Laptop hardware component & upgrades: Acer Aspire 5515 Processor Upgrade???
5200
by carmicd26 - 9/11/09 7:22 PM In reply to: Cant find a 5050e by VoodooInsideThis one sould work! you may definatly want to get a larger psu thow its a 65w so its going to need more juice than the factory wall unit can put out!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103210&cm_re=Socket_AM2-_-19-103-210-_-Product
Has anyone tried a am2+ in the socket it would be awsome if it worked cause ther is a 95w phenom 9650 x4!
Keeping temps in check (45W X2 processors) - New!
by wolfmo - 11/25/09 3:02 PM In reply to: Solving heat disipation issues by KeskaukoAfter exhausting testing and monitoring my newly installed BE-2400 processor, I've come to a somewhat satisfactory conclusion. It's a bit lengthy, so bear with me - it's worthwhile for everyone who upgraded the stock CPU to a dual core 45W TDP CPU.
The major issue here is heat, followed by the (lesser evil) higher power consumption. Obviously, when installing the new processor,
a) clean the heat sink, fan blades and vents thoroughly from dust
b) apply good thermal compound (I used Arctic Silver 5), read the instructions carefully (in my case, the Arctic Silver web site)
that's all you can do on the hardware side (short of installing a better heat sink/fan).
The 45W X2 dual core CPUs are rated for a max operating temperature of 78C, I believe thermal shutdown occurs somewhere around 83C. However, if left alone and not throttled by a power scheme or other means, at 2.3 GHz at 1.2V my processor will run up to around 76C, at which point it kicks back to 1.8 GHz at 1.125V, cooling it back to around 71C, then repeats the cycle at 2.3 GHz, and so on. All this under moderate CPU load (50% to 75%). Technically, it could be left at that, but they are borderline acceptable values, considering that ACPI temp warning starts at 70C. And this (thermal throttling) is a defense mechanism that the CPU utilizes to keep it from overheating (short of thermal shutdown). There are 2 programs that I used for monitoring temps, Core Temp and PC Wizard (ver. 0.99.5 and 2009, respectively). I found that RMClock core temperatures are 20C too low (actually, not too low, but the temp we should be concerned about is the ACPI temp, not the CPU core temp). To get the temps to an acceptable range, you can:
1. Try a cooling pad, external fan or find a better internal fan
2. UNDERVOLT the CPU and create a power profile to manage CPU frequencies.
I chose 2. - it's free, works amazingly well, lets the CPU run at full speed and keeps the temps at a level that I'm comfortable with.
I used RMClock to undervolt my processor. I'm not going to explain how it's done here, this would exceed the max length of my post, just this much: I set the VCore voltage to 1.05V, down from 1.2V at 2.3 GHz. Anything lower, and the Acer will crash during heavy CPU usage. Obviously, if this is set in a battery power scheme, it conserves battery at the same time.
Nothing can be damaged by undervolting, this is a 100% win.
Using RMClock to create a custom power scheme that lets the CPU run at full speed at 1.05V and not have Windows power plans interfere, I now can: Run moderate CPU load apps (50% to 75%, HDTV) without CPU temps ever reaching 70C (core temps at around 45C), which is in the comfort zone. Run prime95 when I'm bored and get the CPU temps up to, but not beyond, 75C (54C core temp), at it's full speed for hours. This is borderline, I know, but still below the thermal throttling threshold, but that's what prime95 was designed for - taking the CPU to it's extremes.
Oh, and lastly, as someone mentioned: Upgrade your power supply to a 90W (or even 100W)!
Just put in 4850e in my Acer 5515
by stevecaz - 10/7/09 6:31 AM In reply to: Acer Aspire 5515 Processor Upgrade??? by prich1979I just upgraded my 5515 with a 4850e. Those looking for these "e" processors at 45 watts will find they are not really available right now. I've been told new batches of the 5050e are shipping out in October so perhaps more will be available soon. I think all us cheap laptop buyers with socket AM2 bought up all these processors.
Anyway I found a 4850e on ebay for $60 and didn't want to wait.
With some thanks to this forum and my general ability to fix electronics, the installation wasn't bad at all. For the release bar, I just could get it to flex around the plastic case bar and just used wire clippers to shorten it by a couple mm. I then did notch out the back case bar to get it to lift up all the way.
I got the Arctic Silver 5 thermal compound at The Shack. When I took out the old processor the old thermal compound was very spotty and clearly just dabbed on in manufacture, but it wasn't a hot processor anyway. I spread a nice coat over the whole new processor. Its sticky stuff but with a rubber glove on you just keep smearing until coated.
Computer runs great. Temps only run in the low 20s celsius, with an occasional spike to low 30s and then the fan speeds up to cool back down. This is with it siting directly on countertop. The reviews on radio shack have people saying the Arctic Silver 5 made a huge difference over other thermal compounds, and clearly I'm running cool compared to others.
Before the laptop was laggy on some internet flash games and heavy video websites, and with lots of programs running. No issues now. I can run CAD, Word, Excel, acrobat, GIS, firefox, Mail, quickbooks, and numerous background items all at the same time, and it doesn't show any slowing down.
