Lenovo ThinkPad T420 Cpu upgrade i7-2670QM

[@g0rg0yl32]

People dont realize, that after W541/T440p, you cant upgrade cpus, because Intel switched from PGA to BGA sockets (broadwell and up, but haswell and lower is fine). Just upgraded my t420 from the i5 2520m to the i7 2640M, and boy does the performance increase. Lenovo made the perfect tinkering device. Edit: i dont own the device anymore, now have an x230t. please do not take my fact about *a serious performance upgrade* when i talked about the i7 since its still a 2c4t. the 2520m was a bit defective in my case and had really low performance. the real upgrade is a quad core i7 (2630qm or even ivy 3632qm but that requires coreboot)

[@IceNdice93]

How much of an increase was there? Was it noticeable?

[@eltano06]

the i7 is just 300mhz faster, its not noticiably faster

[@MrSteveK88]

@@eltano06 The i5-2520 is a dual core with hyperthreading and 3MB cache vs. i7-2670qm which is a quad core with hyperthreading and 6MB cache. It's a noticable difference.

[@anotherdarwin]

I found out that there was away to upgrade to cpu to i7-3632QM using coreboot (which lets you use ivy bridges)

[@philly76]

how is the heat after upgrading the CPU?

[@yukatoshi]

Planning on doing an i7 upgrade on my T420i. I'm using it for gameplay recording and video editing, so an i7 upgrade, RAM & SSD are in the works lol. Thanks for the video!!

[@mauromozzarelli9621]

Please position the camera so that your arm does not hide what you do

[@dtkbdksektionaugsburg1875]

Followed your instructions and upgraded my Lenovo T520 CPU from i5 to i7. It worked just great! THANKS for you're video!!

[@sergiocastillo9857]

Does the new processor i7 is rPGA-989 ? if so to what model it is ?

[@vulcano911]

The original processor of this laptop runs at 35 watts and the Core i7 runs at 45 watts, how do you resolve that difference? Thanks for your opinions

[@dtkbdksektionaugsburg1875]

@@vulcano911 I'm not a professional, and wasn't aware of this difference. Regardless, the upgrade just worked. I did notice the laptop ran at a higher temperature. This upgrade was 5 yrs ago. I gave it to a friend. and now I have a different laptop. Sorry, I can't answer your question.

[@InitialiseDisk]

Were you able to use the standard power brick?

[@ninativo]

I did the same update 2 weeks ago and I have to say that it depends on the temperature of your room. Actually, this is summer and my laptop, with the same processor, takes the temperature from 48 ° C to 53 ° C, keeping it in stand with the internet browser open and two or three tabs. Good job

[@vulcano911]

The original processor of this laptop runs at 35 watts and the Core i7 runs at 45 watts, how do you resolve that difference? Thanks for your opinions

[@uzziell3456]

This was an interesting video. I also bought a T420 a few years ago and I love it. It came with 8gb ram installed and i5 processor. I upgraded the hard drive to a Samsung Evo SSD. I'm currently running dual boot windows 7 and 10. I don't really like the newer Thinkpads

[@Fatal1tyKill]

The newer ones are flimsy

[@tyrvidar]

Man thats how you build a Laptop, so easy to swap out shit

[@UtilityCurve]

So easy, in fact, that I bought a second one. The extra weight (even worse: I bought 9-cell batteries for them) is WELL worth it. The obsessive documentation available (a legacy of the way IBM did things) is also IMMENSELY helpful.

[@cle4tle]

my t420's heat can melt hotglue

Can it be upgrade ?

[@saulgoodmangaming8075]

Grease quala put new thermal paste on the cpu

[@midnighteclipsed2738]

Clean the airflow, add newer thermal paste, make sure the room temperature is normal (room temperature can affect it) and buy some cooling pad

[@benchmarksx1650]

@@midnighteclipsed2738 nah it doesn’t matter the second gen intel CPU’s are incredibly hot, I used thermal grizzly on my i7-2670qm and that shit still hit 80 degrees just browsing the web, I even know of people who used liquid metal and it was still hot.

[@muhamadhamidi580]

@@benchmarksx1650 so basiclly theres no solution? Isnt okay to use i7?

[@MarkJay]

that laptop looks brand new. man you got a good one. Love the T-series. I have a T61 and a T420s. use the daily

[@tallielintrasimpaccount]

In these trying times and you have the gaul to word a sentence as "Love the T-Series"? I urge you to take caution friend.

[@lambdanil]

@@tallielintrasimpaccount Yeah, that could be taken out of context...

[@expansionpackdeluxe636]

@Garrett Henson And subscribe to PewDiePie as well?

[@oo3rex]

This has been my experience with this processor as well. At 100% load, the temps reach about 92 degrees. 35-40 at idle, depending on the temperature in my house.

[@Fatal1tyKill]

I recommend using ARCTIC MX4 thermal paste!

