It'll take the first-generation Core i3/i5 CPUs -- for example:

www.impactcomputers.com/06my5.html

Hi RaviR,

Inspiron N4010 supports the following Processors:

• Intel Core i3-330M (2.13 GHz, 4Threads, 3M cache).
• Intel Core i3-350M (2.26 GHz, 4Threads, 3M cache).
• Intel Core i5-430M (2.26Ghz, 4Threads,3M cache, turbo boost up to 2.53 GHz).
• Intel Core i5-520M (2.4GHz, 4 Threads, 3M cache, turbo Boost up to 2.93GHz).
• Intel Core i5-540M (2.53Ghz, 4 Thread,3M cache, turbo boost up to 3.06 GHz).

Hope this helps!

Thank you guys!

Hi,

I am trying to upgrade my laptop N4010 too. So can you provide me with the pointers for the CPU and Motherboard where you purchased. How much was the approximate cost.

Thanks in advance.

Hi, there is no need to upgrade motherboard.  Just open it up, replace cpu..  Just buy a  i7-640M off ebay and pop it in (watch the youtube videos to see how to disassemble.. it's a little tricky.)  While in there, upgrade the harddrive to an SSD for a huge speed improvement.  

Hi Sitz,

Thanks for your response. One of reason for my upgrade is that my motherboard seems to be not working. Based on some of the troubleshooting steps provided online, i figured it out. So can you please suggest a mother board too  that will go along with the processor you meniotned and is compatible for N4010.

Any thoughts on this will be helpful.

-Venkat.S

There are two different boards for that system - one with Intel integrated video and the other with ATI (AMD) video.  You can use either one, but will need to replace the heatsink assembly to change from integrated to ATI or vice-versa, as the heatsink for one won't fit the other.

parts-people.com has the boards - as will Ebay or other vendors.

Sorry for adding additional information here on such an old thread.

I want to further confirm that the system was able to accept a Intel Core  i7-640M without any problems. At the time of install, the BIOS was still at A10. After the boot, I did upgrade the BIOS to A13. I was also able to upgrade the memory using Crucial 8GB Kit (4GBx2) CT2KIT51264BF160B.

Thank you "sitz" for your additional information and proving Dell's "copy and paste" responses inadequate :)