Upgrading the AMD CPU on an Acer 5532 Laptop
To replace my 9″ netbook computer I bought a 15″ widescreen Acer laptop with 64 Bit Windows 7. The laptop comes with a 64 bit AMD TF-20 CPU which is single core running at 1.6Ghz. The real weakness of the laptop seems to be the CPU, so I’m buying an upgraded CPU on eBay for only $19!
** Here is an Acer user manual where you can find detailed instructions for this upgrade!
Aspire Service Manual_5517.pdf
The TF-20 CPU is a single 64 Bit core running at 1.6 Ghz, and from what I’ve been able to find online you can replace it with any of the TL-50 and maybe even TL-60 series CPU’s! You just need to make sure the new CPU uses the same voltage so that you don’t have a problem with too much heat from the CPU.
*** ATTENTION *** Many have stated in the comments of this post that they have problems getting a TL-58 to work properly. I highly suggest sticking with a TL-56; it should work no problem!!
ALSO: Many people want to upgrade their RAM from 3GB to 4GB to run dual-channel mode. Here are my recommendations for RAM upgrades:
I decided to get the TL-56 as it’s a dual core 64 Bit CPU at 1.8 Ghz with a 2x 512MB cache and it’s only $19… so how can you go wrong?
I’ve been repairing laptops, digital cameras and other electronics for years, but if you are a little nervous here are the steps required to switch out the CPU.
This repair took me less than 30 minutes to tear down and then rebuild. This is not a difficult repair, don’t get stressed out about it!
FIRST: Turn off the laptop and remove the battery. Now…
1. Remove the hard drive, memory, and the wireless network card.
2. Remove any screw you find at the bottom of laptop. You can now remove the DVD module, and it would also be a good idea to remove the LCD hinge covers (they pop out easily).
3. The next step is to remove the center strip (the strip where the power button is located). Open the LCD screen as far as it will go. Along the back edge of the center strip, at the recesses for the LCD screen hinges, you will notice there is a slight overhang. Using a small screwdriver, gently pry up on the overhang. The center strip, should begin to lift up. Once this happens, you can lift up the center strip along its length by hand and you should be able to remove the strip.
4. Remove the keyboard. There are no screws holding it in place and it should pop right out. Remove its ribbon cable from the motherboard.
5. Unplug the main connector for the LCD on the left. Next, pop all wires coming from the LCD out of their holders. You are now ready to remove the LCD. Remove the 4 screws holding the LCD in place. Once the screws are taken out lift the LCD out. You will be able to pull the wires through the hole and completely remove LCD.
6. On each side of laptop, there is a small two pin wire connector. The left side is black/white, the right side black/red. These are the speaker connectors. Unplug each connector.
7. Along the back edge of laptop, you will now see three recess that look like screw holes, but are the color of the laptop. These are screws, but each have an adhesive cover. Using a very small knife (an X-acto knife works best) gently pry off each cover and put off to the side to reuse. Remove these screws.
8. Now, under where the keyboard was , you should see 5 screws. Before removing the 5 screws, there are two ribbon cables (1 wide, 1 narrow) that come from the inside of the top of the case to the MB. It is best to disconnect these before removing the 5 screws. Also, besides those 5 screws underneath the keyboard, I failed to mention the sixth screw, underneath where the right LCD hinge would be. Remove these screws. Once done, you should now be able to separate the two halves of the case.
9. The bottom half of the case contains the motherboard. There is one screw holding it in place, on the bottom right. Remove this screw. The motherboard can now be removed and the laptop is now completely disassembled.
I hope this guide helps those of you trying to upgrade the processor. I just installed the TL-56 I bought and am in the process of assembling he laptop. I will post my thoughts on the TL-56 later today.
========
Observations:
I had some trouble with finding the 4 screws underneath the LCD between the hinges. They were covered with plastic stickers and it took me a while to figure out they were just stickers and I could peel them off. Just peel them off and stick them to the case beside their holes, then put them back on after you put the screw in.
