The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Aspire 7720(z)-3040 possible upgrade path

    Discussion in 'Acer' started by Icewyng, Mar 7, 2014.

  1. Icewyng

    Icewyng Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Hi everyone,

    Someone gave me an Aspire 7720-3040 laptop with a screen that was acting out. Long story short, it was a loose cable so I got myself a nice laptop.

    Now, I would like to upgrade that laptop to speed it up a little. I was able to find a service manual and took a look at it. My tech skills are good since I like to repair electronics myself.

    1) From what I understand, since I have a GMA x3100, it is impossible for me to upgrade the GPU correct? The part of the motherboard where there would be a GPU is empty.

    2) What would be good options as far as CPU & memory goes?

    My motherboard model is: MBAKM02001 (used in a few Acer notebooks from what I can tell).
     
    Icewyng, Mar 7, 2014
    #1
  2. triturbo

    triturbo Long live 16:10 and MXM-B

    Reputations:
    1,577
    Messages:
    3,845
    Likes Received:
    1,239
    Trophy Points:
    231
    GPU - definite no-go.
    CPU - T8300, T9300 or T9500 - depends on how deep pockets you have.
    RAM - I'm not sure if it can run 8GB (2x4GB), but 4GB (2x2GB) 667MHz (PC2-5300) are fine.
     
    triturbo, Mar 7, 2014
    #2
  3. Icewyng

    Icewyng Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    A shame I don't have the "right" model. Any tips tp improve the video acceleration on the X3100? Also, would be a problem if I went for the T9300 or T9500?

    Finally, anything else (beside the HDD) I should consider upgrading? or recomendations for the ExpressCard Port?

    Thank you for your help.
     
    Icewyng, Mar 8, 2014
    #3
  4. triturbo

    triturbo Long live 16:10 and MXM-B

    Reputations:
    1,577
    Messages:
    3,845
    Likes Received:
    1,239
    Trophy Points:
    231
    For the X3100 - read this topic, or at least the last couple of pages.

    T9300 and T9500 work fine, but you'll need new thermal paste. I recommend MX-4.

    Nothing really (besides SSD, which would give you pretty nice system boost), maybe USB 3.0 ExpressCard.
     
    triturbo, Mar 8, 2014
    #4
  5. don h

    don h Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    10
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    6
    You can upgrade the motherboard for $50 on ebay. Then you will need a video card, heat sink and other misc hardware hacks. Probably not worth the effort but a nice hobby project. lol
     
    don h, Mar 9, 2014
    #5