question regarding dell inspiron 600m

[irish100p]

Ok so I'm new to the forums here and have a situation of sorts. I was thinking I could replace my intel pentum m 1.86ghz processor from my laptop with a dual core duo processor so I took it apart (following dell's manual) and pulled out my processor. Took a trip to fry's only to find out they don't sell laptop processors. I came back and re-assembled and now the computer won't turn on. I followed all the steps on dell's website and found that my error code is all three lock lights stay on for four seconds and then turn off. I cannot power up my laptop from the battery or from the a/c power cord. I'm assuming the mother board is fried, but I was hoping perhaps someone had some insight here for me.

Thank you

James O'Hara

[thefultonhow]

Is everything seated correctly? Are you sure you didn't bend/break any pins when you put the processor back in?

BTW, Pentium-M and Core Duo/Core 2 Duo are not interchangeable -- Intel used a new chipset and socket for the Core Duo. If I'm not mistaken, a 1.86 GHz Pentium-M won't work either -- the 600m accepts 400 MHz FSB Pentium Ms but not 533 MHz FSB ones. So it is probably just 1.8 GHz.

[irish100p]

I thought it was an m processor, but perhaps not. I know for sure it's 1.86ghz though. And I checked for bent pins and broken pins and before I reinstalled one of the pins was slightly bent, but I bent it back and it looks fine now. According to dell's walkthrough I'm stuck as my warranty is long expired. I have a new motherboard on the way that hopefully will work as this is my computer I use to do all of my engine management stuff. I thought about picking up a new one, but I have a 120gig hd and 2g of ram alread invested in this one and would hate to have to start over, but will if it all comes down to it. So do you think that the motherboard is fried? 'cause I can hit the power button and all the lights light up but nothing happens. like there is power going in, but it's not going anywhere and then after four seconds they turn off. I would hate to have to get a new one, but if I have to I guess it's time.

James

[thefultonhow]

My hunch is that it is the processor, but I could be wrong. And you do have a Pentium-M processor. When you open it back up, if you copy the code on the label into this thread, I could tell you what the processor is and what you need to order.

[irish100p]

the numbers across the top read : Q449A000 SL7EG
under that it reads : RH80536 1600/2M

I hope that's enough for you. Thanks so much for all the help. I'm hoping it's the mother board, since there's a new one on the way, but if it's the processor then I guess I can get a new one or would I be better off getting a new computer?

Thanks again for all the help

James

[thefultonhow]

That is a Pentium-M 1.6 GHz (Pentium-M 725). You can use up to a Pentium-M 2.1 GHz (765) -- basically, you are limited to 7x5 Pentium-Ms.

[thefultonhow]

Another possibility is that you reassembled it incorrectly. Check all of the connections to the motherboard, especially the video cable.

[irish100p]

I reassembled it following the instructions on dell's website, and then double checked all the connections to ensure they were correct. Everything is where it is supposed to be and it's all plugged in correctly, but still no go. I guess I'll find out for sure when the new mother board gets here. if I wanted to upgrade the processor I could just get one from like new egg or something like that correct??

thanks again for all the help.

James

[thefultonhow]

Actually, because the 7x5 CPUs have been discontinued, the best route to get them would be eBay. Generally they will be used, tested processors pulled from computers that had other problems. A 1.7 GHz (Pentium-M 735) processor is going for about $70, and a 2.0 GHz (Pentium-M 755) processor is going for about $180.

[irish100p]

Is there a way I can test my processor before the good motherboard arrives or do I need a good motherboard to ensure the processor is good?

thanks again for all the help

James

[glc]

You need a good compatible motherboard to test it.

[irish100p]

Well apparently my motherboard was no good. I got the new one in today and it works great. thanks to all for their help/advice.

James

[thefultonhow]

Good to hear you got your problem solved.