| Author |
 Topic  |
|
rahrahrachel
Junior Member
United Kingdom
122 Posts |
 Posted - 01/17/2010 : 07:41:54
|
Ok, i had to butcher the title a bit to fit it in but i am thinking about buying a motherboard for a core duo (or a core 2 duo motherboard) model and using it to upgrade my neices P7230 core solo model. She should get a couple years more use of this and just make it perform better all round.
I was wondering before i part with my money if i should expect any problems. I don't think so but i thought i better check. I've read that people swapped the cpu on a CS model but kept their own motherboard. This is slightly different.
Also, just wondering i have opened this notebook before to change the thermal paste but cannot remember how easy it will be to remove the motherboard?
Thanks
Sony SZ71WN/C 2.5, 4GB, 128GB SSD
Sony TT SU9600 White, 4GB DDR3,128GB SSD, WWAN, HDMI.
|
Edited by - rahrahrachel on 01/17/2010 08:28:03 |
|
|
tmt
Advanced Member
2743 Posts |
Posted - 01/17/2010 : 08:58:29
|
It's relatively simple to swap the MB, and the Core Duo MB will fit just fine. The heatsink
is different however; the Solo models have an aluminum/magnesium plate while the Duo ones
have copper. I don't think this is a hard-and-fast build config though, and it probably
wouldn't kill a Duo to have the Solo's heatsink, but the fan might run more.
If you've replaced the thermal paste, I'm sure you can do the job. Keep all the little
screws organized, and be gentle with the flat-cable connectors!
Tom. |
 |
|
|
rahrahrachel
Junior Member
United Kingdom
122 Posts |
Posted - 01/17/2010 : 09:39:46
|
Thanks tmt, i was going to go for a core duo one but i've seen a core 2 duo one that is new so i think i will go for that. I have come across a EU store that sells Fujitsu parts so i will see if i can get hold of the correct heatsink. You don't happen to know the part number for the copper heatsink?
http://www.htech.be/premium/achat/index.php?catid=238
Thank you
Edited to add:
This is the one of the motherboard i've seen. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250530123964&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
I can see by the picture there that it does have a U7600 processor. It only uses one more watt than the core duo model but this u7600 supports 64bit so it seems a better one to go for.
I hope this motherboard supports the different fan modes in the BIOS.
Sony SZ71WN/C 2.5, 4GB, 128GB SSD
Sony TT SU9600 White, 4GB DDR3,128GB SSD, WWAN, HDMI.
|
Edited by - rahrahrachel on 01/17/2010 11:06:09 |
|
|
|
tmt
Advanced Member
2743 Posts |
Posted - 01/17/2010 : 11:39:15
|
There never was a Core 2 Duo P7230, though there were some enterprising individuals
who soldered them on. The top-of-the-line was a Core Duo U2500.
The fan modes are identical, same BIOS for all. In fact, in some versions of the BIOS,
"silent mode" was disabled when a dualcore processor was detected. Heat isn't about the
BIOS, it's about the hardware. If the hardware generates it and the fan doesn't run to
take it away, the machine will overheat. OTOH, if you use throttling techniques to
reduce energy, you've crippled the machine and negated the reason for having the
faster hardware.
Bottom, in a lightweight machine, there just isn't as much mass to soak up thermal energy,
and it's either a lower-wattage processor or a more active fan to make it up. If you
don't want that, don't update the MB...
Have you verified which type of heatsink plate is in this machine, before deciding?
Tom. |
|
|
|
tmt
Advanced Member
2743 Posts |
Posted - 01/17/2010 : 11:41:32
|
OBTW, one other thing to consider - the port replicator. Your current machine probably
doesn't have one (the Core Solo machines were often basic config), that means you don't
have a porthole in the bottom case to allow a MB with the connector to work. You should
verify your new one does or doesn't have one, to decide whether you need to modify the
case (or remove the connector).
Tom. |
|
|
|
rahrahrachel
Junior Member
United Kingdom
122 Posts |
Posted - 01/17/2010 : 11:57:23
|
Thanks tmt, i think the performance gains are worth it. My niece doesn't use any throttling software.
This notebook does have a silver metal heatsink. It also has a docking port connector as i bought a port replicator and tried it.
It seems a good price for £150, i hope everything is ok with it.
