March 12, 2008 In my quest to resolve some error messages on boot (see below) with Kubuntu, I wondered whether the boot error messages were being caused by a problem in processor hardware. To attempt to resolve this question, I wanted to upgrade my laptop processor with a new one and then check the dmesg log for any error message changes. My question was if a TL-52 processor could be used in place of a MK-36 in a Acer 5100-3357 laptop. I was concerned that the processor voltage would need adjusting or that Linux would detect and adjust for the dual core rather than the single core. After contacting Acer, I am wondering if I should buy any more Acers. They told me that there were no upgrades for a laptop (can't be done). I refuted that and they told me to go to the website (which I already did), or call customer service. I called customer service and they told me to go to the web site and check laptop specifications, which I was not able to find. Using Google, I found a lot of specs, but no info about particular laptop models of a series and their compatibility. After about 5 hours of research, I decided to just go ahead and try it. Indications were from others is that it would work. First I upgraded the BIOS which was interesting, itself. I had to get a program from HP to turn a 1 gig flash drive to a bootable DOS drive, then copy the BIOS upgrade stuff from ACER to it and boot my Linux computer under DOS. I ran the flash program without problems. Then I checked to make sure it all worked, which it did. I then found a service manual on line for the Acer 5100 series laptops. Just to make sure I didn't really blow something, I used the Kubuntu repositories and got lm-sensors and the KDE interface so I could monitor the core temperatures. It worked quite well and measured it at about 35 C. I then disassembled the laptop and installed the TL-52 processor, using some nice processor heat sink thermal conductive grease. I put everything back and Kubuntu booted just like it used to. It detected 2 processors and now KSensors shows the core temperatures at 35 C and 42 C. Now if I were using Windows, I would still be reformatting my Hard drive. Downside is that the TL-52 runs at 1600 MHz instead of 2000 MHz with the MK-36. Not sure that's going to hurt much. I really question whether Acer can help me if I have trouble with one of their products. The tech support, both online and by phone were a problem, in that they had generic answers like "go look on the website" or "you can't do that". One part of their website actually has my IP address blocked. Consulting with XO Communications, I find the problem was Acer's web site. The end result is that after a month or so of good performance and no problems, I can say that the TL-52 processor does run well under Kubuntu 7.10 in my Acer 5100-3357. However, the orignal question on boot log message errors was not resolved, indicating the problems are either in Kubuntu not detecting hardware well enough, or other hardware issues are present. PCI: BIOS BUG #81[49435000] found PCI: Cannot allocate resource region 7 of bridge 0000:00:04.0 PCI: Cannot allocate resource region 8 of bridge 0000:00:04.0 PCI: Cannot allocate resource region 9 of bridge 0000:00:04.0 PCI: Cannot allocate resource region 7 of bridge 0000:00:05.0 PCI: Cannot allocate resource region 8 of bridge 0000:00:05.0