[@rociootondo1665]

@@Fatal1tyKillI used Artic MX-4, Clean all parts, coolers, cooling pipe (The cpu came clean o at least i though so), and my temps in a MSI CR643 goes from 40-50 idle to 92 under load, spring weather, 19.7ºC room temperature. I dont know if is something on the laptop or just some of us get a lucky cpu silicon waffle

[@Fatal1tyKill]

@@rociootondo1665 It could be the cpu or just not lucky

[@filipb.8698]

Try disabling Turbo Boost Also disable Meltdown and Spectre patches with InSpecte On my Ivybridge T430s with patches cpu temp was 70C at idle Without patche temperature dropped to 50C 20C drop in temps because of patches 🙄🙄

[@gravesupulturero3652]

@@filipb.8698 can u share how to lower the temp of i7 2670qm? mine when gaming reaching 90c+. idle is 40-50c

[@skyguy1988]

t420's are total fucking beasts! the way laptops SHOULD BE. totally upgradeable. these things run forever. i have one with the i5, 16 gb ram, 500 gb ssd....the thing screams

[@soyozzz]

How can you have 16gb? i mean, the i5 that comes with the Laptop only support 8gb

[@pillowrex811]

@@soyozzz mobile i5 Sandybridge cpus can support up to 16GB

[@ug1502ez]

@@soyozzz I also upgraded mine to 16GB RAM and 512GBSSD. I took out the DVD drive, put in a caddy and now use that slot for the HDD (as additional storage). The T420 is the ultimate laptop

[@soyozzz]

@@ug1502ez Wow, i did not know that. Thanks for the information!!

[@reveries119]

I just upgraded the t420 ram to 16gb ddr3 1333mhz. Yes, it works.

[@mpireoutdoors5274]

The maximum single core turbo boost frequency of the Intel i7-2670QM is 3.1GHz. Your processor is (thermal?) throttling at 2.6GHz which represents 83% of the maximum single core turbo boost capability, however using 4 cores. I wonder what the effect on render time was.

[@vulcano911]

The original processor of this laptop runs at 35 watts and the Core i7 runs at 45 watts, how do you resolve that difference? Thanks for your opinions

[@phillipanselmo8540]

​@@vulcano911you need the nvidia motherboard's heat sink

[@hamzahadam9633]

"4 cores 8 treads"

[@SebisRandomTech]

Uploaded on my birthday! :P Anyway awesome video! I'm getting a T420 soon, and while I plan on getting one that already has the i7, if I end up getting an i5 one this upgrade is something to have in mind!

[@Fatal1tyKill]

Happy late bday!

[@DoctorAlex1]

Very helpful! I shall be supercharging my daily driver T420 and see how it goes :)

[@haytguugle8656]

Camera gave us a fantastic shot of your arm while you were working. And I'm so glad to now know so much about your personal life regardless of it having nothing at all to do with the process of swapping the CPU. But I wasn't really going to be doing anything special with those extra 15 minutes of the video anyway.

[@OneCupOfCoffee204]

Your arm looks pretty nice!!!

[@Fatal1tyKill]

:)

[@emirmokoginta7519]

the fuck you lookin at!?

[@peterlamont647]

Thankfully, the new i9 series are not BGA mounts(which are _hell_ to remove unless you use Chip Quick)...you can actually remove them like a normal processor. The i9 uses the LGA 2066 socket, and is targeted toward gamers(apparently, rich gamers). I bought a used Alienware laptop which came stock with this processor. Very nice. I was getting along fine with a core 2 DUO T5450 from back in '07. I just matched the processes running in windows to be the same as safe mode with network support, then added a few items back as needed(like sound and various frameworks). It FLEW after that. However, my M14x is just lightning fast, this i7 2760QM processor is great! I can do 8 conversions at once in format factory for example. Just awesome! Congrats on your upgrade, you will definitely enjoy it.

[@dragunovbushcraft9232]

If you want to upgrade your T420 to an i7, but afraid to go with the i7 2670qm, you can go to the i7 2640m. Some of the t420 laptops came with that processor.

[@Fatal1tyKill]

You can

[@selmonb921]

Definitely the way to go swapping to an i7 2640M from the i5 2520M Had zero issues!!

[@YousufUllah]

this is a really nice laptop to upgrade easily to access everything unlike all these new all-in-one builds with limited upgradability.

[@YousufUllah]

next up I think you should upgrade the fan?

[@Fatal1tyKill]

I did, but it was too expensive!

[@ramjobeshidef45]

To which particular BIOS version did you update in to? I'm also running the default BIOS on my own T420.

[@Fatal1tyKill]

Latest BIOS

[@sl9sl9]

I've upgraded mine to 16GB DDR3-L (requires older BIOS v1.33 to run at 1.35volts), a 512GB Samsung 850 2.5'' SSD, and a second 512GB Samsung 850 mSATA SSD to replace the useless 3G card. I also replaced the Bluetooth module with one taken from a T430 which supports Bluetooth 4+LE. It was already an i7 T420 with the 2640m CPU, 1600x900 HD screen, and Intel Ultimate-N 6300 WiFi. A 9-cell battery and 90Watt AC adaptor completes the upgrade. Pretty sure this is the best possible ''official'' spec a T420 can possibly have, without using a modded BIOS or breaking the TPM chip and fingerprint scanner. To say it's blazing fast is an understatement, not so much in games but I only play a few older titles like CS:GO on it. It's even possible to add a THIRD SSD and 2 more batteries(!!!) by removing the DVD and using the ultrabay and docking connectors...

[@Fatal1tyKill]

You forgot to mention expresscard slot, you can add egpu!

[@osman.g1097]

hey plz do a vido

[@grzegorzbrzeczyszczykiewic1636]

Is it running libreboot and GNU Linux?

[@blaiooo]

You need to change the power supply? From where I can update my bios? excellentvideo! Thank you !!