Also, make sure you reconnect the touchpad cable properly or it will not work, and the keyboard cable goes “under” the locking tab though it may look to you like it should go “over” it. You will see what I mean when you have it open.
I hope this helps, I will let you know what I get figured out from my upgrade.
I have the 5532 that came with 3Gig of memmory, I guess its a 2G and a 1G stick. Will this work with a T56 or do I need to pull the 1G stick out. Also if I added another 2G stick is their a certain brand that is known compatabile with the existing memmory? I see the T56 90n and 65n available, besides the 90n rated at 33 watts is there any other negative to using the 90n chip as it seems more available.
Hey Skip
Yes you have a 1GB stick and a 2GB stick in there, you don’t have to remove either to have a new CPU work properly. I’m writing this on the 5532 I upgraded for this article and I still have the original RAM in it.
I have Amazon links to RAM you can use near the beginning of the article. Feel free to earn me $1.60 by buying the RAM through my link! =)
I haven’t upgraded my RAM because this is just a work computer mostly, I don’t play games etc so I don’t care enough to spend the money on a RAM upgrade just quite yet. All you need is a 2GB stick that’s the same speed (probably 6400) and CAS rating as the RAM you currently have. You can lookup these specs by the part number on your RAM.
I have the 90nm T56 CPU in my machine with no problems. The 65nm CPU will probably run cooler, though as I said I have no problems with my 90nm. I got mine on eBay for $18.
Thomas
I picked up a used AMD Turion 64 X2 Mobile technology TL-56 processor on eBay and installed it in my Aspire 5532. The system wouldn’t boot. Incompatibility or bad cpu?
Hey Bob
Sounds like it’s the CPU, or maybe something wasn’t connected properly when putting the laptop back together. I have the 90nm TL-56 in my laptop and it works just fine.
If the seller guarantees it works, try taking the laptop apart again and check all connections. Then try with just one stick of RAM and then with just the other.
If it still won’t boot then try sending it back for a refund or exchange.
Thomas
Just for info, I ran cpu z on mine and it said both sticks of memmory were PC 5300 cl5, funny thing is the 1gig stick was from samsung and the 2 gig stick was from a different maker.
Hey Skip, they probably used whatever was the cheapest and most available at the time, different mfg’s are ok.
Thomas
How does everyone feel about the warranty on these things. Mine is only a month into the warranty and thats really the only thing holding me back from changing the cpu. With paying all the shipping charges and junk the warranty may be not even worth waiting on.
If you don’t tell them, and you do a nice job putting everything back together I wouldn’t worry about it. Save the TL-20 and put it back in if anything ever happens.
But really… $350 is a lot of money, but not for a laptop so I wouldn’t worry too much about it.
Thomas
Update
I got a Tl-56 in the mail today from eBay. Sat down and installed it. I boot up the computer and everything is solid. Vista installed the processor, a quick reboot, and all is well. I wan to thank everyone who contributed with info about this upgrade. A very special thanks goes out to Darntoothysam for hosting and providing superb instructions.
Hey glad to hear it BigJim! Sorry to hear you have Vista though… Are you sure it’s not Windows 7?
I do hope you enjoy your ‘new’ laptop, I know I have no problem with mine; even running Photoshop CS3 when my wife is working on really big files it works great.
Please remember that our main site (darntoothysam.com) is a digital camera repair business, if we can help please let us know! We have new digital camera sales through our Amazon shop as well.
=)
Thomas
I will keep you in mind if I ever have trouble with my Canon 400D.
Yo!
I brought a tl-58(TMDTL58HAX5DM) Before seeing that many people got problems with it T.T
I got the same black screen.
I have 3 guesses:
A) We all are getting bad cpus on a BIG coincidence.
B) Mobo problem(Power/Compatibility)
C) Only the 90nm TL-58 works(I’m saying that because It Looks like both DC and DM are giving problems, but no one reported problems with the CT version)
Well, I’m searching for info about how solving this issue. If I manage to solve it I’ll post here how to.
