Questions about computer hardware...?

Hello, I have laptop (Lenovo ideapad - Z580 - If that means anything)

It's pretty good, 8gb RAM, 1gb graphics card, however I feel like the i3 processor is dampening it's true power. I would like to upgrade it (I use it for games, and it can sometimes be a little disappointing) to an i5 processor.

This is a big leap, and they cost a fair bit, so I don't want to make any foolish mistakes.

Is there a certain type I would need?

What are the risks?

Is it actually worth it?

(What else would you recommend?)

A trustworthy place to buy it -

Or any alternatives to boosting game performance



I'm asking the internet because I generally know nothing about computer hardware.

Well, thanks I guess..Questions about computer hardware...?
You can't upgrade the CPU or video subsystem in most laptops.



Even if you could, the labor cost to do so would make it not worth the price.Questions about computer hardware...?
Changing the CPU on a laptop is extremely difficult, and sometimes impossible, because laptops tend to use non-standard fittings and connectors for things.



Look up processor-changing info for your specific model to see if it's even possible before you proceed.



If it is possible, there is a very good chance you will have to entirely dismantle the machine in order to reach the CPU socket.



I should also point out that most games are almost entirely graphics-card dependant, and you hardly notice any performance boost with a CPU upgrade.



Most laptops perform poorly in games because their graphics cards have safety limits imposed on them to keep them from getting too hot/drawing too much power (both of which are very bad things for laptops!) Therefor I'd recommend you go into your general Windows power settings and the settings for your graphics card and see if you can't disable some of those safeties. That's probably the best way to boost your performance.



Just be forwarned: if you do fiddle with the power/temperature limits then be prepared for a very hot machine (you may have to buy a cooling pad to help deal with the excess heat) and a huge drain on your battery.