Dell XPS M1330 Upgrades

Sorry if this has been discussed earlier but I can't remember seeing a post covering all of this..

OK I'm still debating between the M1330 and the SZ6 (and others) but I'm interested in how easy the XPS is to upgrade

If I get the XPS I plan to get mostly everything at its cheapest and upgrade i.e. T5250 processor, 1GB RAM, cheapest HD (8400 graphics, LED etc.. though)

I know that RAM and the HD will be easy enough (right?) but how easy will the processor be especially as its seems to be pre-SR (667). The question is will the notebook be able to support higher chips in that will the motherboard and cooling insde be the same no matter what processor is chosen - or is it still too early to know?

In addition I assume that the slot drive will be a 9.5mm instead of a 12.7mm - any found a blu-ray that may be used in the XPS. I've found http://store.fastmac.com/product_info.php?cPath=10_2_52&products_id=195 but I've a hunch its a normal size one (can't find the dimensions...)

Thanks in advance ...

 

Dell machines are usually more accessable for upgrading and have better maintenance docs than other machines.

Both M1330 and SZ6 are Santa Rosa machines
From what I read elsewhere I think the memory cannot run at 800MHz, only 667 even in Santa Rosa... but part of the bus is 800 MHz (FSB?).

I also saw a post saying the cpus can be upgraded in the Dell - sounded like they were socketed.

Don't expect to be able to upgrade the graphics card - get the 8400M GS if you need it.

Don't expect to be able to upgrade the screen - LED are in short supply at the moment... though maybe later it is possible to get Dell to send you the LED screen but I don't think it would be cost effective to buy this way.

There are lots of reports of it being cheaper to get minimum RAM and hard disk and upgrade yourself. That would also perhaps give you the option of upgrading the HDD with a model with G-Shock protection.
But I think the hard disk replacement may not be as trivial as you might expect due to hidden partition(s) e.g. for Dell Media Direct. However, they may provide a CD or DVD which lets you recreate that or you may not want that partition anyway.

I suspect Dell will come out with a Bluray drive eventually and hopefully it will be possible to order it on it's own for retro-fitting.

 

There's no point upgrading anything but the HDD and RAM yourself. You void the warranty by changing the CPU and the screen wont be economical to change yourself.

 

I should have been clearer, I only plan to upgrade the CPU, RAM and HDD in the near furture. I've never claimed on a warranty on my life or plan to do so, too much hassle sending it back etc..just wanted to check if these upgrades (mainly the CPU) are feasible.

Thanks for the replies, I think Ill make my decision when I find out when/if the SZ6's will be released in the UK..

 

very feasible but not recommended.

The best thing about the xps warranty is its next day on site as standard. (1 -4 years being your choice). That way if it breaks its fixed the next day and you're on your way again. Its why I buy dells.

 

Admittedly such a service seems great compared to saving a few hundred pounds. However can anyone tell me how well built Dells generally are. I've been out of the notebook loop for quite a while as I've been happy with my Toshiba which has never broken down in 3-4 yrs despite a number of drops (admitedly i did manage to shatter the network card but I managed to get around this). Have Dell got a reputation that it will break down at least once (to a extent which isn't easily repaired) in say a 2-3 year period on average? Also if it were to break couldn't I just put back the old CPU and claim that I hadn't tampered with it, would they know that I've replaced the CPU?. I say this because I'd much prefer to go to a computer repair shop then wait for a Dell technician as it seems more convienient and depending on Dell's reliability and severity ofproblem possibly more cost effective?

 

heh, i only went with the 1 year service as i figure if i cant fix the problem, dell sure as hell wont be able to

 

However, if you have a longer warranty and dell can't fix the problem you get the system replaced at no cost.

 

I think same way like you.
I ordered T5250 processor, less RAM, cheapest HD. (but +8400GS, LED)
I am planning to add 4GB and 250GB 5400rpm HD for $400 and setup dual boot Vista64 and XP.
M1330 is SR but I think T5250 is just not using 800Hz bus (bus speed is variable and even using lower speed for power saving mode). CPU is not bottle neck for me but after warranty expires, look for if there is new generation of CPU that more powerful but not so power hungry and use same socket exist. Same for HD-DVD and/or Blue ray.

You cannot configure very low class CPU, RAM and HD for SZ6 and last generation of SZ you need to open keyboard to change HD (may void the warranty).
Last Dell notwbook I have, Dell put up service manual on the web to help CPU upgrade.
As long as new CPU is using by same M1330 mother board and if there is new heat pipe you can buy new heat pipe from Dell and service manual will be updated.

Sony’s Dual GPU is nice but I recommend M1330.

 

Has the dell.com & dell.ca been partially updated wrt to blu-ray for the m1330? Or has it always said this?

ie. http://www.dell.com/content/products/category.aspx/notebooks?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs
says:
Available Slot Load and Blu-Ray optical drives, biometric finger print readers and more

Or
http://www1.ca.dell.com/content/products/category.aspx/notebooks?c=ca&cs=cadhs1&l=en&s=dhs
says:
Blu-Ray now available - Get the ultimate high-def movie experience

No option for it thought in configuration options.

 

On Dell's website, they have manuals for taking apart the laptop.

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xpsM1330/en/index.htm

 

They are talking about the XPS M1710