I just brought a 5532 acer and I have a turion MK-36 from an older Acer 5100. it’s not dual core, but probably it’s better than TF-20. When I do the upgrade, I Will post here if worked fine or not.
Ordered my TL-56 off ebay waiting for it. Will post if i have a success or not.
Sucess!! Turion MK-36 Single Core 2.0 Ghz works fine on Acer 5532.
Hey,
Thanks for putting up these instructions they seem very in depth. I am looking into upgrading my Acer 5532 to the Tl-56 processor. And the reason i am doing so is for a better gaming experience. The game I am interested in has a minimum processor requirement of 2.2 pentium 4 and recommended a 2.0 Ghz Core 2 Duo. I have been playing the game with the laptop and it is very laggy and has about a 2 second delay. I am wondering if i do the upgrade will the processors combine together to give me better performance. I guess what i’m asking if the dual core 1.8Ghz will give me a total of 3.6Ghz or will it be able to run more programs at 1.8Ghz speed. Cause if so then the upgrade would not increase the performance.
What game? I noticed a massive increase in gaming capabilities upon upgrading to the dual core (TL-58 in my case) but full screen gaming or high res gaming is still a big NO. Some games offer dual core rendering and optimization so the performance boost depends on that as well.
The game is called Heroes of Newerth. Here is the specifications page take a look and see if i would benefit from the upgrade. Thanks
http://www.heroesofnewerth.com/specs_pop.html
I watched some videos of HoN and it looks pretty demanding. I still believe that you will see a massive improvement in frame rate if you were to upgrade to dual core. That 1.6ghz single core holds back our laptops quite a bit. They have much more potential with a dual core backing up the other components. Regardless, you will enjoy the improvement in everything else, even if that specific game remains unplayable.
I recommend going for the upgrade but make sure you have somebody who is experienced involved if you can’t manage on your own. I posted a URL for a video of this procedure in one of my earlier comments. At the bottom left of this page you should see a “Older Commends” link which should take you to the page with the link.
Sorry for the late response; been busy.
So, does it seem like the 90 nm version TL 58 is working. Is that the version you have superchickens?
I have this exact one: http://www.starmicro.net/detail.aspx?ID=1092
Worked fine for me and runs 75c @ 100% load in the hotter of the 2 cores. This is, of course, with the airflow not being obstructed. It games at low resolutions but runs WoW at mid/high specs on the max res for the laptop quite playable (generally 40+ fps). I will be installing windows XP home 32-bit sometime later this week to test out the performance on the older operating system.
Not having much luck here. I tried a TURION TMDTL50HAX4CT TL-50 1.6GHz and the system wouldn’t boot with that processor either. How do you know if it’s 90 nm?
UPDATE…One of the RAM sticks wasn’t seated properly. The TL-50 worked fine, so I figured I’d see if the original upgrade choice (TL-56) would work. It works! I’ll post back some benchmarks…
I’m going to get the 65nm TL 56. I want it to run as cool as possible. My wife plays farmville alot and the acer is locking up every once in awhile, never happens on our other computers, one is dual core intel and our desktop is a 3700 ahtlon 64. I hope the upgrade will help it out. I didnt think farmville was too much to run, but she is clicking on stuff constantly I dont think the TF 20 can keep up.
So you are running the 65nm version with no problems?
installed TL-56 the computer boots up with a black screen and i’m positive all the wires are installed ocrrectly what should I try and do?
Hey Vinnie
Try rechecking your RAM, make sure they are seated properly, also make sure the hard drive is plugged in properly as well. If everything looks good it could be the CPU is bad, it can happen if you bought a used one on eBay so try getting a refund or exchange from the seller.
Thomas
HI Vinnie,
Did you happen to solve the problem with yours?
I am having the same problem at the moment. I will try to reinstall the RAM, to make sure they are seated properly.
Thanks for the good instructions. The power button strip didn’t come out quite as easily as said, but the instructions are still right.
I got a TMDTL58HAX5DC (TL-58), and can confirm that it didn’t work here.
It’s 65nm.
