Updating Laptop Processor

My laptop currently has a Pentium M 1.5 GHz processor, 400 MHz fsb. I just bought a used Pentium M 1.7 GHz, 400 MHz fsb processor online. Is it just a matter of swapping them (adding thermal paste to new processor) and letting the computer detect the change? My Compaq has a wimpy bios in terms of changing settings. Any issues I need to be aware of -- e.g., will it generate lots more heat, and will it trigger the need to reactivate Windows XP? Also, if the update is successful, is there a freeware program to test it to make sure it's good?

 

It depends entirely on what cpu your laptop motherboard can support so post the model of your laptop,if it will take a 1.7 it will auto detect and install,you wont have to reactivate windows

The HSF should be able to cope with the extra heat,I'm assuming your laptop is currently working,I'd first run toast for half an hour to see what temperature your current CPU runs at for a benchmark,this is the temperature you want to aim for

http://majorgeeks.com/Toast_d867.html

To monitor the temp I use speedfan,if your unsure which is your cpu temp run toast your cpu is the one that rises the fastest

http://majorgeeks.com/SpeedFan_d337.html

Also run the cpu benchmarks in sandra lite note the figures,then again with the new cpu installed to make sure your getting the extra performance from the cpu and the install has gone correctly

http://majorgeeks.com/SiSoftware_Sandra_Lite_d4664.html

If you find your cpu temp is much higher with the new cpu dont hesitate to remove the heatsink again,clean off the thermal paste with alcohol,reapply and reinstall the heatsink

 

As long as the FSB is the same thare shouldent be a problem ... But as Rikky said watch your temps... Thare shouldent be a big temp change though....

 

Thanks for the replies.

The motherboard is listed in Everest as a Compal 0860. In Everest, the only sensors show temperatures for the harddrives(?). Would downloading/running Speedfan be a waste of time if the laptop doesn't have any sensors that can be monitored, other than those mentioned above?

 

No- even on dial up its only a small prog ,speedfan will find all the sensors in your comp if there isnt one for your cpu 'which I doubt' non will rise when you run toast

 

If speed fan or Everest dont pick it up it probably dosent have one....

 

Well, after downloading a pdf file from HP/Compaq with instructions for disassembling the laptop and running out to get some Artic Silver 5, the laptop is back together.
The computer automatically set the multiplier to 17X for the new processor. Fan comes on more than with the 1.5GHz. I'm ticked that Compaq doesn't include any sensor to visibly monitor the CPU temp.
I've switched the settings in Centrino Hardware Control from "max. performance" to "dynamic switching". This seems to help reduce the # of fan on/off cycles. A follow-up question is, can I/should I undervolt the CPU from the Intel default of 1.484V to keep it cooler at max performance setting? By how much? Thanks

 

Dynamic switching automatically changes the voltage and clock speed based on demands on the CPU. I'd recommend you stick with it.