Travelmate 5320 Upgrade Help

Ok, I literally got this new computer yesterday and its overwellmingly slow. Im quite new to computers but i think i'm doing well so far...

Its leanred that it has got the GL960 chipset so im going to upgrade the ram from 2x512MB PC-4200 533Mhz up to 2x1BG PC-5300 667MHz

Now this is past what intel says you can use, but it seems fine for the chipset according to other posts on this forum. I would firstly like to know what the best ram at this level is to go for. I like corsair myself but the fact that thier ram is called "value ram" has me worried...

Now thats small fry stuffm onto the bit where i'm REALLY STUCK!! ... CPU!!

I'm dying to drop a T7800 in it as i'm sure it will be fine. However...

Looking at the guide to the Aspire 5315 cpu upgrade everything seems fine and the chipset is the same. But this is a different computer. The main difference I see is that there are no upgrades for the BIOS of this laptop to run before i start. There are for XP on acer-europe but not VISTA which i want to stick too. Is this CPU going to work without a bios upgrade?

I think its going to take an expert in this area or hopefully the person who wrote the guide to the 5315 cpu upgrade to get me started. Or maybe someone who has upgraded a Travelmate 5320 sucessfully. I dont mind splashing out £25 for the ram, but the CPU is about £100 in the UK because we get wacked ($200) and i'd like some advice before making a big decision.

Thankyou for your help, David

 

I WAS BAD WRONG I WAS THINKING OF THE ASPIRE 5320 not the TRAVEL MATE

give me a few more minutes

if you have a travelmate 5320,,, it is an AMD BASED LAPTOP... it uses AMD CPUs so NO INTEL CPU is ever gonna work in that machine,,,

slow down... breath... and let's figure out what is up here,, i'm NOT KNOWLEDGABLE in the AMD arena at all... but i may know some members who can help... but you need to do some research about your laptop and what hardware it contains.... especially the CPU manufacturer, CHIPSET manufacturer, and the VIDEO manufacturer..

that info will help alot...

also the sticker on the RAM SLOT has numbers and letters on it... starting with MB.

the info on that sticker may come in very handy

 

The exact product is Acer TravelMate 5320-101G12MI Celeron M540

So from that title and what i've read i'm pretty sure its intel based. I'm nearly 100% that That M 540 celeron plugs into The GL960 chipset too... Hence why im comparing what i plan to do; to what has been done/atempted with the acer aspire 5315.

Can enyone confirm this so i can get the ball rolling?

 

i did reply in the other thread, but anyway, here is the vista bios ftp://ftp.acer-euro.com/notebook/travelmate_5320/vista/Bios/ that will help that side of things anyway

 

I think your memory options are rather limited if the technical information from Intel is anything to go by:

http://support.intel.com/Products/Notebook/Chipsets/GL960/GL960-overview.htm

I think it says you are limited to a 533Mhz cpu fsb speed and 533MHz memory, to a maximum of 2Gb.

If you install Kingston HyperX low latency memory, even if it won't run at its full speed, you should get 3-4-4-10 response at 533Mhz, rather than the 4-4-4-12 you would get at 667Mhz. (from the spd parameters stored in the memory chips which your chipset should read and act on)

Whether that gives you much of a performance lift I wouldn't be able to say. If the cost difference isn't much, give it a try. (Hyperx was almost the same price as normal when I bought some a month ago in the UK)

If you put the Vista cpu/memory speedometer gadget into your sidebar you get a quick feel for if/where you might have a major bottleneck. (to do this right click in the sidebar area and select add gadget)

Over simplifying things quite a bit - if the cpu dial is maxed out when the system is busy, a faster cpu could help. If you memory consistently exceeds 80% usage, more memory will probably help (up to your chipset or OS limit). If cpu and memory are ok but the hd light is constantly on then you need to think about/explore why the disk is busy....come back if you find this and we can help you dig deeper

 

Thankyou very much! had real trouble finding this BIOS

I'm going to flash this tonight with the 1.32 BIOS and treat it like a aspire 5315. Can't see there being any diffrence with the same chipset and BIOS settings from same manufacturer... can you?

This thread http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=3742576#post3742576 ... shows what the 5315 is capable of partail to what the manufacturers say.

