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    5920 Memory and CPU upgrade

    Discussion in 'Acer' started by djrh, Feb 9, 2008.

  1. djrh

    djrh Notebook Enthusiast

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    I am going to upgrade my 5920's CPU and memory and I have two questions:

    1. It's currently running T5450, and I got a second hand T7700 to replace it. Is there anything I could do to reduce the heat? Should I use heatsink compound? If yes, which one would be the best?

    2. As for the memory upgrade, I am planning to get the OCZ 4GB (2 x 2GB) 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) :
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227251

    Has anybody tried PC2 6400 on his 5920? Is it running at 800 or 667? I read it's compatible, but want to avoid paying more if it runs on 667.

    Also, is your Vista recognizing all 4g or less?

    Thanks for your input.
     
  2. warrick88

    warrick88 Notebook Guru

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    1. Use silver paste on cores, this should reduce the heat. (but not radically)
    2. Santa Rosa platform underclocks it to 667.
    Last but not least, only 64 bit OS can handle all the 4gb :)
     
  3. Tinderbox (UK)

    Tinderbox (UK) BAKED BEAN KING

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    Hi.

    I just ordered an 5920 with the following spec

    *********************************************************
    ntel Core 2 Duo T7700 processor. 4096Mb RAM. 500Gb hard drive. 20in CrystalBrite TFT display. HD DVD drive. NVidia GeForce 8600m GT Graphics 512mb dedicated. 8 cell battery. WiFi Darft N. Integrated 1.3Mp CrystalEye webcam. Bluetooth™. VoIP phone. TV tuner with remote control. Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate.
    *********************************************************

    will the Windows Vista Ultimate be 32 or 64bit.

    thanks

    John.
     
  4. warrick88

    warrick88 Notebook Guru

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    It must be 64bit, because the 32bit one can't handle all the 4GB, only approximately 3GB (as i know).

    But wait, if we think a bit more about it, it's possible, that they preinstalled the 32bit edition (this has more driver support), if this is the case, you won't see the full amount of your ram. :)
     
  5. tumnasgt

    tumnasgt Notebook Evangelist

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    Lots of companies ship 4GB of RAM with Vista 32bit, stupid, but that's how it is
     
  6. djrh

    djrh Notebook Enthusiast

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    so, there is no point of getting the 6400? Should I go with the cheaper 5300? Thanks.
     
  7. Synergy6

    Synergy6 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Sorry to bump, but I'm looking an answer to the same question. I have a 5920G (T7300, 2GB PC5300) which I'm looking to upgrade to 4GB. Crucial have 2x2GB PC2-5300 for £56, and the same in PC2-6400 for £70. a) Would the faster memory be a waste of money, and b) is this a hardwired issue, or possibly sidestepped in the future (some sort of BIOS hack to allow 6400 memory, perhaps?)
    Thanks

    P.S. Could anyone point me to a guide for replacing the memory, or is it ridiculously simple? (I've replaced components in desktops, but never a laptop)
     
  8. e30sep11

    e30sep11 Notebook Guru

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    here is the link to download service manual for 5920g. hope this will help.

    Post edited by ATG, reason: not allowed
     
  9. Synergy6

    Synergy6 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks for that :)
     
  10. warrick88

    warrick88 Notebook Guru

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    I think there won't be any possibilities of bios hacking for this platform, but one of the forthcoming platforms should have this ability. You can buy the PC2-6400 if you want, otherwise you can save some money on it :)
     
  11. Synergy6

    Synergy6 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Ta, I'm going to save my cash and go for the lower speed.
     
  12. dannywanny

    dannywanny Notebook Consultant

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    I'm also thinking about sticking 4GB of RAM into my 5920. Is Crucial a good reliable manufacturer, and do you know if the sticks themselves are good quality? Timings for example?

    Also, I'm a little cautious about opening up my laptop and fiddling with it. I don't think upgrading the RAM invalidates the warranty, but I've heard things about static electricity completely messing up your laptop if you do things wrong. And I've also heard that sometimes when you buy RAM it is completely 'dead on arrival' and doesn't work as it should - maybe even causing problems...

    So could anybody reassure me on these points? Perhaps explain what I need to do and what I should expect if I mail-ordered some more RAM. Cheers!
     
  13. Ahmed_p800

    Ahmed_p800 Notebook Evangelist

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    I think 3GB Ram is more than enough (for me at least)

    I was able to use more than 20 programs at a time (for test purposes) and i never have a problem

    So i advise you to upgrade to 3GB only and save money for something else (say larger Hdd for example)

    I think the 5920 is not compatible with 800MHz ram, at least that what i think
     
  14. bigozone

    bigozone JellyRoll touring now

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    Crucial is a above average manufacturer, and have a good return policy, there are better brands out there, and the are cheaper brands that perform just as well as crucial (but without the support crucial provides). Crucial is an excelent choice for the price.

    as far as opening the laptop, to replace the ram should be a VERY EASY procedure, just remove the large cover on the bottom of the laptop., usually involves about 4 screws...

    Before we dissamble,, unhook the POWER CABLE, REMOVE THE BATTERY,, then PRESS THE POWER BUTTON to drain any residual power from the MB's capicitors..... (NOW THE FUN BEGINS)

    1. remove screws 1 at a time.... turn laptop right side up and shake lightly till the screw falls out, repete for each screw one at a time ( prevents lost screws)...

    2. with screws removed, use fingernail or small screwdriver to prise the large cover up slightly (raise (bow) plastic in center) this will help moving plastic catches out of thier mounting holes with out damaging them.

    3. with cover removed you should see the RAM (DIMMS). to remove the installed DIMMS there are catches on each end of the DIMM cards, softly press the catches away from the dimms, and then the first dim should be easy to remove by softly raising the dimm up about 30 degrees. then pull the DIMM out of the slot....

    4. repeat step 3 for the other dimm which should have been under the first (the one you just removed.

    5. replace a NEW dimm in the slot up just emptied,,, make sure it is pushed all the way in to the socket, then push down until it locks back in place.

    6. now replace the new memory in the the TOP/FIRST dimm socket you emptied. follow steps in #5.

    7. After making sure that all ram is seated properly, it is time to replace the bottom cover/access pannel. no need to replace the 4 screws until the unit has been tested and boots properly.

    8. plug up AC power cord... turn on unit press f2 to enter BIOS... check that the RAM reported matches the ammount installed.

    9. if so then shut down the laptop,,, and re install all the screws into the the bottom access pannel., then replace the battery.


    that should do it

    later ken
     
  15. dannywanny

    dannywanny Notebook Consultant

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    Wow that's a really great explanation - thanks a lot! Would you say that Crucial has decent performance? I'm only interested in 667mhz RAM, and I don't need extreme speed or anything, just something that is fast out-of-the-box. Do you know any sites that compare?
     
  16. Synergy6

    Synergy6 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Crucial has decent performance for the price. It's not blistering, but then it's not supposed to be. I think most of it is around CL5, but you can check. Just to add to bigozone's post, there are 9 screws you need to remove on the bottom of the 5920G.