Fastest processor upgrade for Thinkpad SL500

[CBR954RR]

Thanks to all that have responded to this thread.  I am glad to hear that there are some SL500 users that are able to use 4GB memory modules.  This gives me hope as I am running a 64bit OS so I think this will be my next upgrade. For those of you SL500 owners that have had success, could you post when your machine was purchased.  Mine was back in July 2009. I only ask because I am trying to determine if it is possible that the users with success actually have an SL510 motherboard but still badged as an SL500 because I know the SL510 does definately accept 4GB modules.  I believe the SL510 came out late 2009/ early 2010.

I have upgraded my CPU to a T9800 and have had absolutely no problems with the installation.  Works great and pushes my CPU score to 6.5.

The only thing you will have to be careful of if you change the CPU is that any licensed software related to Windows Media will need to have the licenses renewed due to DRM.  Lucky for me I only had a couple of movies that I had to delete but since I have the original DVD not an issue for me.  But for those of you with music and such, something to think about before you do the upgrade.

Well, I guess I am off to find some 4GB modules that will work in my machine.

Thanks again to all that have responded to this thread.

Dan

[poocho]

CBR954RR

Did You upgrade the cooling fan after install the t9800?

[CBR954RR]

Poocho,

No, I did not have to upgrade the cooling fan.  Since the T5870 I took out had the same TDP of 35W as the T9800 I dropped in, I saw no reason to.

Dan

[CBR954RR]

Just wanted to make a final update to my original post about whether I could upgrade the CPU in the SL500 to a T9900 and if I could update the RAM to 8GB.

I was successful in updating the CPU to a T9800 as I posted in an earlier post and have not had any issues.

As of today, I can say that my SL500 is able to handle 8GB of RAM.  I decided to take the plunge and give it a try and I guess I am one of the lucky ones as the BIOS recognized the 8GB and when booted up in Windows 7 Pro (64 bit version), it shows 8GB installed.

For anyone interested, the RAM installed that is working is Elpida with a part number of EBE41UF8ABDA-8G-E.

It runs at the following specs in my machine as listed by CPUZ:

DDR2

PC2-6400 (400MHz)

8192MBytes

Channels # - Dual

DC Mode - Symmetric

Frequency: 398.9 MHz

FSB-DRAM: 2:3

CAS# Latency (CL): 6.0 clocks

RAS# to CAS# Delay (tRCD): 6 clocks

RAS# Precharge (tRP): 6 clocks

Cycle Time (tRAS): 18 clocks

Thanks to all that have given info to this thread.

- Dan

[ColonelONeill]

Thanks for posting back with your experiences, Dan!

You should consider undervolting the CPU using RMClock to reduce heat output/power consumption/prevent throttling. The Txxxx CPUs have a higher TDP, but their voltages can go way lower than Pxxxx CPUs.

[CBR954RR]

ColonelONeill,

My SL500 originally came with a T5870 which had the same TDP rating as the the T9800 I installed so I don't quite understand why you are suggesting I under volt the T9800. I don't notice the fan running anymore now than it did with the T5870 installed.

Could you explain why this would be beneficial for me to do?

Thanks for your input.

Dan

[pmcsrocks]

Interesting Thred.

My Thinkpad SL500 had a 5670 1.8 ghz , and i changed to a P8700 (2,53GHZ/3MB/1066) SLGFE.

Bios updated from 1.16 to 1.30.   All work fine no problems but i notice core 1 of the CPU is hot at 80 - 90 c?

I will keep my eye on it and maybe tripple check the compound.

It is much faster

[ColonelONeill]

Totally missed that post. Aside from thermal issues, undervolting gets you better battery life, which is nice.

I had a P8700 in my T400, and at maximum load, it wouldn't go above 70. This is with an overclocked GPU at maximum load as well.

[golazn]

Anyone tried to upgrade to Q9100?

[boooggy]

it came to my mind to try a q9100 but after i read over the net a little while i discover it is not supported by the bios. so the answer is that q9100 wont work.