[@Fatal1tyKill]

If you upgrade the cpu you need 90w power supply. !!!Make sure you have the correct model!!! Here's the bios update utility for Lenovo Thinkpad T420 support.lenovo.com/us/en/products/Laptops-and-netbooks/ThinkPad-T-Series-laptops/ThinkPad-T420/downloads/DS018785

[@blaiooo]

I think I will try to update! I will vere such temperatures, but return to my i5. Anyway $ 100 for the i7 is very cheap, you could prove without losing anything in return. if I sell it not working properly xD Thanks for the quick reply! sorry for my english xDD is google!!!

[@Fatal1tyKill]

I will make a video about the temperatures!

[@janvandelden1820]

Good job, appreciate this video. Like to receive more of your videos.

[@themagicayrtonsenna]

Not all 998B CPUs can be installed on 998B motherboards. The dual-core 998B G2 Socket Celeron, Pentium, Core i3, i5 and i7 have a TDP of up to 25W, but Quad Core Socket G3 i7s have a TDP of 35W, so you can damage some motherboards if they can't provide enough current to a Quad Core i7. If you want to upgrade from a lower spec CPU to a Quad Core, be sure your motherboard has support for Quad Core, which means it provides enough current for those CPUs.

[@vulcano911]

The original processor of this laptop runs at 35 watts and the Core i7 runs at 45 watts, how do you resolve that difference? Thanks for your opinions

[@pillowrex811]

This is a nice tutorial & reference video! I picked up two T420 laptops for free and swapped out the display from the dead one, luckily i got the 1600x900 version of the display. Since upgrading to i7-2670QM works well, I'm planning to upgrade it to i7-2860QM because it has 8MB cache instead of the 6MB from 26xxQM and 27xxQM processors. Will it work without modded BIOS?

[@Fatal1tyKill]

Bios update is needed

[@1dullgeek]

The other reason for getting the NVIDIA chip on the laptop is to support more than 2 monitors. With my T420 I have 4 screens running - the laptop monitor and 3 externals (via the docking station). Without the NVIDIA chip you can only have 2 screens running.

[@MDCrabTank]

thats not true, i had with intel chip and i could connect up to 3 screens, VGA; DisplayPort and HDMI .

[@1dullgeek]

The one with the NVIDIA chip has both the NVIDIA chip and the intel graphics. If you could connect 3 screens and have them all running at the same time, then you had to have the motherboard with both the NVIDIA and intel graphics cards. The intel chip supports only two monitors at a time.

[@bdulAhad0]

dullgeek how to fix it on the laptop

[@EricVanBuggenhaut]

Try tearing your laptop apart with a service manual in hand, that'll be much easier and less risky. Plus thinkpad service manuals are really easy to find on the web.

[@manueldejesus1111]

¿Puedes hacer un video de cómo poner almohadillas al procesador?

[@peraperic8775]

34c idle and you just power it on,plus its open and get cooled naturally by air Of course youll have low temp.

[@juhetymot1425]

does the core have enough stable power and cooling to keep the Quad Mobile cpu stable

[@billfitch2you]

Fatal, I enjoyed this and a few more of your videos, so naturally I subscribed and gave you a thumbs up. I found it interesting that you were able to upgrade to quad from your previous CPU. I Just today picked up a T410 which needless to say has the dismal i5-520, and want the absolute best upgrade I can get! Before this video I thought the best I could do is the i7-620M which according to the CPU benchmark sites I frequent, has even outperformed several quad cores. Now I'm not so sure. This machine is so well made, price is no object to bring it up to--or surpass today's mass produced junk. I have Bluetooth, Wifi, biometric, web cam, mega great progs...but the ability to upgrade it so easily is why it will be my go-to workhorse for many yrs. please do me the honor of suggesting your picks for my HDD, CPU, and anything else that will make mine scream. I'm already maxed out at 8G of RAM, but am sure I want to get the best SSD HD out there, and ditto for CPU, etc. I know you're a busy Man, but any suggestions would be madly appreciated! Keep up the great videos! Thanx Man!

[@Fatal1tyKill]

You can get any ssd you want, but be careful when buying, some SSD are not supported on Lenovo Thinkpads. Before buying do some research! Did you check this cpu i7-740QM?

[@lincolnkyle3350]

Fatal1tyKill great video! I have t410 as well and I’ve got the RAM 8GB and am planning on installing an i7 640m processor. I’m having a hard getting a straight answer on the t410- can it actually use a quad core i7?!? I’ve seen a few fail videos on KZbin, and I have no intention of changing the motherboard. Also which brand of thermal paste did you use in this video? Thanks for making upgrade video!!

[@snowcold903]

there's no point switching to another laptop if u have this one. if the battery dies you can still get another one

[@Fatal1tyKill]

True

[@krzysztofpuczko7602]

Can u give any information how is this setup working after 9 months? Is t420 as stable as it was? Is there significant improvement in performance? And how about time on battery?

[@Fatal1tyKill]

It's working perfectly fine I used at work no problems!

[@RichieAvallone]

I own this laptop, and I'm thinking about modding this out. I only have done the RAM so far. SSD next, but I want to do an I7! Please show what you were talking about with the video upgrade!

[@Fatal1tyKill]

Here's the thing you need for video upgrade www.gearbest.com/laptop-accessories/pp_229102.html

[@bonob0123]

the camera angle is the only thing worse than the banter

[@milburncarter7714]

Bad placed camera arms block what is being done.

[@Fatal1tyKill]

sorry

[@dibraniuk]

hi good stuff, where did you source the i7?

