Recommendations for XPS m1530 upgrades

Hi notebookreview,

My names Bill, new member here. Ive been searching and reading the forums for about a month now. Finally registered and ready to ask a few unanswered questions. I know more than most about computers, but less than many...

I will be disassembling much of my m1530 to replace the palm rest (mushy left pad button). Ive also gotten a little bored with this laptop. So, rather than spending 1500+ for a new laptop, Ive decided to spend a little money here to increase performance of this laptop. The laptop is primarily used for MS office, web browsing, some light gaming and photo editing. Ill admit, for most people, this laptop likely performs well. But, I'm a performance junky and would like to see a little more.

The plan
SSD drive 256mb
Perhaps increase memory
Replace palm rest
Install windows 7 (full version)

Current Set-up
2008/2009 Dell XPS M1530
BIOS A12
OS: Windows Vista Home 32bit Service Pack 2
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo CPU T9300 @ 2.5GHz
Memory: 4.00GB
Hard Drive: Seagate 220GB 7200RPM
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 8600m GT
Network: Dell Wireless 1395 WLAN Mini-card
Battery: Oversized

I am awfully impatient, so increasing speed is a must. I keep Vista running very well and although I am not miserable with Vista, I am ready for new scenery.
SSD: Im looking at the Samsung 256gb SSD and the Crucial 256gb SSD. Opinions on either? Can I make use of the m4 Crucial SSD SATA 6gb/s or am I limited to the 3gb/s SATA connection? IE: Crucial m4 or Crucial C300 model

Memory: Its an easy time to upgrade memory at this time. I will be installing win 7 so a 64-bit OS is covered. Does BIOS A12 allow me to run 8gb of memory or am I still limited to 6gb. I have read the great memory install thread here (but that was A09). if limited to 6gb, is it worth spending the $70 for 2gb increase-remember going to 64bit?
***EDIT*** looks like BIOS A11 allows 8gb with the m1530:


So, as far as memory goes: This work?

Im still researching the Windows 7 install and SSD optimization.

Wireless Card: Ive seen a few threads where the wireless cards were replaced. I have had intermittent issues with the wireless card on this laptop, but overall it functions fine 98% of the time. With the current Dell 1395 card, I see approximately 48-54 mbps on wireless here at work. Sound okay? Worth swapping to a intel 5300? I also have a WWAN card that came with the laptop. I dont use that service and may remove it

My sleep/hibernate functions have never worked properly.

Battery: My battery works okay, but Im expecting to need a replacement soon. Ive pretty much gotten used to living near outlets with this thing. I will likely ditch the oversized battery for the regular version. I hate the shape



Anything else I am missing here? Any must-do's that I have missed. I can replace the parts and perform the installs, but I get lost quickly in part numbers. Just need directed to the right stuff so Im using the optimal parts.

Thank you ahead of time for all of your help and advise

Bill

 

ttt anybody verify my direction?

 

Memory and SSD will probably give you a great boost in speed, as well as doing a fresh install of Windows 7, way faster and more stable, especially if you go the 64 bit route. 4-6GB of memory should be enough, I doubt you'll see much of a performance gain going to 8GB with your type of usage but if the price doesn't break the bank, i say go for it (barring your BIOS limits it).

Wireless card is up to you, if you're fine with the current one, I say keep it. Of course, it always depends on the right price. I'm not sure going with the Intel wireless card will boost your speed significantly, but I their range is a little better (may or may not be wrong). And if better signal quality means faster speed, maybe they go hand in hand? Someone can clarify this for me if they want. Also if your current card isn't wireless N and you have a fully wireless N capable router, switching over can definitely give you a boost in range and speed.

While you have the panels open, you may want to get some compressed air and clean out the dust on the heat sinks and fans. And if you're up to the task, maybe replace the thermal pastes on the video card and processor to Artic Silver pastes if they aren't already.

Just weigh the benefits of spending money on replacing parts or selling the m1530 and purchasing a new laptop (prices are so low now and hardware is so much faster, it's ridiculous!)

Be warned though that the 8600m GT can be faulty, as Nvidia botched the manufacturing process of them so it may or may not die on you in the future. If it's lasted this long, and you don't use processing intensive graphics or games and it's being kept cool, there probably won't be a failure but just giving you a heads up. My previous laptop (Sager NP2090) had an 8600m GT and it failed about 2 years later. You've had your laptop longer than that (if you purchased the m1530 brand new) so it doesn't seem to be a problem for you. Good luck upgrading! It'll be a lot of fun.

 

Thanks for the response. I think Ive specd out the parts that Ill purchase. Goign the Crucial M4 route.

I have a WWAN card in my laptop. Can i use one of the antennae wires from the WWAN card (that I dont use) for the third antannae for the new wireless card?

I havent had any NVIDEA problems yet.. Still considering purchasing a new laptop.. It would probably net better results if I installed an SSD (since this laptop is only SATA II capable..

what to do what to do... Ill be leaving dell if I get a replacement though.. Dad's a big-wig for HP

 

Crucial M4 is great drive. It'll be slower in large file transfers than spec'd due to your SATA2 connection, but your random performance will be off the chart, which is what really matters for OS/programs. Plus it can be moved to a future laptop/desktop!

 

I would leave your machine alone honestly. At most a HDD upgrade and Windows 7 install. It's already better than most M1530 on the market. Given the Nvidia timebomb, I would just use it until it dies or sell it to recoup costs and buy a new laptop.

 

Are people finding these things easy to sell? Are they worth selling? Whats it worth?

Well thinking about this again. SSD = $420, memory is $140, Win 7 full edition is $150 minimum .. im at $700 plus.. maybe its worth going after a new PC and leaving this alone as a backup.

hmmmm.. New hardware in a new laptop would probably make all the difference

 

I agree with Tsunade-sama. SSD Upgrade and Windows 7 installation for speed increase. More RAM is honestly useless and your system is pretty decent already. Either that or buy something else, that thing is indeed a ticking time-bomb (if you game or do anything GPU-intensive for long periods of time).

 

ebay seems to be selling them from $200-$500 on average. there are quite a few there with no bids. i wouldn't put to much money into it. as stated above ticking time bomb.

 

thanks guys, I think I might just invest in a new laptop. Ill get twice the results from the SSD in a new laptop with SATA III or higher capabilities..

I like the looks of the XPS 15z.. But more than likely it will be an HP envy or dv6t

Thanks for your advice

Bill