The answer is not easily or not at all -- Intel has ceased making mobile processors in socketed format, so all Haswell and Broadwell CPUs (including yours) are hard-soldered to the mainboard and not removeable for upgrade.
If the model you want is available with a faster CPU, the only way to upgrade is to replace the entire system board -- and that will make any "upgrade" cost-ineffective.
Most games are going to be more GPU extensive than CPU extensive. Another option than changing the processor is to get the Alienware Graphics Amplifier. That way you can upgrade your AW 13 to a full-sized desktop GPU.
Yeah, I had planned on doing that, but I am hitting CPU wall. The processor is pegging at +90% and that is with lower settings. There are some games which still rely on the CPU. When I purchased my 13 just a few weeks ago, there wasn't the Alienware Graphics Amplifier option for anything but the 13, now it is out for the 15. I would have gone that route had I know, then I would have had a quad core processor and it wouldn't have been much of an issue.
It is too bad that many games don't take advantage of Intel Hyper Threading than they do, or you would probably be set with your current processor. Do you like the small size of the 13 and its other features? I like it, with at least the amplifier you can set up a nice desktop replacement gaming system, and have the option to take the notebook with you while traveling to get some game time while on the road.
Yeah, I do like it, although I keep getting nVidia driver crashes while playing games.
I am still on the fence about the amp though. I had an Alienware 17 I purchased in 2011 or 2012 (can't remember which) and it had a quad core, but the graphics card was getting a little old so thought I would upgrade, but the 13 hasn't been an upgrade for me thus far.
ejn63
9 Legend
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87.5K Posts
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April 23rd, 2015 16:00
The answer is not easily or not at all -- Intel has ceased making mobile processors in socketed format, so all Haswell and Broadwell CPUs (including yours) are hard-soldered to the mainboard and not removeable for upgrade.
If the model you want is available with a faster CPU, the only way to upgrade is to replace the entire system board -- and that will make any "upgrade" cost-ineffective.
DELL-Terry B
4 Operator
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3.5K Posts
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April 23rd, 2015 17:00
Most games are going to be more GPU extensive than CPU extensive. Another option than changing the processor is to get the Alienware Graphics Amplifier. That way you can upgrade your AW 13 to a full-sized desktop GPU.
TB
mbraden
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April 23rd, 2015 17:00
Yeah, I had planned on doing that, but I am hitting CPU wall. The processor is pegging at +90% and that is with lower settings. There are some games which still rely on the CPU. When I purchased my 13 just a few weeks ago, there wasn't the Alienware Graphics Amplifier option for anything but the 13, now it is out for the 15. I would have gone that route had I know, then I would have had a quad core processor and it wouldn't have been much of an issue.
Mike
DELL-Terry B
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3.5K Posts
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April 24th, 2015 14:00
It is too bad that many games don't take advantage of Intel Hyper Threading than they do, or you would probably be set with your current processor. Do you like the small size of the 13 and its other features? I like it, with at least the amplifier you can set up a nice desktop replacement gaming system, and have the option to take the notebook with you while traveling to get some game time while on the road.
TB
mbraden
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April 24th, 2015 16:00
Yeah, so I found out after the fact, although you can turn off all the power saving options and it runs ok, but it needs more cores.
beamermt79
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April 24th, 2015 16:00
I'm actually surprised anyone would put a Intel 'U' type processor in a gaming computer. The 'U' series was specifically designed for ultrabooks.
mbraden
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April 24th, 2015 16:00
Yeah, I do like it, although I keep getting nVidia driver crashes while playing games.
I am still on the fence about the amp though. I had an Alienware 17 I purchased in 2011 or 2012 (can't remember which) and it had a quad core, but the graphics card was getting a little old so thought I would upgrade, but the 13 hasn't been an upgrade for me thus far.
Mike