[@RichieAvallone]

I really would like to see more info on what you're doing with games on this. I've upgraded mine to 8GB and planning to go to SSD soon.

[@ФотослужбаСамарскийуниверситет]

Hi! There are several types of i7-2670QM f.e. SR014 Q1NW or SR02N. What is difference and wich one did you use?

[@daver681]

So you are saying that 8 gb of ram is the max, I just saw a video that said that you can go even higher but, for the 8 gb do you take the ram out and put 1-8 gb card in, I have mine apart right now because I had to put a new charging jack in it and then I had to order some more Thermal paste and it came in today so I am going to put it back together but I am going to order more ram, Thanks

[@rigby3780]

if you were going to break the 35 TDP why not go for a i7-2860QM.. was it just down to price?

[@Fatal1tyKill]

I got this cpu really cheap.

[@rigby3780]

makes sense :) anyway great video i was looking to do something similar after looking at the available (mostly crappy) new laptops out there but now i might break that 35w barrier too! cheers

[@danielsaxlind5052]

rigby any chance u upgrade to i7-2860QM ? If so any overheating problems ?

[@MatiasCODMobile]

Great video! I have the same T420, and I was thinking of changing the processor, you mention that you have to change the power supply charger to make it work well, is this 100% necessary? If so, which one do you use or which one do you recommend buying. Thanks for making this video, it is very useful to know what can be done and see how the laptop is doing.

[@MeshackMusangi]

I just ordered this processor, thermal paste and the 90w charger. I already have a 270GB SSD + 1TB Secondary mechanical drive and 16Gigs of RAM. This is going to be the ultimate upgrade. I will have at least two VMs running on my Lenovo t420 for my Cybersecurity class. I bought this laptop n 2012 and I still use it. This is going to be the ultimate upgrade. Will come back with results in about 3 weeks (components arriving at different times)

[@Fatal1tyKill]

I know the best laptop for work!

[@MeshackMusangi]

Like I promised, just ugraded my CPU.I now own the most powerfull t420 ever :). I think 32 GB would be overkill. I am going to stick with 16gb for a while and see how it behaves. Specs Intel Core i7 2670QM, 16gb Ram 275 SSd and 1TB Physical Hard Disk, 1600by 900. Extended battery

[@Fatal1tyKill]

Nothing is overkill!

[@mightymorphinetime]

how is everything now? i have a t420 too and i want to upgrade it for video editing purposes. is there any problems to be concerned about with heat... or anything ?

[@MeshackMusangi]

Space Raanger hi, nope, I swear it even runs cooler with the i7. It could be because I replaced the thermal paste (hadn't done so with the i5) but generally it's all good. Much faster and cooler so go for it. I also recommend you get the SSD for the best performance.

[@Frash23DeltaCraft]

Great video! Would you happen to know if this upgrade would work on the T420s?

[@Fatal1tyKill]

No you can't replace the cpu on T420s.

[@Frash23DeltaCraft]

Oh. I haven't been able to look up much information no the T420s so I was unable to find anything on upgrading it. Thanks a lot.

[@halfway2hell]

I just bought a T420 off ebay this video is a god send because I want to upgrade to i7 as well. thank you for this especially the bios & powerbrick upgrade. You were saying that the T420 can be converted for gaming how does one do that?

[@Fatal1tyKill]

www.gearbest.com/laptop-accessories/pp_229102.html This is what you need!

[@halfway2hell]

Awesome bro! :D thanks again :D!!!

[@rogerweekes5813]

So how did you update the bios since you slready had in the new CPU?

[@lordtssd]

I just ordered a i7-2670QM from ebay and will attempt to instal it the same way as you did.

[@Fatal1tyKill]

But first make sure your bios is up to date!

[@Fatal1tyKill]

Don't forget that you need 90w 20v ac adapter. Here's the link to ebay www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=Original+lenovo+t420+ac+adapter&_sop=15&LH_BIN=1&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.XOriginal+lenovo+t420+ac+adapter+90w.TRS0&_nkw=Original+lenovo+t420+ac+adapter+90w&_sacat=0

[@lordtssd]

Yeah, I actully watched your video dude. I also ordered an ac adapter. Still waiting for the stuff to arrive though.

[@Fatal1tyKill]

That's great!

[@lordtssd]

Okey so I managed to upgrade the processor now. The computer runs and reconices the processor. There are though 2 screws left which I don't remember where they went....

[@boburhs]

hi thanx for the good video I was thinking to upgrade my intel i5 cpu on T410 to i7 than I found ur video question is does it takes same cpu like in t420

[@Fatal1tyKill]

No, you can't use 2 generation cpu on t410. ark.intel.com/products/43122/Intel-Core-i7-720QM-Processor-6M-Cache-1_60-GHz l ark.intel.com/products/47341/Intel-Core-i5-520M-Processor-3M-Cache-2_40-GHz

[@AdamAus85]

Bought one on ebay today with the i5cpu, 8gig ram, non-sdd hard drive, nvidia gpu. I have a spare SSD I can toss in, so no problem there.

[@Fatal1tyKill]

Nice

[@patrikgubeljak9416]

Good video :) Just received a T420, thinking of putting a custom BIOS on it, then the T420 can run the i7-3632QM :)

[@rayhan6540]

it uses a core i7 2620qm processor or a core i7 2670qm processor. and which one is stronger?

[@hichammanseur8179]

thanks for the video, one question is will this change the gpu ? or we'll always have the hd 3000?

