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February 15th, 2021 03:00
Dell latitude e6420 - CPU upgrade
Hi, I bought a Dell latitude e6420, and was wondering what kind of performance boost would I get if I upgraded the i5 to i7 processor.
I'm using this machine as a light server, and wanted to squeeze a bit more performance out of it.
Any advice?
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U2CAMEB4ME
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February 15th, 2021 03:00
Welcome to the Dell Community @AIRORIA
3 things you can do as upgrades.
1. CPU:
https://www.cpu-upgrade.com/CPUs/Intel/Core_i5_Mobile/i5-2520M_(PGA).html
I use the Core i7-2640M:
2. Memory:
2x8GB = 16GB total:
3. HDD
An SSD would be best an SSHD would be acceptable.
Dell Latitude E6420 Owner's Manual:
https://downloads.dell.com/manuals/all-products/esuprt_laptop/esuprt_latitude_laptop/latitude-e6420_owner%27s%20manual_en-us.pdf
Best regards,
U2
TheManWithABurninLaptop
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November 3rd, 2024 15:05
I got the i7-2760QM version? Any way to make it a i7 3rd or 4th gen?
RIRaf
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January 3rd, 2025 16:23
@U2CAMEB4ME
Same here. I stayed with OEM TDP since I don't wish to run the risk of overheating which is possible with "allowable" CPUs of greater TDP.
Runs fine with SSD and 16Gb RAM. Some folks may need to update BIOS via Windows Update, Dell Update, and/or Intel Update. in order for computer to "recognize" added RAM. Updates "May" occur automatically once computer "sees" new modifications--did so on my e6420 laptop. I7 CPU was a minor upgrade over existing I5 CPU, but an upgrade, nonetheless. For $30, seemed worth it since I would be "inside " the computer to replace RAM and cleaning the fan/cooler/innards. Replacing the CPU allowed full access to fan cooler Assy for thorough cleaning and allowed re-pasting of CPU with high-quality paste. Gave original RAM sticks and CPU to my computer guy for goodwill.
With all mods, this is a decent laptop for light to medium use, but is limited by internal GPU for anything beyond "light" gaming. It's still viable even today.
mhelin
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August 28th, 2025 07:38
I have also updated to the i7. Is there any way to install Windows 11 on this laptop?
RIRaf
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August 28th, 2025 12:27
As it is, the E6420 is not amenable to upgrading to Win 11. There may be "workarounds" to do so, but I know nothing about them.
chanrobi
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November 3rd, 2025 17:03
@mhelin Which i7 processor did you upgrade to?