I was a lot quicker taking it apart the second time (to put the original CPU back in). I probably did it in under 30 minutes.
Somehow I ended up with one spare screw the second time around. I’ll figure it out when I get the 90nm version.
For the folks asking about gaming, if you’re running Vista or Win7, check your Windows Experience Rating on the machine before you start. The CPU isn’t the slowest part. This isn’t a really a gaming machine. Actually, I bought it because it was the cheapest thing I could get.
When I checked mine the cpu was the lowest with a 2.0 rating. Mine has 3 gb of ram, if that makes a difference. On a side note has anyone tried the amd overdrive program. Its pretty cool and gives some overclocking options since their is nothing in the bios. I have not tried overclocking with it yet, still need to figure it all out.
to overclock it, download setfsb_2_2_134_98c, just google it. and after you run it, select clock generator SLG8LP625T. after you have that set up, just up the slider and click set fsb and there you go!
processors can be overclocked up to 200mhz above stock. TF-20 to 1.8ghz and TL-56 to 2.0ghz, ect..
note: you may experience different results than i, so use it with caution.
Maybe double check the memory is plugged in all the way.
This is my first time replacing a CPU and i was wondering exactly what i need to do when i get to the end of your instructions? like does the CPU just pop off, or do i need a special tool to remove it. and do i need thermal paste or any other stuff besides the new CPU. thank you
If i were you i would watch the youtube videos of the emachines posted in and earlier comment but do not use as much thermal paste as the guy in the video.
The CPU is locked down, and you need a small flathead screwdriver to twist the lock to release it and then lock down the replacement CPU.
Thomas
Waiting for my Tl-56
I see the voltage for the tf-20 is 1.000
The tl-56 runs a little higher but you have mentioned to be sure the voltage is the same as the tf-20, ??
Also< how long has it been since your cpu upgrade? Any problems/
Thanks Darntoothysam
Hi Lou
I put a 90nm TL-56 in mine and it works perfectly. I’ve been running this laptop since the end of January with the CPU installed with no problems.
Thomas
Hi Thomas
Thank you very much for your response
Someone mentioned AMD overdrive
I have added a link and have installed it, If nothing else it is worth it for the memory and cpu info/benchmark
http://game.amd.com/us-en/drivers_overdrive.aspx
ironic Thomas that we work in a related business. Anyway, thank you again. can’t wait to dig into this thing.
Lou
Thank you so much all of you for your helpful information. And I’m sorry for too many questions below:
1/May someone tell me if heat is a BIG problem of this CPU upgrade? I’m waiting 90nm TL-56 which is on its way, ready for trying , however I still concern about overheating.
2/Did anyone record temperatures before and after the replacement? How many % of increasing? And which software do I need for heat monitoring?
3/Should I upgrade the CPU if I only use this laptop for internet and Office works only? ( I also have another 3 month-old-laptop,a Hp Dv7 duo core 2 2.2Ghz for home , so want to use this Acer purely for College study and travel only).Should I upgrade? Please advise !!!!!!!!!!!!
4/How is difficult to put every part back to their places after replacing the CPU? I’m just scared about putting those parts back correctly
.
Thanks!
Thank you,this posting helped me upgrade my Acer Aspire 5532 cpu from a TF-20 to a TL-56 with no problem even though I never attempted such a task.
I just replaced the CPU by TL-56.
It works! Thanks!
At first, it did not but I exchange the RAM’ slots then it works.
My PC’s temp now are:
core 1 : around 52oC
Core 2: around 47oC
Do you think it’s okay at this temp?
I have noticed that after installing the TL-56, the fan runs very often, seem every 30s; while with FL-20, I rarely saw it worked!
Both speed and heat increase noticeably!
Those temps are just fine, over 60c will burn your finger if you touch it. If you get close to 60 make sure your thermal paste is good, the heatsink isn’t blocked up with lint, and you’re not blocking the air holes on the bottom of the laptop.
Thomas
Thanks Thomas.