I don't know if you can see a docking port connector in these pictures of the one i want to buy?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250530123964&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
Sony SZ71WN/C 2.5, 4GB, 128GB SSD
Sony TT SU9600 White, 4GB DDR3,128GB SSD, WWAN, HDMI.
|
Edited by - rahrahrachel on 01/17/2010 11:59:29 |
|
|
|
tmt
Advanced Member
2743 Posts |
Posted - 01/17/2010 : 13:44:21
|
The motherboard pictured is definitely from a P7230, it has a U7600 CPU installed and a TPM
chip, but no port replicator nor SIM socket connectors.
Tom. |
|
|
|
rahrahrachel
Junior Member
United Kingdom
122 Posts |
Posted - 01/17/2010 : 13:48:04
|
Thanks tmt, can i add the port replicator? If so is it hard to do? If it is a no go i may buy a complete P7230 with a U2500 and use the other parts for spare parts.
Sony SZ71WN/C 2.5, 4GB, 128GB SSD
Sony TT SU9600 White, 4GB DDR3,128GB SSD, WWAN, HDMI.
|
|
|
|
tmt
Advanced Member
2743 Posts |
Posted - 01/17/2010 : 14:38:30
|
I doubt it. You'd need to find the special connector and solder it down, plus there
are likely some additional components to add (caps, resistors, etc).
Why don't you ask the seller if they have other configurations? Or, pull the motherboard
from yours and send it to them for modification?
Tom. |
|
|
|
rahrahrachel
Junior Member
United Kingdom
122 Posts |
Posted - 01/17/2010 : 15:45:24
|
Thanks tmt, i emailed the seller. I would prefer to just do a motherboard swap but doing a BGA job is something that i might consider if i don't have any luck in getting the motherboard that i want.
Sony SZ71WN/C 2.5, 4GB, 128GB SSD
Sony TT SU9600 White, 4GB DDR3,128GB SSD, WWAN, HDMI.
|
|
|
|
tmt
Advanced Member
2743 Posts |
Posted - 01/18/2010 : 01:47:06
|
Any P7230 MB with a U7600 did have a BGA resolder job. Using your own guarantees
it will fit, at least! |
|
|
|
rahrahrachel
Junior Member
United Kingdom
122 Posts |
|
|
citiZennuLL
New Member
Hong Kong
75 Posts |
Posted - 01/18/2010 : 07:51:48
|
there is obvious copper land indenting around the pcb screw holes
mfr'g date of this item (ebay) is somewhat in past - solder corrosion + condition of caps are considerations
if handled incorrectly, by flexing, pcb copper foil lands may be cracked
and I'm assuming excess/out of date warehouse inventory liquidated to resellers on ebay and other websites
if removed from assembled/trashed notebooks - problems multiply
and yes I also use (v. selectively) ebay resellers, if necessary... |
|
|
|
rahrahrachel
Junior Member
United Kingdom
122 Posts |
Posted - 01/18/2010 : 08:33:27
|
Thanks citiZennuLL, it is for sure one to avoid then. I thought it might be a bit too good to be true at those prices.
I don't want something that might give problems soon lol.
Sony SZ71WN/C 2.5, 4GB, 128GB SSD
Sony TT SU9600 White, 4GB DDR3,128GB SSD, WWAN, HDMI.
|
|
|
|
vax37
Starting Member
3 Posts |
Posted - 01/18/2010 : 11:39:31
|
hi all
not meaning to hijack your thread, but just a few days ago i swapped the U1400 MB for the U7600 MB, and upped the ram to 2gb. OS to Windows 7 Ultimate now. very good speed improvement.
thank you tmt for your disassembly guide.
i have the silver heatsink on my machine. with a good blast of compressed air and new application of thermal paste, it does feel cooler on the chassis bottom however the fan tends to run more frequently.. i should point out though that cleaning the dust off the fan did make it a little bit quieter.
some issues though - vary rarely will the screen flicker, and the fujitsu application buttons do not seem to want to work.. |
Edited by - vax37 on 01/18/2010 11:41:58 |
|
|
|
rahrahrachel
Junior Member
United Kingdom
122 Posts |
Posted - 01/18/2010 : 15:40:11
|
Lol, i bought a P7230 for £255 in what they claim to be good condition. It has a core duo processor and should have the proper heatsink. Now i have to perform like surgery swapping parts lol. Hopefully it will all go according to plan. My neices one is pink and this is black.
It is cheaper than going and buying another ultraportable.
I can sell parts out really from the donar laptop to make some money back or give it away to family. I've spent a lot on this laptop. I already got my niece a 64GB SSD. I'll upgrade her the dvd while i'm at it. I'm also going to get a N wifi card.
