that will blow your laptop. The new processor that you are talking about needs more power and needs more cooling... So don't do so, if you don't want to blow your computer off...

**Curt** · 20-07-2009

If you want to change the processor first contact HP support to see if:

1) The CPU on your model is upgradable
2) If it is upgradeable what is the max CPU speed it can take.
3) Ring HP support again and ask the same questions again.

**PeterAGASSI** · 20-07-2009

Yes...!! You can upgrade your processor to higher speed as well as increase your RAM capacity for enhanced performance....I am not sure whether inserting a 1066 MHz processor into a 667 MHz environment would work well or degrade the performance....but you can atleast give it a try..!!