I'm going from 2x512MB 533Mhz PC2-4200 RAM, M 540 1.86Ghz 1MB 533FSB CPU

Straight to 2x1GB 667Mhz PC2-5300 RAM, T7800 2.6Ghz 4MB 800FSB CPU

Very excited, will let you all know how it turns out. Thanks again for help from everyone. David

 

I'm awaiting your results with great interest, as I have the exact same laptop and this was exactly the sort of in fo I was looking for.

 

hi i was also looking to upgrade tm 5320 but had no info on it and after reading all the diiferent responses in forums about it i emailed acer direct about a memory and processor upgrade.to find out what the system could support here is a copy of the email i recieved back,hope it is of some use to all who wish to upgrade.


copy of email i sent


HI i own a acer travelmate 5320 and i would like to upgrade the processor and memory and was hoping that yous could give me the information i need ,i would like to know what processor to get and possibly where i can get this from also same for memory,



Model travelmate 5320, 101G12M!

Nothing has been change in the system so it is all as it was when i got it any advice would be great thank you.

copy of email recieved back from acer

Hello, Thank you for contacting Acer.
Regarding your enquiry,
Your system can use up to 4Gb of DDR2 667Mhz ram, however due to the limitations of a 32bit operating system you'll only be able to see and utilize approximately 3.2Gb of this.
You laptop uses Core " Duo Mobile processors up to the designation of t7700 but we wouldn't recommend changing them due to the increased heat output.
You are able to add hardware yourself, however if by doing so you damage any of the internal components of the machine during the fitting or as a result of the additional hardware your warranty may become void. Also note, that Acer would not support any additional hardware added by yourself, nor would we support any software conflicts arising in this configuration.
Regards
Matt
Acer Technical Support Team


Opening Times
Mon – Fri
09:00 to 17:30

Tel: 0870 853 1000
Fax: 0870 853 1004
Email: [email protected]

 

that has to be the best email i've ever seen from ACER... i always get a form email that has no real info at all...

but then again i have to email the US support site...

 

Anyone know anything about the "built in blue tooth" as when you try the switch, it says no bluetooth device found?

 

Double check your hardware. Depending on the model, there may not be a bluetooth module installed. Some users have reported successfully installing a bluetooth module themselves, but first you have to disassemble the laptop to find out if the connector is even there.

 

you have to buy the bluetooth module.ive seen them on ebay,just search for bluetooth module for travelmate.or google it.

 

ebay seller oldegg usually sells the modules... I personally haven't tried it yet though.

 

For some reason I didn't notice the other posts before posting my questions.

Do you know what I'm looking for, and where to look?

Also, if a "slot?" is found, where would I aquire one? (I'm in the UK)

There is a panel underneath that removes to reveal all the plugged in components, CPU, HDD, RAM and WiFi (makes a change for them all to be so accessable).

With this laptop having the switch and the message appearing on the screen, I think it's more likely the facility is there rather than not?

 

the BLUE TOOTH doesn't fit in a slot... it usually connects to a 4 to 8 pin connector on the motherboard...

i'm not sure exactly where on your board the connector is loacted,,, but i'm sure we can dig up a service guide... which will tell us

 

Found the bluetooth connector, it's a 4 pin, on the upper side of the mobo near the front centre.

 

cool,, glad you found it....

 

Time or another question, is there any way to improve the sound output? Even on full volume the sound is pitiful

 

And another one, BIOS says i'm running 8 meg of Graphics and I can't change it, any ideas?

 

The X3100 has 8MB dedicated memory. (And upto 358MB shared memory)

 

andy is correct... there is one setting dealing with OPENGL and the memory footprint size.... that can be changed to large,, but it doesn't efffect much IMO,,, the pc borrows system memory on the fly to augment the 8megs of dedicated on board memory..

 

The strange thing is, the user/service manual displays 128 where mine shows 8?

 

the answer is that the service guide you are reading is for 4 different models and each of those models has different video options available..

look at the attached PIC of specs for the systems covered by this SG

the LAST ATI video card listed in the video specifications has 128mb dedicated RAM and can use more dynamically as needed by the system...

so it seems obvious to me that the BIOS SCREENS you are looking at in the SG are screen shots of a system with that ATI HD2400XT or ATI HD2600 video card option...

if you have the INTEL X3100 based system then 8 megs is all that will show in your bios... see the SPECS listed in the attached PIC for all the details

 

So you can't set the amount of dedicated ram yourself?