[@Fatal1tyKill]

The GPU is integrated!

[@hichammanseur8179]

@@Fatal1tyKill i've read somewhere on the net that upgrading the cpu will automatically upgrade the gpu coz yeah it's integrated with the cpu, so could this be true ? btw thanks for the quick answer brother

[@Fatal1tyKill]

GPU will stay the same.

[@hichammanseur8179]

@@Fatal1tyKill thnx

[@mntcync115]

Integrated is built in on cpu and dedicated is built in on motherboard

[@theredstormer8078]

I have an x131e. I've heard that replacing the CPU in these destroys battery life, and I'm not even sure if mine supports CPU replacement.

[@Fatal1tyKill]

You can't replace CPU on this model!

[@kermets]

Please give a link to the bias upgrade and which version worked for the QM processor ? cheers Brett

[@Fatal1tyKill]

You need to download the latest bios for your Lenovo T420!

[@danu2211]

Hello, excellent video. Do you know if I can place a core i7-3630QM processor in the Thinkpad E430? Do i need a custom bios for that? I would appreciate your opinion

[@Fatal1tyKill]

I'm not sure if you can upgrade the cpu to i7-3630QM in the Thinkpad E430. You don't need custom bios, just the latest bios on the official website. Cpu upgrades on laptop are always risky, sometimes it doesn't work. I couldn't find anything on forums about this upgrade. I think this idea requires testing. I hope this helps. Forgot to mention, the official website says there's a Thinkpad E430 with i7-3612QM. support.lenovo.com/lt/en/solutions/pd024708

[@danu2211]

Thanks for your opinion.

[@Fatal1tyKill]

No problem

[@Tistan01]

I have a completely stock T420 which I'm using right now, and I'm gonna try to upgrade it as much as I can for absolutely no reason. I use this laptop for school n' such because I already have an HP OMEN at home. I want to know, what is the most powerful processor this thing can handle? What would it take to install it?

[@Fatal1tyKill]

i7-2670QM is powerful, i7-2860QM could work too. I would look around forums or reddit for a better answer.

[@MS-hs3uf]

My lenovo has a i7 2640m. Is this upgrade worth it? Would you recommend another processor?

[@Fatal1tyKill]

Here you go cpuboss.com/cpus/Intel-Core-i7-2670QM-vs-Intel-Core-i7-2640M

[@junkies4463]

@@Fatal1tyKill is really work for i7 2670QM? want to upgrade to Intel Core i7-3612QM. s that possible?

[@Fatal1tyKill]

@@junkies4463 That's 3gen CPU, you need 2 gen CPU

[@junkies4463]

@@Fatal1tyKill that means only 2 gen CPU is suit for it? thanks mate i was consider to buy X230 but read some article the cpu not upgradable based on BGA socket. So i will consider to choose X220

[@EpicGamer42069m]

Useful video. Could you do a guide to replace the screen with a 900p or a 1080p panel? Thanks.

[@Fatal1tyKill]

I would like to, but I don't have 900p or a 1080p screen

[@EpicGamer42069m]

I can send you the specific part number for a compatible screen if you want

[@Fatal1tyKill]

ThreeHeadedWalrus I don't have screens like that laying around work, sadly enough :(

[@rafikostar]

can this laptop run lumion with the graphique card Nvs Nvidia Geforce 4200m 8 gb ram and same processeur as yours ?

[@Fatal1tyKill]

Probably not. Here's the requirements lumion3d.com/system-requirements.html

[@Sfekke]

Little correction This laptop uses NVIDIA NVS 4200M So it is not a GeForce.

[@marcinb1612]

"put a tripod, put my camera and just record" my arm... don't do this mistake ever again, please

[@fernandorodrigues4191]

Marcin B .

[@duaneafields]

it's a perfect video, overtop views are not as good.

[@donaldduck4526]

Wow, what an asshole...

[@vulcano911]

The original processor of this laptop runs at 35 watts and the Core i7 runs at 45 watts, how do you resolve that difference? Place a 45 watt power supply, I think (I don't know) it can burn several components of the motherboard, please help me.Thanks .

[@Fatal1tyKill]

You need a more powerful power supply

[@ryenburns5808]

Can the Nvidia card you were talking about be added on? If you ended up making a video on installing the Nvidia card I'd definitely like to see it

[@Fatal1tyKill]

You can use desktop gpu www.ebay.com/itm/V8-0-EXP-GDC-Beast-Laptop-External-Independent-Video-Card-Dock-For-PCI-E-X16-/401280185129?var=&epid=2129003187&hash=item5d6e29b329:m:mPWwvsTGGt59e93s1aKGlfw

[@ryenburns5808]

Oh nice, have you used that specific dock?

[@Fatal1tyKill]

Yes, it works!

[@SHADOW-bg4mm]

Wo.. I didn't know i can upgrade it to 2670.. im over here looking at 2640s. 👍 i still have my i5

[@yes9086]

MRWOLFIE8788 You can technically go as far as the 3840qm although you need to use coreboot. I’ve just ordered a i7-2820qm for my T420, which is essentially a straight swap.

[@craigcharlestone]

This video could have been 75% shorter in running time.

[@dragunovbushcraft9232]

Ok, I think I'll try it. Found a processor to try it with. Will let you know.

