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I ran the webroot system analysis and received the message that upgrading to a dual core processor would significantly improve multitasking . . . which I've been having issues with . . . so I did some digging. Can anyone help me confirm that the info I have is accurate? I have a Toshiba Satellite L455. I corresponded with an ebay seller, and he requested info on my processor. He then recommended an available dual core processor that will work for me. I hoping I can confirm this, and also discuss the steps involved in switching out the hardware. Thank you.  . . . Scott
Hello ?,

 

Welcome to the Webroot Community,

 

The System Analysis from Webroot is just a guideline tool. Changing a processor on a laptop is not easy or even possible in most cases.

Then there is the heat issue and battery life issue that would become a problem if you could upgrade. Laptops are always compromises between Size, weight, performance, battery life, price, and other factors and they need to match the best combination for usability. Then there is the graphics, with stock onboard graphics you get poor performance on gaming, video, CAD, Photoshop, etc. and changing the CPU will not improve that at all.



For a laptop, the CPU is sometimes changeable. But only within a small range.

1. If it is changeable, it has to be the same socket

2. The motherboard chipset has to know what to do with that new CPU.



Again as I've said above generally  it is a bad idea to try to upgrade the CPU in a laptop. A more powerful processor means more heat, and laptops often have a harder time dealing with the heat from their stock setup, let alone a hotter CPU.

 

My advice would be to call Toshiba and ask them if this is advisable. You really need to know what you are doing.

 

? do you have more information to add here?

 

Hope this helps? 

 

 

Kind Regards,

 

 
Good morning!

 

Sherry, I really don't have much to add at all.  Without having done an exhaustive search on the matter (Your point about calling Toshiba is far better than attempting to search it all out ourselves on this one), about all I can add is very simply that generally I think that if a person is not able to determine if a given computer can handle the upgrade, then they are probably not the right person to do the upgrade anyway.  

 

CPU replacements are not as simple as just popping the old one out and popping the new one in.  There are a number of other considerations that have to be taken in mind, as well as the 'know how' as well.  CPU's have to be properly cooled so you have to know if the existing heat sink and fan can handle a different CPU, and you have to know how to properly install the heatsink.  

 

Proper technique is not difficult, but fail to do so can result in blowing the CPU long before even applying power, not to mention the chance of blowing other parts of the computer as well.

 

I think it is best to have a professional look at it in person.
Thanks ? for the assist here. I agree a professional should be the way to go for this as well! 😉
Thanks for all the responces. I have no intentions on doing this upgrade myself . . . If I choose to do it. I'm trying to determine whether it's feesable to do it without causing other issues as mentioned. So that said, considering that I will have the upgrade done by a certified tech . . . again, I'm trying to confirm, on my particular model, whether the dual core processor that has been represented to me will work without issues. So I guess the response I'm looking for is sort of . . . "tell me the # of the processor in your Toshiba Satillite L455, and the dual processor you'd like to add . . . and I'll help you figure out whether it'l work.' : D Keep in mind . . . um . . . I'm a landscaper! hahaha

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