The only reason I ask, is that on my Advent 7077 you can set the memory size yourself in the BIOS.

I'm not used to laptops but been building desktops for years, so Im pretty ignorant to what you can and can't do on laptops in the way of upgrading.

Like the sound for example on this laptop, even at full volume you could easily not even notice it has speakers as you can only hear anything in very quiet conditions, any ambient sound drowns it out.

 

some laptops do allow you to set the ammount of DYMANIC memory (the memory borrowed from system ram)..... but the DEDICATED memory is a fixed ammount that is soldered to the motherboard or the GPU card if you are dealing with a system that has a replaceable graphics adapter... but even in that case the only way to increase the DEDICATED MEMORY is to replace the graphics adapter with one that has more ram installed on it....

basically the dedicated ram is a fixed ammount that cannot be changed....and while some laptops allow users to set the ammount of DYMANIC MEMORY a system can use,,, i've not seen any of the newer ACERs that have that feature implemented in BIOS....

 

Dámn.

And I used the term "dedicated" loosely, I realise it's borrowed from the system RAM.

Is there anything I can do to improve the sound output?

 

Another question, is it only the "T" range of processors that can be installed, and what is the pin configuration? Ebay is full of the "E" range but very few decent "T"

I've also had a reply from Acer:

Hello, Thank you for contacting Acer.

Regarding your enquiry,

The TravelMate 5320 will support upto a maximum Intel Core 2 Duo T7300 800MHz FSB with up to 4GB DDR2 667MHz RAM (with 64-bit OS)

Your machine does not have a bluetooth module installed and yes one can be fitted subject to a charge unless you can source one yourself and install it yourself, however you will void your warranty in doing so.

Regards

Steve
Acer Technical Support Team

Opening Times
Mon – Fri
09:00 to 17:30

Tel: 0870 853 1000
Fax: 0870 853 1004
Email: [email protected]

 

Anyone?????

 

Yep only "T" models will work. The "E" models are for desktops If I recall correctly.

 

Cheers, had a feeling that was the case, still need to know if there is anyway to improve the sound output as most of the time your wouldn't even know it's on.

 

Hi I've got almost the same stuff: 7320 the only difference is bigger display. I want to upgrade my celleron to core so i buy t5300 and it toesynt work for me. Celleron serial beguns with SLA and core begins with SL9 so i was possitive that its gone work but it doesn't. so guys what next? any ideas with Tangiz motherboard? te serial beguns with lxtng. I've also tried a t2xxx from F-S notebook but Acer just make fiew beeps. sorry for my spelling

 

Welcome to NBR.

Did you update your BIOS before the upgrade?

 

I've nottice that there is bios 1.35 on acer's ftp so i'll try this one. And try with the newest one.

 

Right, bit of an update, updated the sound driver which has improved things, but still need it on full volume to hear it.

Also, I've found that even though Acer say this laptop can run 4gig ram, after installing it, it will only run on two max, any more than that and it's the BSoD.

Also, my Graphics score has gone down from 3.1 to 2.6?

I've looked to see if there is updated firmware on the Acer website, but they list none for Vista only XP?

 

If you upgrade to the latest BIOS you may have 4GB support. Try the XP version in Vista, it should work...

 

I take it there is no Windows flash utility?

 

I don't understand the question. If a 3rd party Bios Update software for Windows exist? Yes, Winflash.
Just download the 1.35 for XP, extract the archive and try to run CLB-135.EXe fron Winflash32 directory. If it's made for XP only Vista won't run it. But there is a good chance that it will run it. The BIOS update for my Aspire 5715Z are for Vista ONLY but I update my BIOS from XP. Got the idea?
Don't forget to close all antivirus/firewall/antispyware-malware etc programs during BIOS update. The laptop have to be plugged in, don't update your BIOS on battery.

 

CLB wont run, downloaded winflash but when I try to run it it freezes the system and I have to manually turn off.

 

Try the CLB-135.BAT, which is outside the the Winflash32 directory of the BIOS update archive. Apparently it's meant for Dos/Windows usage and since it's BAT file I guess it could work with XP.

