Hello,

I have Thinkpad X230 with Core i5-3320m and wonder if i can upgrade the CPU.The information I have found on the subject is quite controversial.Some sites say that the CPU is soldered to the motherboard,and others say that it is possible.Anyone know some information about it?

 If this is possible I had thought of these two CPUs: i7-3632qm  and i7-3820qm.The first is 35W, so I not see any

problem(which carries the notebook is also 35W).The second one is 45W ,so maybe it is not very appropriate.What you think about this?

It`s a pity,because I wanted to increase the performance.Well, I'll have to settle with this one.

 Not sure if this is a problem,but the CPU runs at half the frequency.I put the high performance plan and still the same.I think it should work at full power.I also tried to disable CPU power option from the BIOS and did not help.To monitor use CPU-Z and Speccy.What you think about this? It is normal?

There arу usual ways to increase x230' performance:

1. Disable Hyper-Threading Technology setting within the BIOS setup. This'll free CPU resources for phisical cores.
2. Make your own power plan within Power Manager, set Maximum Performance, maximum Power Usage, cooling mode etc.
3. Enable Turbo-boost wihin Power Manager as well
4. Replace memory sticks with another one which have faster speed. I know about successful experience of installation PC3-17000 (2133 mhz) CL12. The bandwidth of memory became at 10-12% faster, L3 cache 3-4%.
5. Al least replace systemboard with i7-3520m :)

Voila, x230 became as a little hot patty under heavy load.

But the best way is to replace ... the laptop. Lenovo IB ThinkPad W series is much faster as it based on 4 cores IB, even Extreme Edition..

Thanks x220forMe ,your advice have been of great help.Now  i have the machine in full performance.Will use it more with audio editing software.I tested with the heavier plugins that I have and has no problem with them.

I also plan to buy a memory module, of which you suggests.As well was thinking about what you say to change systemboard with i7-3520m.But you really think  i'll notice any significant difference?i5 3320m -3,3Ghz vs i7 3520m -3,6Ghz in turbo mode.I do not see a big difference.

That was a bit of humor about systemboard replacement. :)

You'll get performance increasing for a bit in case the application uses more size of CPU cache. Look at CPUs benchmark comparision, compare with your application type.

I have to reply as I see my x230 very fast. I did upgrade the memory to 16gb (I have six operating systems - mostly linux but windows 10 also). I added an msata 250gb drive and a 500gb 7200 hd. Was wondering if you ever got around to upgrading as much as you could. Oh- also added bluetooth which it did not have.