[@nerdMike]

Nice video, I want to upgrade my T430, but 3612 and 3632qm 35W tdp (which is better for overall temp) are too expensive on the ebay offers. How about this cpu? Is that bad intel hd3000 compared to 4000, my pain is about dx support, while 4000 support directx 11 and 3000 only 10.1. Not thinking about game but maybe the Windows past 10 will be a problem with that, what do you think? Thanks

[@nerdMike]

The real pro about the 2nd gen is the idle frequency, much lower than 3rd gen, while it stays on 1197MHz i5 and i5 both :( btw did you do a stress test on aida64 with gpu also to see real temps?

[@Fatal1tyKill]

Both of the CPU's are good choice, the temps should be ok. Intel HD 4000 support directx 11 so you should be good! Here's a video for i7 3612QM: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e167lmt7hcSaqNU

[@nerdMike]

Do you keep turbo boost on or not? Don't know if buy higher base clock i7 and disable turbo boost, or low base clock i7 with turbo enabled. What's your suggestion for best battery lif end temperature? btw it's a totally different pc and mainboard to have a comparison :/

[@Fatal1tyKill]

I turned off the turbo boost, lower temps. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnjMd2Sop7x-bbc

[@nerdMike]

Thanks :)

[@hodulakr]

Very useful video, thank you! How is the performance boost? I'm using this laptop too with the dual core i7-2640M. Right now I have Ubuntu on it and using it primarly for programming and web development. I also use 2 screens, laptop + 1080p display. It is a pretty good work machine, but sometimes especially with like music/YT in the background, browser with many tabs and IDE, it does not feel very snappy, so I'm thinking about upgrading to quad core too. The powerbrick limitations sucks though, 95W brick is not super large, but it is quite larger compared to the cute little 65W.

[@Fatal1tyKill]

Yes it's a pretty good work computer.

[@theg2856]

Please make a video about the optimum upgrade possibilities for this laptop. Mostly 1600x900 screen mod and 1080 screen mod.

[@Fatal1tyKill]

I'm going to try to put 1080p screen.

[@theg2856]

+Fatal1tyKill very cool! You should also recommend an eGPU in that vid.

[@Fatal1tyKill]

Feel de Johnson Maybe

[@theg2856]

I guess that's IF you recommend an eGPU. Hmm, maybe I should have reseated the ram before sending it back. What does the 3g part do?

[@Fatal1tyKill]

Feel de Johnson You can add a sim card and use 3g internet!

[@schukaproallied9834]

How is the battery life with the new CPU? You said it needs more power, how this affects the battery?

[@Fatal1tyKill]

lol

[@decentbasics2222]

I have the exact same laptop press pg up and fn at the same time and a night light will apperar

[@Fatal1tyKill]

I know!

[@decentbasics2222]

just sayin \

[@Sfekke]

I have the exact same one but with i7 from Lenovo. I ordered the i5 one of some guy of eBay I actually got i7 one I bought second one after that with same reseller [He had 2 of these for sale] Same story got the i7 one with correct powerbrick. Those things even had 8GB of ram which for a € 220 Laptop is darn good. Most important they both came with NVIDIA chipset also not expected. Only downside is they came with painfully slow HDD's of 160GB & 320GB Replaced them with spare HDD's but will get SSD's [hopefully] soon. Quick tip for the ones that read all the way through: You are able to use an External GPU with this laptop [With external i mean Full Size Desktop Class GPU example : GTX980 even 1080 would be possible but a bit overkill] I tried it and actually CPU holds up pretty well. If anyone is interested search for EXP GDC Beast [Express Card Version] I got mine from banggood [They are available on other sites but i know BG so went with them] Just takes a while to get fully up & running. [Express Card is right above SD Card slot on the right side] Not trying to advertise but alot of people do not know that this is possible. [If requested i can remove this so Fatal1tyKill just tell me and i'll edit this out or the site name!]

[@theg2856]

And what is the part that is supposed to be connected to those 2 taped down cables by the ram? I returned a t420 because it wouldn't boot and was missing that part?

[@Fatal1tyKill]

3G module!

[@theg2856]

+Fatal1tyKill I'm guessing that's important? in ordering another t420 this Friday so I look forward to more videos!

[@Fatal1tyKill]

Feel de Johnson It's not important

[@Tavoperesoso]

I have a thinkpad t420 but does not have the fingerprint reader could you adapt the Palmrest And Touchpad Lenovo Thinkpad T400 or another model?

[@hl7297]

Hi. May I ask how much the 90W charger costs. In my area it's around 12$. I wonder if it's fake or not? Btw I'm using ThrottleStop to control the cpu because the cpu itself always stays at lowest clock when battery removed. Is it bad for the laptop or the 65W charger? Thanks!

[@Fatal1tyKill]

L H the charger should cost 20-30$, cheaper adapter is made from cheaper components which means it could damage the laptop

[@dragunovbushcraft9232]

DUDE, You're going to burn it up! ANY temp in the 80c range is dangerously hot. My 2540 runs between 50-60c.

[@Fatal1tyKill]

It's ok ark.intel.com/products/53469/Intel-Core-i7-2670QM-Processor-6M-Cache-up-to-3_10-GHz

[@ayyioad9467]

It's totally ok coz all chips with bga solder no problems during soldering process in 300°c temperature

[@dimitrilensflareabrams2893]

Hello there. I was wondering what sort of battery life you get after the upgrade. I was considering doing this swap myself. Also, did you have to install a custom bios at all? Thanks!

[@Fatal1tyKill]

Battery life around 3.5 hours and you need to install the latest bios.