Laptop+processor+thermal compound and I'm still under $400. Great laptop for that price. I like the keyboard action and positive pointer buttons. However, it still is Vista Basic 32bit. So I suppose I'll have to get Windows 7 upgrade 64 bit. That will put it around $500. Perhaps for that price I can get something comparable but I don't think with this fast a processor.
And for the battery life with the new 4850e, well I haven't fully tested yet but it looks to be in the 1.5 hours range.
Nearly installed that processor
by Keskauko - 10/8/09 4:04 PM In reply to: Just put in 4850e in my Acer 5515 by stevecazI scoped a locally owned computer store and nearly purchased the 4850e from a pull instead of surfing eBay for a slightly used 5050e. The 'e' processors are unfortunately out of regular production. It would be nice if they made another batch. AMD is following more cost effective supply side economics and is fabbing wafers of their previous processors only when there's demand.
For those who want to play it safe stay with the lower wattage AMD processors that have advanced power management: 45W "Orleans" single core LE-1600/LE-1620/LE-1640 & 3500+(35W), 45W "Lima" single core LE-1640/LE-1660 & 3100+(25W), or the 'e' dual-core 4050e/4450e/4850e/5050e processors.
I might be daring at some point and try the 65W business class 'B' series dual-core processors. The fastest 5600B runs at 2.9Ghz, although its unclear to me if they will step-down voltage below 1V with cool&quiet with light CPU load. I might even need an 8 cell or more battery for a 65W processor with the additional power draw.
I'm not daring enough to try a 95W AM2+ processor Athlon or Phenom core at any voltage until I try a 65W first. We don't want a flaming notebook incident, especially in public.
For keeping the notebook cooled the internal fan is sufficient in an ambient environment with high quality silver heatsink compound, a 90W power adapter, and elevating the back of the notebook. Mine is simply elevated on a $2 rubber cable caddy I picked up at Microcenter. I tried a notebook cooler with fans. It sat too close to the case to be effective and measured no temp reduction at all in the Speedfan utility.
These Wikis should help with locating compatible processors:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_AMD_Athlon_X2_microprocessors
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_AMD_Athlon_64_microprocessors
Only AM2+ I might try
by Keskauko - 10/8/09 4:57 PM In reply to: Nearly installed that processor by KeskaukoThis is AMD's current pricing list with the business class processors included. The 65W Athlon core AM2+ 'B' CPUs will step down to 1.1V. It's the only faster processor I'm willing to try and they are reasonable for $74 but unable to locate a retail seller online that has them. These are likely OEM and not boxed since they are meant for the business prebuilt desktop market.
http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/ProductInformation/0,,30_118_609,00.html?redir=CPPR01
4450e
by TGMOTOMAN - 11/4/09 10:17 AM In reply to: Nearly installed that processor by Keskaukoso the 4450e will work also, I am going to get this it it will
Another option
by wolfmo - 11/4/09 3:31 PM In reply to: Just put in 4850e in my Acer 5515 by stevecazFor people who don't want to mess with a new processor (or the laptop innards), there's a compromise: Overclocking. I have successfully overclocked the AMD 2650e in my Acer Aspire 5515 to 2 GHz, using SetFSB 2.1.78.0 (it's free). My reasoning: I like to watch HDTV on my computer (via a USB tuner), and on the lappy the TV viewing was choppy, to say the least (it worked fine in my desktop computer). Now, the software calls for a 2.8 GHz processor, minimum requirements are a 2.2 GHz CPU. So I was contemplating the 5050e (or 4850e, 4450e). Turns out, they have been discontinued, and the replacements (AMD Athlon II X2 235e, 240e) are not yet available. In fact, a search on the internet returned the 5050e on average for $100, subject to availability. So I gave OCing a shot, and, guess what: That was just the kick it needed to provide for satisfactory TV viewing experience. It's downright snappy. Heat issues? NONE. I watched TV the whole dang day, and the TV software would eat between 75% and 100% CPU load. I watched the CPU core temp with RMClock (RightMark CPU clock), which is accurate (double-checked with SpeedFan), and it never got above 42C (the longer it ran, the more it went down, to finally hover at approximately 40C.) So I consider that a success, for what I wanted from the ACER. Cost: $298 (plus tax), total, for the laptop, $0 for the upgrade! ;P
what clock generator
by TGMOTOMAN - 11/4/09 5:44 PM In reply to: Another option by wolfmoWhat did you use for the clock generator setting and what did you set the fsb to?
Clock generator
by wolfmo - 11/5/09 6:05 AM In reply to: what clock generator by TGMOTOMANThe clock generator that I used is ICS932S421BGLF. I set the FSB to 250 MHz, but I'd advise you to step your way up there and try lower values first. I think it's pretty much maxed out @ 2 GHz (maybe, though, I have a freakishly stable CPU, I feel mine can go higher). Anyway, the utility I used was SetFSB 2.1.78.0, and the clock generator is the 3rd down the drop-down list. Happy OC'ing 
BTW, the CPU index on the Windows Experience Index went up 4/10 of a point, and overall 3/10 of a point...