After 4 days of using my Acer with the TL-56, I think heat is not a serious problem as I thought. It seems get less hotter than the day 1, probably the heat paste got setting? It’s as warm as my Dell Inspiron duo 2 core 1.6, but much warmer than my HP Dv7 2.2 Ghz. I used Ocz thermal paste and I think it has worked very well.
Whenever I use the laptop long at home, I out it on a cooling pad and all heat gone. I would highly recommend a good laptop cooling pad.
My Acer 5532 now runs really smoothly with duo-core 1.6Ghz ;and ,yes, it’s fast! at only total $300 which I paid for, including the CPU upgrade. What’s a bargain!
I think I can live with 3Gb RAM, no need to upgrade to 4Gb, since it’s fast enough for my simple works.
Thanks again everyone for great information on this website.
Is there any change that the cpu below will work with the 5532. I bought a tl-56 off ebay and they sent me a tl-58, returned it for a tl-56 and they sent me another tl58
below are the specs for the last one they sent me
TMDTL58HAX5DC
Thermal Design Power (W) ? 31
V core (V) ? 1.075 / 1.1 / 1.125
Maximum operating temperature (°C) ? 95
Processor core Tyler
Core stepping G1
Manufacturing process 0.065 micron
thanks in advance
Lou, frustraTED
That is the cpu I’m using in my laptop right now. It worked for me but it seems that some people are unable to get it working. I simply installed it then powered on my laptop and it took care of the rest. I would say if you are good with electronics and won’t have any trouble trying then go for it. It is a slightly better cpu than the TL-56 after all.
If you would like further assistance then check my older comments on the other pages for a video link of the installation process posted on Youtube. Good luck.
How much ram are your running SuperChicken?
I have read all of the posts, old and recent as well, Not really concerned about the actual upgrade, Just don’t like doing things twice.
How long have you been running the 58?
I may go ahead and install the 58 this weekend
I will post the results after the surgery.
Thanks also for your response
an overclocked TL-56 (2.0ghz is what im running) is a little faster than the TL-58 (1.9ghz).
I just spent almost two hours installing a TL-56 1.8ghz into this laptop. the processor is brand new off ebay.
any way now when i turn on my laptop, it goes through the ACER screen then goes white and freezes on a black screen..
if i go to the bios, it does the sam… freeses after 30 seconds.
i dont know if i did something wrong.. but im gonna be very irritated if i just wasted my money.
thx in advance
-JP-
Also, more concerned about this buzzing everyone is talking about
what’s going on with that?
****update****
it was going to boot up windwos then froze again… now windows is corrupted…
anyway i found the source of the freezing.. the second ram slot.
i dont know how but it stopped freezing when i put the 2gb stick in the first slot..
does anyone know why this is happening and how to fix it.
-JP-
Hey JP
Sounds like either the RAM slot is bad or one of your RAM sticks is bad. Try one stick in the good slot and start it again.
At the splash screen hit ‘Esc’ or ‘F4′ (or whatever the splash screen says) to enter Setup. Navigate to the screen where you can reset the options to default, then save and exit. Now try restarting.
If it still won’t boot up; at the splash screen hit F8 till you get the “Start Windows in Safe Mode” screen. The computer should hopefully start in Safe Mode. Now open My Computer, right click the C drive and select “Error Checking” and restart the computer and allow the error checking to run.
Hope this helps!
Thomas
well thomas, my windows is already corrupted, i didnt think to use the backup feature before hand. and i dint think to go into the BIOS to set the defult settings until after it happend. and with the ram.. i have the 2gb sitick in the first slot, if i put anything else in the second slot, it makes the computer freeze. so now im left with two questions.
1. is there a way to get a free (and legal) system restore disk.
