Transforming My Old Laptop: A Successful CPU Upgrade Journey

In my recent endeavor to breathe new life into an old HP G6 laptop, I embarked on my first CPU upgrade adventure. My initial plan was simple: clean the laptop, upgrade the storage to an SSD, and eventually sell it for a modest profit. However, during testing, I encountered a significant issue—streaming 1080p videos on YouTube pushed the CPU use to a staggering 100%, leading to frustrating frame drops when going full screen.

The original processor, an AMD A4-3305M, left much to be desired in terms of performance. Luckily, its age meant it was a socketed chip, making it feasible to swap in something more powerful. After conducting some research, I decided on an AMD A8-3500M, a quad-core processor that promised better performance. I found one online at AliExpress for the astonishingly low price of just 7 Canadian dollars.

Fast forward a month, and I finally received my upgrade. Fueled with excitement, I disassembled the laptop, which turned out to be a bit tricky—removing the old CPU required a full 180-degree turn on a flathead screw that took me a few moments to figure out. Once everything was reassembled, I powered it up and, to my delight, it booted directly into Windows without any hiccups.

Post-upgrade, the laptop performed substantially better. I ran Cinebench before and after the installation. Initially, it scored a mere 327 points; however, after the upgrade, the results jumped to 792. While the score may not set any records, it’s a remarkable improvement that showcases the upgrade’s effectiveness. Although I observed some minor frame drops while streaming 1080p content, the CPU usage stabilized around 60-70%, a significant downgrade from being maxed out.

Ultimately, this project turned what could have been e-waste into a functional laptop that could serve someone well. I’m pleased with the outcome of my first CPU upgrade and hope it inspires others to consider giving their own old tech a second chance. Thank you for joining me on this journey!