GOING TO TRY THIS.
by TGMOTOMAN - 11/5/09 6:32 AM In reply to: Clock generator by wolfmoThanks, I will give this a shot. The version of setFSB is really old that you are using. Is there a reason for that version version the newest version. I am going to be using the newest version, I will let you know how it turns out.
SetFSB version
by wolfmo - 11/6/09 5:48 AM In reply to: GOING TO TRY THIS. by TGMOTOMANNo, no particular reason for this version, but I'll hunt for the newest one on the 'net. As long as the clock generator is the same, no worries. I did some more testing... watching HDTV at 2.1 GHz for about 2 hours (CPU will eat between 89% and 95% clock cycles) will produce around 43C, hover there and then go down to about 41C, where it will stay. Well within normal operating temps, me thinks. At idle, temps never go above 33C, and during moderate load (30% to 60% CPU cycles), it hovers around 35C. I did, however, produce an epic crash once: I found out that when I jacked up the FSB from it's normal 200 MHz to 250 MHz in one shot, it would crash. If I did it in 3 or 4 (or even 2) steps, it took it w/o complaint and went even further. Maybe a memory synching issue... But, once I got it up there, it was stable and fairly cool. Oh, and I found out that when the CPU is overclocked, it no longer would use up 100% clock cycles on HDTV, but went down considerably to 85% to 90%.
New to CNET
by RichardFaulkner - 11/5/09 12:38 PM In reply to: Another option by wolfmoHi, guys. I just joined CNET, but have been following this thread for a while. I had bought an Aspire 5515 for $170 on eBay, and am very interested in upgrading the CPU (I already upgraded the screen and RAM)
I am currently running of the standard 2650e.
I have used SetFSB to overclock the CPU.
It is running 100% stable at 2.15 GHz, and that's as high as I think it'll go without eventually crashing.
Overclocking to 2.2 GHz was successful, but will crash under high usage or when run for a while.
NOTE TO SETFSB USERS: Use the ICS951462 PLL setting! I physically looked at the motherboard and got the number directly from the ICS chip. The other ICS number mentioned is not necessarily accurate, and may lead to innacurate readings.
Anyway, I would like to know if anyone has tested a 65W or 95W CPU on the 5515. I am aiming for something with similar specifications to the 5050e. If anyone knows of anywhere where the 5050e is currently availble for purchase, please reply!
Also, this may not be on topic, but I was wondering if anyone was successfull overclocking the X1200 GPU (not via the FSB). PowerStrip does not work, and ATITool crashes my GPU with the slightest adjustment.
Thanks for your help, guys 
Alternative to 5050e
by wolfmo - 11/6/09 6:10 AM In reply to: New to CNET by RichardFaulknerI don't think you'd be able to get the 5050e any more (or 4850e, 4450e, 4050e for that matter), since they've been discontinued. Supposedly, AMD will be coming up with energy-efficient Athlon II (240e, 230e, or some such) for socket AM2+, will will fit socket AM2, but won't benefit from a faster HT link (up to 3 GHz), but use AM2 specs instead. TDP rating is 45W as well (like 5050e). But, I haven't found anyone who sells them yet. There is, however, the BE-2350, which is, I believe, a dual core running at 2.1 GHz. This is a Brisbane core, stepping G2, about as modern as the 5050e, with a TDP of 45W (like 5050e). Can be had for $50 flat. Then there is the LE-1640, which is a single core, running @ 2.7 GHz, with a TDP rating of 45W. This can be had right now at Fry's electronics for 38 bones.
Hope, this helps...
Clock gen
by wolfmo - 11/6/09 6:33 AM In reply to: New to CNET by RichardFaulknerOh btw, thanks for scoping out the right PLL. I'm yet to open up that 5515; ironic, I dig into car engines and electronics on a regular basis and soldered an AcerPower 1000's mainboard back to health, but I haven't dared to mess with my 5515. :P I figured, I'd go down the list of SetFSB and if it returns the correct values for FSB/DDR/PCIe/PCI on 'GetFSB', then I'd try that to 'SetFSB'. It worked, but I did have a ghastly crash once, so now I will test the ICS951462 PLL...
Successful overclock
by TGMOTOMAN - 11/6/09 6:52 AM In reply to: New to CNET by RichardFaulknerThanks, I set the correct ICS and can run at a stable 2Ghz, I haven't pushed it any further yet. I ran my windows vista no, and all areas rose and my index went up from 2.3 to 3.0. I can run a heavy java game and Skype with little lag now. I haven't check video playback or music but I suspect they will run without issue.
I found a 4450e on ebay and should be getting it in a week or so, final cost was 65 shipped to me. It went much higher than I expected it to go.
So far very impressed with my little "cheap" machine, it really is doing a great job.
| Forum legend: | |
 |
Locked thread |
 |
Moderator |
 |
CNET staff |
 |
Samsung staff |
 |
Norton Authorized Support team |
 |
AVG staff |
 |
Windows Outreach team |
 |
Dell staff |
 |
Intel staff |