This is the code of the BAT file:

Code:

@echo off

set UMAROM=CLB-135.WPH
set UMAWFEXE=CLB-135.EXE


cls
[B]if (%OS%)==(Windows_NT) goto WindowsMode
[/B]
:DOSMode
echo *********** BIWA BIOS Flash Utility  ***********
REM ***************************************************************
REM *** Just modify the above part ********************************
echo Notice:
echo 1. This procedure may replace your BIOS!
echo    If you don't want to do it, press Ctrl-C to cancel.
echo 2. Make sure you plug in the AC adapter before flashing BIOS.
echo    If not, DO NOT flash!
echo 3. This utility will check if the battery capacity is over 30%%. 
echo    If not, it will stop to flash the BIOS.
pause


ACERACDC
if errorlevel 255 goto BIWA
goto end


:BIWA
phlash16 /x /s /c /mode=3 /BBL /pn %UMAROM%
goto end


[B]:WindowsMode
CLS
echo *** WinFlash Will start ,please wait ...........  ***[/B]


:WBIWA
cd winflash
%UMAWFEXE%
goto end


:end

cd ..

If the BAT doesn't work either, your only chance is under DOS mode, but it's more complicated, you'll need a startup DOS CD, with the BIOS on it...Or try to do a bit of research and see if someone can tell you how to flash your BIOS from Vista.
This is all I can think of.

 

This is from the service manual but I'm not sure what I'm supposed to be doing?

BIOS Flash Utility

The BIOS flash memory update is required for the following conditions:
 New versions of system programs
 New features or options
 Restore a BIOS when it becomes corrupted.

Use the Phlash utility to update the system BIOS flash ROM.

NOTE: If you do not have a crisis recovery diskette at hand, then you should create a Crisis Recoveryn Diskette before you use the Phlash utility.

NOTE: Do not install memory-related drivers (XMS, EMS, DPMI) when you use the Phlash.

NOTE: Please use the AC adaptor power supply when you run the Phlash utility. If the battery pack does not contain enough power to finish BIOS flash, you may not boot the system because the BIOS is not completely loaded.

Fellow the steps below to run the Phlash.

1. Prepare a bootable diskette.
2. Copy the flash utilities to the bootable diskette.
3. Then boot the system from the bootable diskette. The flash utility has auto-execution function.

 

This the DOS method. Instead of diskette you can use a DOS system CD. Complicated method.
If you want to follow it you'll need to find and download a Windows95/98 startup CD ISO. Then add the extracted content of the BIOS update on the ISO and the burn it to a CD. Then restart, and start the laptop using the CD. Then you'll be able to use the BAT file and flash the BIOS. If you're not sure how to do all this you better leave the idea of DOS BIOS update and try to find a easier way.

 

Well I created a bootable DVD with Nero and added the 135 files as the instructions say, but when it boots I get an A:/ no idea what to do now

 

Are the files in v1.35 directory on the CD? If yes type(the bold part):

A:\> CD v1.35 press Enter [If you burnt the BIOS files in a different directory(folder) instead of v1.35 type the name of your dir/folder]

A:\> CLB-135 press Enter

The flash process should start.

If you copied the files and Winflash32 dir directly on the cd type only:

A:\> CLB-135 press Enter

 

Bend me over and spank me with a wet fish, "right click, run as administrator" Doh!

Bloody Vista, but alas, all in vane, it still wont run with anymore than 2gig.

 

Hahah yeah I didn't suggested that coz I barely use Vista. So you did the Bios update and still no 4GB support? Tried to reseat the sticks? And place 1st in the 2nd slot and in reverse?

 

Yip, and switched, and tried to use the 512 I was replacing, the BIOS sees it, but when it boots you get the BSoD!

 

Well if it's not the BIOS maybe it's the new ram's fault. Tried to run the laptop with the new RAM only? If it boots up properly you can test the RAM with memtest86+. When you get BSOD what is the error code? 0x000what?
Other than that...

 

I've used both sticks seperately, and both work fine, as soon as you try to run with both, it's BSoD, same if I use one of the 2 gig and one of the 512, didn't note the error code, but I will next time

 

It seems that the BIOS doesn't support 4GB. I can't think of anything else to suggest. I guess your best shot is to contact ACER and ask them why you get BSODs when they claim your laptop supports 4GB, and you have the latest BIOS.

 

Just emailed them, but I expect it will be a few days before they reply.