T5500

I have just ordered an XPS M1530. I chose the T5500 processor and 8600GT as i didn't think the T8100 was worth the extra cash, but i changed my mind and decided i might as well get the best i can afford.

But as it turns out my laptop has already gone into shipping (In one day, i couldn't believe it )

So now i am stuck with the T5500, so my question is:

Is this a good processor and will i see much of a difference compared to the T8100 and would it be possible to upgrade the processor at a later date?

It is actually a T5550 processor not a T5500, dont know if this makes a big difference.

 

That is pretty shocking. I believe you can return it within 30 days for a full refund. Then you could order a new one. So I would use most of the 30 days to see if it does everything you need it to do and then decide.

EDIT: Also, it is possible to upgrade the processor later so that is an option

 

Thanks for the quick response!

I am not too happy as i plan on keeping this laptop for a good couple of years so although the processor may be good to go now I would like it to still be quick enough a couple of years down the line.

 

Yeah I avoid the T5xxx series as much as possible as they're lower end CPUs

 

So do you recommend i take delivery of the laptop, or should i get in contact and say that i would like the T8100.

How easy would it be for me to upgrade the cpu myself?

 

I have just checked my order status, and it has been dispatched and is on the way to me either tomorrow or Thursday, so i can not even phone to cancel in the morning or demand to get the cpu changed.

My order has been ordered, produced and sent for delivery in 1 day

Would it be possible to ask that Dell send out a tech to fit the new cpu?

 

I doubt they will swap out your CPU unless it is bad. You'll just have to return it.

 

There is nothing wrong with the T5xxx series processors. I consider them mainstream processors. If you say they should be avoided lol the Pentium Dual Cores and Celerons must be put in the bin then!

What are you going to be using the laptop for? Under normal everyday use such as surfing the net etc I doubt you would notice the difference.

The T5550 will last you quite a while and will be very capable. By the time your processor become completely obsolete so will the T8100 (and the rest of the laptop).

 

I will mainly be using the laptop for general Internet and office tasks, and then with programs such as Visual studio and a little bit of Photshop for my uni work.

 

You wouldnt miss the T8100, the T5550 will be fine for you. Save the money and spend it on books/beer lol

 

If you really want the T8100 just return the laptop, but only if it has the grainy Samsung display. If it comes with the LG display keep the laptop and upgrade CPU in a year or so.

That's my 2 pennies.

 

Thanks for all the replies

I should have the laptop tomorrow, I will try it out for a few days or so and see how i find it.

How do you check what screen you are given?

And finally is the CPU upgrade a simple procedure?

 

If you changed a CPU before, even on a desktop, it should be simple.

To check the display you have, go to Device Manager/Monitor/ Right click on Generic PnP monitor/Properties/Details/Hardware ID on the drop-down menu and write here what it says there.

Or you can request an invoice copy from Dell and go to your Dell account, input the Service Tag from the bottom of the invoice and you can see the display you have before the laptop gets to you.

Mine is an LG and it looked like this:

1 XK309 LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY..., 15.4WSXGA+, VIDEO ELEC. STDS. ASSOC...., TLF, LGP

 

Don't just return the laptop because your screen is a Samsung, if its a bad screen you can tell without looking at the brand.

Not all Samsung screens are bad, and it doesnt look like the OP told us what particular resolution he got.

 

It sounds like a lot of the bad samsungs have been flushed out. I'd say take a good hard look at your screen and if you are happy with it, then no worries.

 

yep, not all samsung are bad just a lot more lgs happen to be good!

 

I have now received the XPS M1530.

I have the LG screen

I will give it a test run and see how i find it with the T5550, no doubt it will be fast enough.

 

You're lucky then. I'd say keep it.

 

I think i will keep it, probably not worth the hassle of returning and ordering another.

Makes more sense to keep as is and then maybe upgrade the processor in a year or so if i feel i need to and by then the processor should be cheaper.

 

My point exactly.

Congrats on your purchase!

 

I use T5500 for work (engineering), T8300 for play
but I know that i had a 21 day return policy

 

So do you see a major difference between the two CPU's?

 

I do. But as you can see, T5500 suffices for daily office work including engineering software (PCDAQ, SCADA, etc). I know that the MechE's have a more powerful computer for Solidworks.

I get a faster response with the T8300. Although its not a fair comparison if your considering the t8100