There are multiple problems I see on the value side: performance gain unless you’re going from a low end entry level CPU to a solid midrange or high end one (Ex: Pentium B950>i5-2450M/Turion II P560>Phenom II N970). The problem with CPU upgrades is not that it can’t be done if the CPU is socketed - the problem is time investment vs.
#Is amd turion ii p540 an i3 or i5 update#
The OP really should update the BIOS to the latest version so they can max out the processor without worrying. I suspect a similar issue may be at play here on this HP - most of the times the compromise is max TDP and BIOS supported CPUs. I'm sure I would make reasonable gains going from an i5>i7, but the E6440 is kneecaped to the 2C/4T CPUs due to the cooler and BIOS anyway, and you can't modify it because of Intel Boot Guard. I used a PNY CS900 maybe the OP can take a note of that and see if they can find one locally or on Amazon? I changed the thermal paste, but I didn't change the CPU.
![is amd turion ii p540 an i3 or i5 is amd turion ii p540 an i3 or i5](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1G_nPHJUAFs/TwL_WtinuoI/AAAAAAAACJs/UPfwBs0bDIo/s1600/core%2Bi5.jpg)
The i7 4610M would probably make a notable improvement with 8GB RAM/SSD, but I'm already kneecapped by the cooler and BIOS so I can't go beyond dual core. I went for RAM/SSD first in my E6440 and it makes more of a difference then putting the i5 4310M in and that's not enough of a gain since you'd get more from an SSD over a marginally faster i5. And yeah I'm with you on the SSD/RAM - max it out before going for the CPU and see if you're happy with it then - if not, the CPU is like $35 on eBay but they mostly come from China unless you salvage one from a compatible parts laptop.