2. why is my processor messing up my ram?
thx for the help
-JP-
ok i got everything working… after i repaired windows the ram decided to work..
what i think happened was that the motherboard wasnt able to recognize the processor as “its own” at first. but
when i fixed windows all errors were fixed…
so far everything is running fine.. both cores idle at about 45c (im picking up a cooling pad soon…
so ill report in a few weeks to submit yet another review
thx and one program i highly recomend having is CoreTemp™ 64bit
-JP-
another review, had the acer 5532 with the TL-56 for almost 2 months now, pretty much its the best value for the buck. im able to play 1080p blu-rays flawlessly (though the screen being limited to 60hz is holding it back).
gaming couldnt get better for what i spent.
it plays final fantasy 10 at an acceptable 50-60FPS (60-70fps when the TL-56 is overclocked to 2.0ghz) and ps1 games run flawlessly.
being able to play a PS2 game so well really says something about the 5532 and the TL-56. Can the TF-20 do that? nope.
HELP!!!!
I installed the TL-56, and my monitor screen wont turn on. I am sure I have plugged the main cable on the left firmly and correctly. What could possibly the problem?
Thanks…
it seems that the screen is working but very very dim. If i focus and there is not too much lighting, i can barelu see the login screen. Any ideas?
Also, my keyboard does not seem to work as well, I cant see well enough to tell if my mouse is working or not.
Thanks…
Hey Sid, your backlight isn’t working and your keyboard isn’t working?
Sounds like it could be…
1- Bad RAM: Try booting with just one stick instead of both. Might not be the problem, but easy to check.
2- Cable not inserted properly: Open it up again and check all your connections.
3- Bad CPU: Did you get it used? If so it could be defective… maybe there’s a bent pin? Pop it out and inspect for obvious problems.
My guess is that it’s a cable not properly installed, or slightly damaged.
Thomas
Thanks Thomas.
My best guess is the cable got damage during the uninstall or re-install process. I could see the log-in screen when the room is dark. So, the back light of the monitor is not turning on. I will take this laptop to a computer repair store and see how much they’ll charge to fix this, along with the keyboard.
Thanks for all your help!
Sid,
At first, right after I installed the new processor, the screen turned in dark too. ( I saw the power light was on but the screen was totally dark). I immediately switched the RAM sticks ( the original position no longer worked on duo-core CPU) then my laptop worked fine since then.
So, I would change RAM sticks’ position first. Good luck.
Thanks Steven,
I will try that tonight. I am crossing my fingers, hoping that it is just the position of the RAM.
I want to get the screen to come one first, then I will trouble shoot for the keyboard. I doubt I damage anything though, but, with the bad lucks that I am having lately, I would not be surprised.
Thanks guys, I will post an update tonight.
Hi Thomas,
I got my keyboard to work, thanks.
But, my monitor still would not light up. But, when I connect it to an external monitor, it lights up fine. I suspect I screwed up my monitor in the process? By the way, when you connect the main monitor cable, does the blue strip on top or at the bottom?
I know there is an activity in the monitor, cause even though it is black screen, I could see the login window, and once I login, I could see my MSN log in window as well.
Any ideas?
Thanks,
Sid.
Sid,
We didn’t open the laptop LCD into pieces so I don’t think we could damage the backlight or converter…
So I think it may caused by bad connection between video card and laptop LCD… I would open the front power panel + key board and check the connection. As I recall, blue plastic strip is always UP.
It seems RAM’s okay since you still see something on the LCD/
Thank you for the great instructions. I have never taken my laptop apart before, but I want to upgrade the CPU too. I found two different TL-56 on ebay: TMDTL56HAX5DC and TMDTL56HAX5CT. I have this same Aspire 5532 with the TF-20 and standard 3G RAM. Which TL-56 should I buy?
Finally did mine , rebooted and everything seems to work perfectly
thanks to all for your help and advise, very much appreciated for sure
Now I have a dual core
Tip
Use something plastic to re-route the wiring, not metal
Just performed this upgrade and WOW what a difference! I do not have any benchmark scores or do not know how to obtain. All I know is before the cpu upgrade I could not stream video. I hade to download or do a excessive ammount of buffering to not have studders. Now its just click and watch! Thanks for the detailed instructions! The hardest part for me was to get the power button strip back on. Those clips are viscious!
