Due to size limitations, laptops are much more integrated than desktops. Laptop hardware upgrades are also one of the issues that novice users are more concerned about. Although the hardware scalability of laptops is not as rich as that of desktops, we can still improve its performance through some basic laptop hardware upgrades. So how to upgrade the notebook hardware? The editor below will introduce to you the method of upgrading the notebook hardware for your reference.
Laptop hardware upgrade - memory
As we all know, upgrading memory can significantly improve the computer's multi-tasking speed and full load capacity. Not only is the upgrade cost low, but the effect is also very good. obvious. For example, the original 4GB laptop has an immediate effect after upgrading it to 8GB.
For many notebook manufacturers, they are willing to design simple and convenient memory upgrade methods to facilitate users to upgrade themselves, so as to cultivate user loyalty to the brand. . So, generally speaking, we have a separate removable case on the back of the laptop, and that's where the memory upgrade goes.
However, laptop memory seems simple, but in fact there are many things that need to be paid attention to when upgrading. It is not just about buying the memory yourself and simply replacing it.
1. First of all, we need to know what type of memory is being used by the laptop we want to upgrade.
Before 2010, it was basically DDR2 memory. From 2010 to 2016, the world was dominated by DDR3 memory. From now on, it will be an era dominated by DDR4. Therefore, if you are not familiar with the accessories of your computer, please use professional software such as AIDA64 and CPU-Z to check the memory type before choosing upgraded memory.
2. Secondly, you need to understand the frequency of the memory.
In the software, we can easily know what our memory frequency is. DDR2 memory is generally 667/800MHz, DDR3 memory is generally 1333/1600MHz, and DDR4 is 2133/2400MHz (it will be improved in the future). Therefore, it is best to choose memory with the same frequency as the original one for upgrade. If you choose a lower or higher frequency, the lowest frequency will be selected as the operating frequency due to the barrel effect.
3. In addition, you also need to know the number and capacity of memory slots.
Most laptops have two slots reserved, and some workstation notebooks even have four slots, which are inserted at the factory. Previous article to facilitate upgrades
However, some notebooks, such as the ThinkPad X series, have a fixed onboard capacity and only reserve one empty slot; some The notebooks are designed with two full channels to form a dual channel, which is very detrimental to upgrades, resulting in constraints during upgrades. For example, in the X240, the 4GB onboard memory can only be fixed in a 4+X combination; for example. The factory occupies dual slots (some old models even use a combination of 2GB+2GB), which can only sacrifice one piece of normally used memory, which is a bit wasteful.
4. At the same time, when upgrading to DDR3, Also pay attention to whether there is an L problem. DDR3L represents a low-voltage version, and DDR3 and DDR3L are compatible in most cases.
5. Pay attention to the operation. System support issues.
32-bit operating systems only support a maximum capacity of 3.73GB, and 64-bit does not have the problem of eating up the capacity of current mainstream content. But then again, the operating systems used by everyone now are basically 64-bit.
Laptop hardware upgrade - hard disk
Hard disk has always been the biggest bottleneck restricting the overall performance of the computer. Due to the size and technical reasons, the performance of the hard disk of laptops is not as good as that of desktop hard disks. There is a lot of gap, so the hard drive bottleneck problem becomes more prominent. Until the emergence of SSD, especially 2.5-inch SSD, laptops that have been using 2.5-inch hard drives have directly benefited. Many old laptop users have begun to upgrade through hard drives. The problem must be analyzed in detail. Different types of laptops require different ideas when upgrading the hard drive.
The first is the traditional single 2.5-inch hard drive notebook computer, which accounts for the majority. If the hard drive performance is slow and the capacity is not high, it is more practical to directly upgrade the SSD. It is recommended to upgrade to a 240GB/256GB solid-state drive, which has both speed and performance.
However, it should be noted that all SSDs now comply with the SATA III standard. Laptops before 2010 were basically in SATA II format. After installing an SSD, the speed will be at least half slower than the original SATA III interface.
