Acer 5720G Upgrade. Help.

Hi guys. Because I am new here, please excuse me if I am writing in the wrong section of the forum. I have an Acer Aspire 5720G-3A2G25Mi. I want to upgrade it. The factory specs are:

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo T5450 1.66 GHz, 667 MHz FSB, 2 MB L2 cache
Socket: PPGA478 Spec Code: SLAEB (CPU-Z says: Socket P 478)
GPU: NVidia 8400M GS
RAM: 2 x 1 GB SO-DIMM DDR2
CHIPSET: Intel PM965 Express Chipset (I am not really sure, CPU-Z says so)
HDD: 250 GB
BIOS: ACER V. 1.45 (from ACER-Europe)

For the GPU I have read here in the forum that MXM II is the right type for me, so I have to choose between NVidia GeForce 9600M GT 512 DDR3 or GT 240M 1GB DDR3. I found the GT 240M for about 200 usd. Yes or No? Is there a new BIOS version or the 1.45 from Acer is ok for all the improvements? RAM, I will purchase 2 x 2GB 667 MHZ (TRANSCEND JM667QSU-2G 2GB SO-DIMM DDR2 PC2-5300 667MHZ or CORSAIR VS2GSDS667D2 2GB SO-DIMM DDR2 VALUE SELECT PC2-5300 or KINGSTON KVR667D2S5/2G SO-DIMM DDR2 2GB 667MHZ). Can it be 800 MHz or the PM965 support only 667 MHz? I want to replace the hard drive with a SSD. I have found OCZ Vertex-2 60GB. I do not know which CPU to search. In Intel’s site, says that PM965 is compatible with: C2D T8300/8100/9300/9500 & C2Extreme X7800/7900/9000. How about the T7250/7300/7500/7700/7800? Isn’t these compatible? What is your opinion about the CPU? I found on eBay the T8300. For its price (used aprx. 54 usd) I can tell that is better from the T9500 (new 158 usd). I have one more question. Which is the difference between socket PGA478 and PPGA478? The T5450 that I have now is PPGA478 but the T8300 is PGA478, according to Intel’s site. Finally I want your opinion about the ES or QS. I have found some CPUs that next to the model say ES.

 

PM965 supports 800mhz. Don't get an X series, it will run too hot. Don't buy an ES CPU if you're not sure if it has temp sensors. I don't think the t9500 or 240m is worth it, that is a total of 350 which could get you a much better newer laptop.

The 9600m wont beat intels latest graphics.. This means you don't even have to buy a gaming laptop for it to be better at gaming, as long as its new.

 

OK. Thank you for your help. I have found the T8300 SLAYQ (used,no ES) for about 34 EUR (incl.shipping). RAM: 2 x CORSAIR VS2GSDS800D2 SO-DIMM DDR2 2GB PC6400 800MHZ. Is there any compatibility problem with PC2-6400? Because now I have PC2-5300. I will leave the 8400M GS as it is.

 

There shouldn't be any problem with 800mhz RAM, especially with the 800mhz FSB of the t8300. Even on older socket M chipsets, 800mhz RAM will downclock to 667mhz and work fine.

 

I have one more question. I want with the HDD that I have now, and it will be replaced from the SSD, to replace the DVD drive. What bay caddy should I buy?This is my DVD drive.

View attachment 88233

Is this OK? http://www.ebay.com/itm/12-7mm-Opti...1?pt=US_Drive_Bay_Caddies&hash=item2a1f2c7fe3

 

Yes, that should work.