[@dimitrilensflareabrams2893]

Oh my. Alright haha, thank you.

[@retrogaminggenesis6102]

I have a busted motherboard lying around with a i7-3632QM. Since it's 35 watts will I even see thermal throttling, consitering all the stock CPU's were 35 watts? Also I was planning on getting one with an nVidia GPU, but Intel HD Graphics 4000 outperforms it. Should I even bother spending the extra $$$ for an nVidia equiped ThinkPad if I plan on putting the i7 in it? Thanks man.

[@Fatal1tyKill]

It shouldn't thermal throttle, which nvidia gpu?

[@stefmpraes]

Hi friend. Although the lenovo t420 is upgradable to a quad core cpu like the 2670qm , I am not so sure its a good idea to do so. Lenovo only shipped those laptops with a dual core processor, with the best option being a i7-2620M. In your fast real-life test the cpu temps were too high in my opinion. If you tried running a synthetic benchmark like prime95 or aida etc , your cpu will most probably hit tjunction, and throttle down. In any case I think if someone wants a used sandy bridge lenovo thinkpad with a quad core cpu, the best option would be a t520 with the optimus, or a w520. It was a nice video to watch none the less.

[@Fatal1tyKill]

+Stef M Actually about t520, my boss owns one so we tested this i7-2670qm on his t520 and it has the same temps as t420. I'll will add aida64 test in my review. Thanks for the comment!

[@stefmpraes]

+Fatal1tyKill The devil is in the details. You see there are two versions of the T520 , one with the integrated intel HD3000 graphics , and one with the NVS4200m nvidia graphics using optimus technology. Lenovo only shipped the optimus version with a quad core cpu. Why? Because instead of a single heatpipe cooler (same as the T420), it comes with two-heatpipe cooler which is beefier. So only the T520 with NVS4200m is actually meant to use a quad core cpu. In any case I will subscribe to your channel to watch the aida burn in-test. I always enjoy thinkpad videos. Good day.

[@Fatal1tyKill]

I will try to talk about all of that as much as I can!

[@xix_napalmer821]

How do you figure out what cpu you can swap to? I want to change my I3-4000M to an I7-4940MX, they're the same socket but will it be supported?

[@Fatal1tyKill]

What laptop?

[@xix_napalmer821]

@@Fatal1tyKill Lenovo G510

[@spider-manthehero1664]

run prime 95 full blast for 60 minutes.

[@kunto9948]

Hi, I also upgrade my Thinkpad T420i from i3-2310M to i7-2630QM. I got the i7-2630QM very cheap. However, my power adapter is still 65W. I experienced an anomaly in Windows 7. The anomaly is: If the laptop off with batterie and power adapter attached, then the laptop is charging the battery. But if the laptop enters Windows 7, the laptop will use the battery instead of the power adapter. The laptop will not charge the batterie as well in Windows 7. Interestingly, if I detached the batterie and using the power adapter before entering Windows 7, then the windows will run from the power adapter. Did you experience the same anomaly if using Lenovo 65W adapter? Thanks

[@Fatal1tyKill]

I recommend getting 90w adapter!

[@chasx7062]

Some of these T420's have NVS 4200M and some dont, how can you add the gpu? have you tried?

[@ryenburns5808]

Is there only one specific i7 variant that this works on? or will any i7-2xxxQM model work?

[@Fatal1tyKill]

It should work, but just to be sure google this!

[@raguspag55]

Question for you. What is the slot on the right side next to the screen and two usb connectors? Looks like it could fit a small card , dunno what it's for

[@Fatal1tyKill]

It's an express card slot, you can user it for this www.ebay.com/itm/V8-0-EXP-GDC-Beast-Laptop-External-Independent-Video-Card-Dock-For-PCI-E-X16-/401280185129?var=&epid=2129003187&hash=item5d6e29b329:g:MscAAOSwkr5ZkqXa

[@benedict303]

where can I check if my T420 is the right model for i7-2670QM?

[@Fatal1tyKill]

check if you have a socket on the motherboard

[@MrSweetaz]

That processor is supposed to support 32gb Ram,--have you tried more ram in that machine yet?

[@Fatal1tyKill]

Nope, but I'll try to see what happens!

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

Hi, thanks for the video. it's very useful. Do you think the 2860QM would be a viable option for upgrading? I believe it's the same socket but I'm curious if there would be any other possible issues. thanks. :)

[@Fatal1tyKill]

It should work, but I'm not sure about the temperature and performance.

[@danielsaxlind5052]

Cpt MishMash VonRandom any chance u upgrade to i7-2860QM? If so any overheating problems?

[@CptMishMashVonRandom]

Hi, I did indeed. It actually doesn't get nearly as hot as I expected it might. I did mod the heat-sink a little beforehand, but I'm not sure just how much that actually contributes. I use the computer for android development and where my stock X220 and X230 get up to temperatures of around 75/80 on heavy load when running Android Studio, gradle builder and the AVD, the T420 stays happily around 5-10 degrees less than that. I had previously rebuilt the computer and given it a thorough cleaning, particularly the fan, spindle etc. I'm looking into possible upgrades for the fan next. Something with a higher RPM or better designed cooling fins maybe. I don't have the dedicated graphics on mine so there's a spot beside the processor where the GPU would sit. I've been thinking about adding more heat pipes that extend towards this area and help to transfer heat faster than the standard setup.