For many friends who have their own hard drives of 500GB or more, if they want to directly replace and upgrade the SSD, the original large-capacity mechanical hard drive will be abandoned. It's a pity; at the same time, the SSD capacity is insufficient to meet the data storage needs. At this time, transforming the optical drive into a hard disk becomes the most feasible and practical solution. Replace the main drive bay with an SSD, transform the optical drive bay into a hard drive bay, and then install the original 500G large-capacity mechanical hard drive to form a storage combination of a small-capacity SSD and a large-capacity mechanical hard drive. The system is installed in the SSD, and the large-capacity hard disk is used as a warehouse to store data. It is a solution that has the best of both worlds.
In fact, even older laptops have an interface reserved on the motherboard for upgrading the solid-state drive to facilitate the formation of SSD+HDD The perfect combination of speed and capacity. Older models generally have built-in mSATA interfaces, while newer models have built-in M.2 interfaces.
The appearance of SSDs with these two interfaces is actually similar. They can be distinguished from the position of the notch and the position of the mounting screw hole. M.2 has two notches, mSATA has one; M.2 has the screw hole in the middle, and mSATA has one. There are two.
In addition, when choosing M.2 SSD, you must not only consider whether your laptop supports M.2 SSD, but also Know whether it supports the NVMe specification, otherwise the speed will only be the same as that of SATA SSD. At the same time, M.2 SSD has three different size standards, so you need to pay attention to which size your notebook supports before buying, so as not to be rejected. < /p>
Laptop hardware upgrade - CPU
Since the laptop motherboard has a one-to-one correspondence with the laptop, it is impossible to upgrade the motherboard using DIY thinking unless it is a complete set of motherboards. Buy it and upgrade the BGA packaged CPU
Speaking of BGA, starting from the fifth generation Core, all Intel notebook CPUs use the BGA packaging method . This means that the CPU is soldered to the motherboard instead of using the Socket slot before, and the CPU can be replaced freely. This method undoubtedly protects Intel's interests, but it is a pity to close the door to notebook CPU replacement. .
Therefore, if you want to upgrade your notebook CPU, you can either upgrade the entire motherboard, but it must be the same motherboard model, or you can simply re-install it.Buy one. But if your home is a fourth-generation or earlier Core platform, you can still upgrade. But please note that only those that support PGA packaging can be upgraded.
It should be noted that to upgrade the PGA, you must choose a CPU of the same generation. It is also best to choose a CPU of the same generation with the same TDP, such as upgrading from Core i3-2310M to Core i7-2640M.
In addition, there are also some BGA-to-PGA modified CPUs for sale on the market, or some experts directly take out the BGA CPU and upgrade it. However, due to the artificially added pins, the safety factor is low and the risk of crash is high, so it is not worth recommending.
Laptop hardware upgrade - graphics card
Laptops can also upgrade their graphics cards? Although it is not practical to say this, there is also this possibility. Because some manufacturers have already launched external graphics card tools for improving the 3D performance of laptops, which communicate through interface standards such as PCI, Thunderbolt, and USB 3.1 Type. It's just that after installing it, it loses the foundation of notebook survival, which is portability. At the same time, the price is very expensive, so it has not become popular.
Laptop hardware upgrade - monitor
Although the laptop monitor is fixed on side B, for friends with strong hands-on skills, the laptop monitor can still be upgraded.
Some old laptops with ordinary TFT LCD screens will inevitably have problems with the lamps such as yellowing and dimming. High-end players will purchase compatible LCD screens by themselves to replace and upgrade them and use the remaining heat again.
There are also some laptops that support high specifications. For example, they were originally only LED screens, but they support wide color gamut displays; there are also 900P LED upgraded to 1080P IPS, etc. This provides players with room for upgrades. For example, some Blue Sky notebooks, ThinkPad W, T series, etc.
Summary:
Generally speaking, laptop hardware upgrades, CPU, graphics card, and monitor are high-end operations with high risks. Don’t participate if you don’t have a certain foundation. Upgrading the hard drive, memory, etc. has obvious acceleration effects and is easy to operate for laptops. In this era where notebook performance is still in excess, it would be a pity to throw away the old money. Choose a high-performance SSD plusA cheap hard drive bay, and the overall experience is comparable to some mid-range notebooks.
As notebooks become more integrated, there will be less and less hardware that can be upgraded in the future. Friends who can upgrade now should cherish it. It is recommended that you choose the appropriate hardware when purchasing a laptop and stop thinking about laptop hardware upgrades.