I realize this a 3 yr old thread, but the reply is at best misleading! Having just upgraded a Sony Vaio PCG-7184L from a T6600 to a Q9000 the ONLY issue to be concerned about is added power draw and heat! with CPU throttling the issue pretty much takes carre of itself!
components "meant" to wotk with currently installed CPU? that is like saying your new Car can ONLY use brand X oil and brand Y petrol! the CPU, if not soldered to the board (thus being a different socket than Socket P which is what this model uses) and the Intel GM/GS 45 Express chipset. I took a chance on a 1066 front side bus, chancing that Sony may have disabled support for 1066, yet it installed, booted and runs exactly at spec as per intel white sheet for Core 2 Quad q9000. yes, there is more power being drawn as the previous CPU was 35w and the Q9000 is a 45w. I used Arctic Silver and thoroughly cleaned the fan housing/fan. max temps are 55-56c. well within tolerances.
This is not an upgrade for a novice and you must be willing to accept a void warranty, but this system is how old? it was brought to me by a client who said they wanted a quad core, and I bought one, installed it charging them $50. I have been doing this since the grand old days of the 80286, and it irks me when a "tech" gives erroneous information in order to disuade. if you dont want someone to open the system and upgrade, you let them know it WILL VOID your warranty, it MAY NOT WORK, and if it does it will use more power and generate more heat. not some made up tech speak as to the "components are meant to only work with the current CPU..." as if Intel or AMD make specific CPU's for a specific manufacturers models. poppycock!