Are laptop CPU sockets proprietary?

[vegasgmc]

I have a Compaq C300 laptop with Celeron M socket 478. I got a Centrino socket 478 to upgrade but the socket on the laptop mobo is missing one hole in a corner so the new chip wont fit. This is my first laptop and Ive never heard of anything like this. Compaqs site is no help.

 

[Tmagic650]

The CPU may not be upgradeable. Are you sure the HP/Compaq site has no info on CPU ugrades for your model?

Compaq C300 CTO
Compaq C300 EA
Compaq C300 EU

I checked the site and no CPU upgrade info is there. The CPU/socket is most likely proprietary

 

[vegasgmc]

I assumed since both processors are socket 478 that the Centrino would be a drop in. I couldnt find any info on HPs site about upgrades and when I contacted tech support they would only say that "HP does not reccomend upgradation the processor". Their exact words.

 

[Tmagic650]

You could try and remove the pin from the new CPU and see if it will fit the socket and work...

 

[tifc8lraz]

Yes, and if it doesn't work, then he won't be able to return it

 

[Tmagic650]

Very true cfitzarl,
I have seen this trick work in other laptops, but it does tend to scare most away from changing a CPU doesn't it

Edited by Moderator: Removed quote. There`s no need to quote the post directly above your own.

 

[dmill89]

EDIT: It appars you have a socket 478 cpu and a socket 479 motherboard. You will need to get a socket 479 CPU (actually has 478 pins but they are alinged differently.)

Here's a link showing the difference between these two socket types: http://reviews.ebay.com/Intel-apos-s-479-Socket-Explained-and-Compared-to-the-478_W0QQugidZ10000000000074521

There is no such thing as a propriatary CPU socket except for embeded (soldered in) chips since all computer manufactures must comply to the CPU makers standard sockets.

 

[Nodsu]

Not to mention that it would be impossible to get any CPUs for your proprietary custom CPU socket

 

[Tmagic650]

The CPU is likely a socket 479. (Actually has 478 pins but they are alinged differently [most noticable in the corner with the arrow]than a standard socket 478). The socket 479 is an old intel mobile socket used for the Pentium M.Your laptop will need a standard socket 478 cpu.Your option will be limited to the older celeron M and Pentium 4 M.
Here's a link showing the difference between these two socket types: http://reviews.ebay.com/Intel-apos-s-479-Socket-Explained-and-Compared-to-the-478_W0QQugidZ10000000000074521

There is no such thing as a propriatary CPU socket except for embeded (soldered in) chips since all computer manufactures must comply to the CPU makers standard sockets.

Thanks dmill89,
this clears up a lot...

 

[vegasgmc]

Now Im ven more confused. I checked HPs site for a replacement Celeron M and they say its a socket 479.

 

[Mictlantecuhtli]

The CPU is likely a socket 479. (Actually has 478 pins but they are alinged differently [most noticable in the corner with the arrow]than a standard socket 478). The socket 479 is an old intel mobile socket used for the Pentium M.Your laptop will need a standard socket 478 cpu.Your option will be limited to the older celeron M and Pentium 4 M.

Well, if it's a socket 479, different from 478, why would it need a "standard socket 478 CPU" ?

Any Celeron M or P4M, socket 479, should work (if they're not too fast for the mainboard).

 

[Tmagic650]

Now Im ven more confused. I checked HPs site for a replacement Celeron M and they say its a socket 479.

Just trade your recently purchased 478 CPU for the HP recommended Celeron M 479 CPU

 

[dmill89]

Sorry I was under the asumption you were trying to put a 479 into a 478 from the previous description. It now appears that you were trying to put a 478 into a 479. As others have suggested you should get a socket 479 cpu.