[@WheresMarkKnopfler]

Silly question. I've a similar T420 with an i7 chip but I sense the main board has gone bad. How do I figure out the exact replacement part as there's up to 16 different mobo's to pick from on Ebay to do the correct swap out? Thanks. my model number is a 4177 CTR model.. Thanks.

[@Fatal1tyKill]

You need to look on the motherboard of your laptop! look for numbers. Why do you think your motherboard is bad?

[@WheresMarkKnopfler]

No video output, as the screen show horizontal lines on it and it also appears to be back lit. I've seen been reading that I can do CPU upgrade + replace mobo at the same time too..

[@Fatal1tyKill]

How much display adapters your laptop has?

[@WheresMarkKnopfler]

I just have the 13.9" screen from the notebook itself. I can test via an external monitor too though (if needed)

[@Fatal1tyKill]

So you just have intel hd graphics?

[@Jamesaepp]

How does your laptop have a windows 8 hologram sticker on it? I thought the t420 laptops were windows 7 era? Was that placed by a refurbisher?

[@Fatal1tyKill]

I placed it, because when I purchased this laptop it had no windows sticker!

[@Jamesaepp]

ahhhhk. so just for funsies?

[@Fatal1tyKill]

Because you need legal windows with a sticker

[@Jamesaepp]

Fatal1tyKill yes.....where did u get that physical copy then? any system builder keys I know of have the product key on the coa sticker.

[@Fatal1tyKill]

***** I took the sticker from a broken laptop that we had and just attached the sticker to my laptop

[@DarkPrince1996]

I went to the websites that you provided but I couldn't find a specify a price. Could you also provide a link to the materials that you used in the video. I have an i5 at the moment and I plan to upgrade it in the future? That would be greatly appreciated!

[@Fatal1tyKill]

forum.notebookreview.com/threads/t420-upgrade-to-i7-2720qm-es-q154-successful.624256/

[@pawlack]

I didn't quite catch that one about the bios? What do you have to do with the bios? :D:D

[@Fatal1tyKill]

Update the bios

[@johns.2246]

@@Fatal1tyKill what os are you currently running, and how much RAM and at what speed?

[@Fatal1tyKill]

@@johns.2246 Currently I don't have this laptop anymore, sold it. Back then when I had the laptop I was running Windows 10. 8GB RAM 1333 MHz

[@jerrypena5167]

what about the video card of your Thinkpad possible to upgrade also...?

[@Fatal1tyKill]

You can't upgrade the video card on the laptop, but you can add external graphics card! www.ebay.com/itm/Expresscard-V8-0-EXP-GDC-Laptop-External-Independent-Video-Card-For-Beast-/291957377896?hash=item43fa040b68:g:uvgAAOSwjDZYa0bv

[@RJ-bi6cb]

Watching this 4 years later. How did it hold up to age w/ managing the extra heat from the 45W TDP CPU as opposed to the stock 35W one? I similarly want to upgrade from a 2-Core CPU to a 4-Core i7 and want to know if it is worth doing Coreboot to upgrade to i7-3932QM.

[@vladimirazirov1815]

Socket rPGA 988? What processor is in a laptop?

[@RJ-bi6cb]

@@vladimirazirov1815 yes rPGA988. It came with i7-2620M, I have since completed Coreboot and upgrade. It is now i7-3632QM, 16GB RAM, 500GB SSD. My advice for anyone wanting to upgrade this machine is stay at the 35TDW limit, although coreboot was a long difficult process it now runs stable and cool. i7-2620M is a good upgrade if you have an i5 Model

[@frankalbaro90]

hello ... i have laptop lenovo T420 Intel Core i5-2520M CPU 2.50GHz, Can i upgrade it with Intel Core i7 3632QM CPU 2.2GHz ? is okay or not ? Can i make upgrade RAM for 4GB to 16GB ? Is it available to him when I make an external screen card? Thank you so much >>>>>

[@Fatal1tyKill]

The CPU might work, but depends on the bios. 16GB ram upgrade will work from what I can tell. You can read the forums forums.lenovo.com/t5/T400-T500-and-newer-T-series/t420-4236-and-16GB-RAM-support/td-p/1235327

[@frankalbaro90]

@@Fatal1tyKill thank you so much, i just i want it for elgato HD60 S for streaming, is that Available ?

[@yukiakahaka1893]

hey cant you make video, how to play a game with Lenovo ThinkPad T420 ?

[@Fatal1tyKill]

I tested couple of games in the review of this laptop!

[@yukiakahaka1893]

ok thanks ,,, i get the video.

[@chasx7062]

The T520 has an i7 Quaddy....the fans hardly start up...even before i undervoltage'd it

[@jinchoung]

but how badly does this affect battery life? the run time even with the core i5 isn't stellar... does i7 cut it further?

[@Fatal1tyKill]

With the i5 battery life was 5 hours, but with i7 3.5 hours

[@akifozdem]

only you show your arm. we could not see while you are working ! why you did like that ...

[@Fatal1tyKill]

It's my first time!

[@jackolantern9346]

Hi. Don’t know if you’re still around. The i7 processors go pretty cheap now used as does the 90 watt charger. So, I’ve upgraded the ram to 16gb and got 1 tb ssd. Shopping around for the proc. Is it okay to update the BIOS with i5 still in, while I’m shopping around?

[@Fatal1tyKill]

Yes, it's okay.

[@Aquaquake]

I see i7-2860QM on Ebay for a good price, do you think it would work well?

[@Fatal1tyKill]

Only if you have 90w adapter!