One small tip would be not to install the hinge covers before testing. The clips are dainty and I don’t think they will handle to many removals without becoming unuseable!
Thanks! many times over!!!!
ok i downloaded setfsb_2_2_134_98c and i dont know how to use it… also will over clocking it to 2.0ghz make it run hotter. because right now it’s running around 50C when im not doing much and around 70C when im gaming. i bought a cooling pad but it dosnt help very much.. any suggestions would be great thx
-JP-
hello JP, when you open setfsb it should say clock generator at the upper left had corner. select this clock gen–> SLG8LP625T. after selecting the clock gen click the button “get fsb.” once you have clicked that, it should show some info on your laptop.
once you’ve done that you will see a sliding tab that you can now move. you will see that the “select” specs will change as you move the slider up and down. overclock it by as much as 200mhz and then click “set fsb” at the bottom right.
and thats it.
the heat can vary, mine hardly has a temp change. it all depends on your laptop itself.
oh and im not responsible for any damaged hardware.
jason… how can i tell if it’s 2Mhz cuz i moved the bar up to what i thought was 1.98ghz… but different hardware monitors said differently
-JP-
ok i downloaded setfsb_2_2_134_98c and i dont know how to use it… also will over clocking it to 2.0ghz make it run hotter. because right now it’s running around 50C when im not doing much and around 70C when im gaming. i bought a cooling pad but it dosnt help very much.. any suggestions would be great thx
-JP-
Hi. I’ve been contemplating replacing the TF-20 in my 5532 with a faster, dual-core chip, but I’d like to go faster than 1.8ghz. I’ve seen a video on Youtube of a guy replacing the TF-20 with a TL-64. The video was for the physical replacement, but it did not say if it worked or not.
Upon finding the Turion processor list on Wikipedia, I see that the TL-56 90nm uses the same core, and has the same voltage requirement as the TL-60 and the TL-64. 2ghz sounds pretty good for the price (the TL-64 is very pricey in contrast to the TL-60) and I can’t see any reason why the TL-60 wouldn’t work in place of the TL-56 EXCEPT for the BIOS on the board.
Is there any way to confirm that the TL-60 will work?
I am looking online at starmicro right now and i see a tl-50 for $10 and the tl-58 for $25. Which is the better deal? and if i do decide to get the tl-58, is it even a significant improvement over the tl-50?
hey, dont worry about answering this question anymore i actually gave you a call earlier lol thank you very much for the help. Will post from “new” computer once my tl-58 arrives and is installed.
Fantastic Tutorial!!! i got it installed and it runs perfect, windows experience went from 3.2 to 4.7! The only problem i ran into was that the locking screw for the cpu. I forgot to lock it back up so message to all!! REMEMBER TO LOCK THE PROCESSOR AGAIN!! Thanks a lot for this fantastic tutorial!!
I followed this howto and this slide show
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25792168@N00/sets/72157622393042218/
To replace the CPU in my Acer 5532 with a Turion64 x2 TL56. The upgrade when flawlessly. I want to say than you very much.
On a related note, has anybody figured out how to enable AMD-V (thats Virtualization technology) since the BIOS does not support it?
Glad I was able to help Lance!
As for AMD-V, you want to run multiple OS at the same time on your laptop? If it must be in the BIOS before it will work, then it sounds to me like you’re S.O.L.
Thomas
Hey. I am having troubles finding the TL-56 CPU online. Anyway you could give some recommendations on where to find it? Thanks!
Best regards,
Gavin “godly-cheese” Anderson
Hey Galvin,
$20 used on eBay, that’s where I got mine and it’s been running strong 24/7 ever since! There’s plenty of them on there right now.
Thomas
Can you provide pictures. I nervous about doing this because it my first time.
Guys, one more success case here. Thanks a lot for the tips, I put a TL-56 and more 2GB of RAM and it’s working fine. Temp’s from 48 to 54
Now, I’m really having problems with Windows 7 Home Edition. BSOD from time to time, first related to ATI Radeon Driver. I fixed this unistalling the ATI drivers and get a more recent one.