Hopefully this will improve her experience of this laptop.
vax37, thanks so much sharing your experiences. It is a shame that the buttons all are not working. May be you might not have attached something correctly?
Sony SZ71WN/C 2.5, 4GB, 128GB SSD
Sony TT SU9600 White, 4GB DDR3,128GB SSD, WWAN, HDMI.
|
Edited by - rahrahrachel on 01/18/2010 15:46:06 |
|
|
|
tmt
Advanced Member
2743 Posts |
Posted - 01/18/2010 : 19:34:28
|
quote:
Originally posted by vax37
some issues though - vary rarely will the screen flicker, and the fujitsu application buttons do not seem to want to work..
I have an occasional screen flicker on mine too with Win7 - I am convinced it's the
new Intel-provided driver. It's a minor annoyance though and hopefully Fujitsu will
release an update.
No issue at all with the Fujitsu application buttons, the app works fine for me.
Did you install the right version? There's a special ShortcutButton.ini file that
needs to be copied into C:\Program Files\Fujitsu\Application Panel\ after installing
the program to configure it for 2-button machines like the P7230. Can grab it from
your original factory install or the Fujitsu download.
Tom. |
|
|
|
tmt
Advanced Member
2743 Posts |
Posted - 01/18/2010 : 19:45:29
|
quote:
Originally posted by rahrahrachel
Thanks citiZennuLL, it is for sure one to avoid then. I thought it might be a bit too good to be true at those prices.
I think that's unfair - the board is of course not new nor even OEM - it's a modified
board with U7600 as stated. That's the reason for the age and the appearance. The
price seems reasonable - as you discovered the entire laptop is available used for
not much more, unmodified.
I don't have any photos handy of the port replicator-equipped motherboard. Perhaps you
no longer need it though. In the ebay photo you posted, it's going to be located in a
horizontal orientation at the far right of this image of the underside of the MB, across
the open solder pads between the two half-circle pcb holes.
Let's see if this image url works:
 <- just above the edge here...
Tom. |
Edited by - tmt on 01/18/2010 19:47:32 |
|
|
|
rahrahrachel
Junior Member
United Kingdom
122 Posts |
Posted - 01/18/2010 : 20:13:02
|
Thanks tmt, may be that is a little unfair. The words about the copper land indenting, corrision and it being an very old board etc stood out to me though and i guess i didn't want to gamble with it.
The seller seems very nice. It is stated as new in the ad.
It seems ok though as vax37 had a positive experience.
If you're thinking about doing this upgrade and have a core solo model i suggest you go for it.
Sony SZ71WN/C 2.5, 4GB, 128GB SSD
Sony TT SU9600 White, 4GB DDR3,128GB SSD, WWAN, HDMI.
|
Edited by - rahrahrachel on 01/18/2010 20:29:56 |
|
|
|
vax37
Starting Member
3 Posts |
Posted - 01/18/2010 : 20:45:11
|
out of frustration i tried the windows 7 driver for the P8010 application panel and it worked!
|
|
|
|
citiZennuLL
New Member
Hong Kong
75 Posts |
Posted - 01/18/2010 : 23:24:05
|
yes read ebay & noted mobo reloaded
surface mount (complex) bga array "with assurance that cpu thermal surface is parallel and rotationally aligned with mobo stand off screw points is problematic for the real mobo manufacturers to achieve - let alone the lad's w/ hi wattage hairdryers in electronics salvage yards
and of course the issue of "remarked" cpu's arises...
there are simply continuing realities, a reloaded note motherboard from established oem service centre (independent, NOT factory) with established customer base is one thing;
ed's mews / garage ebay operation is another - buyer beware
how were the upgrade cpu's obtained? unlikely not new tray - probably salvaged from defective (various unknown reasons) mobo's
in hong kong i can buy off street new oem tray bga cpu's and go to established service centre to have installed on mobo's - no remarks / no overheated substrate AND precision fixture placement/alignment...
remember 1-removal of original bga cpu, 2-cleaning/restoration of mobo copper mounting surfaces ie: bga, 3-placement in fixture of new bga cpu, 4-preheating & 5-controlled contact "insertion force" to prevent unwanted wicking/wetting of bga media across/onto nearby conductors
there are independent service centres v. capable of this work - in many countries, but ebay pricing begs caution |
|
|
|
rahrahrachel
Junior Member
United Kingdom
122 Posts |
Posted - 01/19/2010 : 09:13:53
|
[deleted]
Edited to add:
The core duo laptop arrived today. My nieces one is actually in warranty till 2011 so selling on the motherboard of her old one might not be such a good idea. The core duo laptop actually feels more quiet than the core solo one. It also has a wwan slot with the fitted part. When i open it if it has an extra sim slot i will buy a Option wwan card on ebay.
