I just need confirmation. I understand that the sandy brige is built with a different architecture then the 1st generation 17.

So am I correct in assuming that in order for me to upgrade my laptop, I would need to not only replace the processor, but also the chipset (motherboard)?

edit - which might be impossible for an asus.

What's a first generation 17?

But yes you would need a new chipset to upgrade from the old i7 to sandy bridge.

2nd generation i7 needs to be in Intel 6 chipset even in laptop
while 1st gen i7 needs to be in Intel 5 chipset including laptop

see Control Panel-->Device Manager-->System

They both use DMI and the difference is only 1 pin so it might work.
The lowest TDP for a non low power SB CPU is 65W so it would burn up even if you could get it to work.

The 2nd gen i7 Sandy Bridge is perfect for HTPC, if anyone is interested.

you need a new chipset and i think its a best way rather trying some other ways...

I was struggling with my gen i7 without knowing these facts about it. Thanks for the information you guys have added here.