But the damn thing still gives BSOD ( kernel-power, service exception, etc .. )
Anyone with problems with Win 7 ?
Does it matter if I use a 90nm or 65 nm CPU?
Hi Charles
Not really, the 65nm CPU should run cooler though.
Thomas
65nm version did not work for me. 90nm works fine. It is due to the voltage range of the 90nm (.8-1.125) as opposed to the 65nm range (1.075/1.10/1.125 V).
What fan would you recommend for CPU cooling after the conversion? Is there a good compatible upgradable model that will fit the 5532?
Hey Jim
No need to change the fan, my laptop has been running 24/7 since the upgrade without any problems. As with any laptop, keep the bottom unblocked and free of dust bunnies.
Thomas
Found an Acer service manual that has complete disassembly instructions at
Might help those wanting to upgrade CPU
Hey Jim there’s no link in your post, do you have a link to the service manual? I can’t find a free one anywhere but if I can find it I will host it for free download here on the site.
Thomas
Thanks for doing this tutorial. I plan to buy this processors linked below. Turion 64 X2 TL-56 1.6GHz.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=380223441990&Category=164&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26its%3DI%26otn%3D2
It should work, right?
I have the 5532 too, and I think the graphics card is integrated into the processor, so would I need a new one of these too?
Also, is the OS saved on the processor or hard drive? The guy with the other comment said he had Vista. I have Windows 7 Ultimate now.
Also plan on upgrading ram and HDD soon. It will be like a whole new computer.
Hi Aaron
That’s the CPU I put in mine, it’ll work great!
The graphics is built into the mainboard of the laptop, you can’t change it or upgrade it.
The Windows OS is saved on your hard drive, so if you get a new HD you will have to reinstall Windows. Make the Acer recover disks before putting in the new HD and you should be fine.
Good luck with your upgrades!
Thomas
The Acer Aspire 5517 appears to be very similar to the 5532 and I found a service manual here…
http://support.acer.com/acerpanam/Manuals/acer/2009/ServiceGuides/SG_Aspire_5517_09172009.pdf
Does this look correct Darn?
I am going to do the upgrade as well. Thanks!
Thanks Herosmith! It does look like the service manual for the 5517 you found will work perfectly for the 5532. All those looking for more pictures and detailed instructions check out the service manual here:
http://support.acer.com/acerpanam/Manuals/acer/2009/ServiceGuides/SG_Aspire_5517_09172009.pdf
Hope this helps,
Thomas
I installed the upgrade last night using the above manual and it was a match to a “T”. Upgrade successful! Now, what can I use to adjust clock speeds? Is there an optimizer for the ATI card?
Thanks!
Larry
I think a couple people have mentioned software to overclock their CPU. No idea about the video card, it’s not a gaming machine so you’re not going to make it into one.
Thomas
I just ordered the 65nm TL-56. Has anyone confirmed that the 65nm version works?
Thanks
Hi
The 65nm CPU will work fine and will run cooler than the 90nm. Please come back and post your results!
Thomas
I just installed the 65nm TL-56 and no dice. It was brand new from Star Micro. Power light comes on and the DVD drive clicks but no Hard Drive activity and no display. Of the 30 or so attemps, it did power up one time and try to boot in safe mode and then went back to black screen.
Update…for grins I tried to turn it on one more time and it came up and worked for a couple of reboots and then went back to not working. When it was up for a few minutes, CPUID reported .8v core voltage.
Looks like the motherboard is having problems with the voltage of the 65nm (1.075/1.10/1.125 V). I’m going to contact Star Micro and see if I can swap the DC for the CT (95nm) as its voltsge range is 0.8-1.125 V. Sure wish I could’ve used the 65nm version. I’ll post an update when it comes.
RMA’d the DC (65nm) version and installed CT (90nm) version. Works great Core temps average 50c. CPU-Z reports .800 V with fluctuations to 1.075 V so it makes sense the CT version works because of its range. Bottom Line…stick with CT version.