I think i am going to just probably do straight swap of the bottom casing but i don't know yet. It might make things easier.
.........
I took of the one of the bottom covers and it has the antenna for the wwan module and says UMTS wwan slot. No doubt the antenna are located in the bezel though so i'm not sure what i will do about that.
Sony SZ71WN/C 2.5, 4GB, 128GB SSD
Sony TT SU9600 White, 4GB DDR3,128GB SSD, WWAN, HDMI.
|
Edited by - rahrahrachel on 01/20/2010 09:28:41 |
|
|
|
rahrahrachel
Junior Member
United Kingdom
122 Posts |
Posted - 01/25/2010 : 00:31:13
|
I swapped the lower casing today.
Everything is working ok.
This BIOS 1.11 does not have the silent mode setting in the BIOS. It displays a Fujitsu Siemens splash page and it is a Phoenix bios. I downloaded the 1.11 update from the US website.
I think this laptop could do with a clean install.
For the spec 1.2 core duo, 2GB and a 64GB SSD it should feel faster than it is. The 5100 card also performs nicely. I haven't got the wwan card to be recognsied but may be the BIOS will only recognise a Sierra wireless one i don't know.
Sony SZ71WN/C 2.5, 4GB, 128GB SSD
Sony TT SU9600 White, 4GB DDR3,128GB SSD, WWAN, HDMI.
|
Edited by - rahrahrachel on 01/25/2010 00:32:03 |
|
|
|
citiZennuLL
New Member
Hong Kong
75 Posts |
Posted - 01/25/2010 : 06:17:15
|
a thought, before reloading ssd, go into properties and confirm hdd controller mode - you transfered ssd to the replacement mobo/lower casing and on-board controller probably defaulted to lower/lowest mode to conserve battery
you can manually set mode to ultra / but it may again default due to optical drive, confirm pio/ide mode of operation and try to set default to ultra |
|
|
|
tmt
Advanced Member
2743 Posts |
Posted - 01/25/2010 : 09:18:45
|
quote:
Originally posted by rahrahrachel
This BIOS 1.11 does not have the silent mode setting in the BIOS.
I mentioned this earlier in the thread. This BIOS disables the "silent mode" setting
when a dual-core processor is detected. There is a reason for that.
If you are totally and completely dismayed by this  you can downgrade to BIOS 1.04,
select everything you want including silent mode, then upgrade the BIOS back to 1.11
without loading defaults or clearing cmos. You have to use the DOS boot method, this
doesn't work with Fujitsu's FlashAid.
What exactly do you expect to "feel faster"? Have you benchmarked it?
Tom. |
|
|
|
rahrahrachel
Junior Member
United Kingdom
122 Posts |
Posted - 01/25/2010 : 13:17:10
|
Thank you both for your help.
tmt, my mistake i thought you wrote that all these models are the same and come with the silent mode option in the BIOS.
I think it could do with a clean install. If i remove stuff that my niece downloaded though she won't appreciate it so i best leave it lol.
I have gone from a core solo 1.33 TX to a core 2 duo ULV and felt a massive improvement in performance. Going from a 1.2 core solo to a 1.2 core duo i would expect to see an increase in performance doing some tasks. What might tax out the core solo the core duo might deal with much better.
I had problems with activation but i have sorted that out now.
This is the model i swapped it with GBR-208100-004.
http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Fujitsu_Siemens_LifeBook_P7230_Refresh_LKN:GBR-208100-004/version.asp
I did get the Option wwan to be recognised. However, the BIOS i think blocks it as it tells me that registration is denied. I have bought a Sierra wireless card and will see how that goes.
The Sierra wwan module i bought was used in this model.
The silent mode was a nice feature. I don't have the time to be doing any DOS programs today so i think i will have to leave it with version 1.11.
I applied ICD7 to the cpu today also.
I've got my nephews Acer to look at later lol. My family must think i am some expert and i don't have that much free time these days.
Sony SZ71WN/C 2.5, 4GB, 128GB SSD
Sony TT SU9600 White, 4GB DDR3,128GB SSD, WWAN, HDMI.
|
Edited by - rahrahrachel on 01/25/2010 20:37:45 |
|
|
|
Topic |
|
Swap core solo motherboard with CD P7230 problem?
