Upgrading an M1330

Hello,

I'm considering upgrading my m1330 in order to be better able to do video editing work, could you guys help me with some questions?

First off, is this a fool's errand, will I ever be able to edit full HD video or higher on this laptop, even if I upgrade it?

I was thinking of replacing my T7500 2.2 Ghz CPU with a T9600 2.8, getting 64-bit Windows and 8GBs of RAM. I generally use Premiere Pro CS4, with the new specs, would I be able to comfortably use CS5 or 6?

Full specs:
Dell XPS m1330
Intel Core2 Duo 2.2 Ghz T7500
2GB RAM
120GB HDD (1TB USB External)
Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit
NVIDIA GeForce G8400M GS

I haven't been to these forums in a while so sorry if I broke any rules.

 

You can't use the T9600. You can only use 800MHz FSB Socket P Merom/Penryns. The best conventional CPU you can get is the T9500, but the T9300 is a way, way better value.

That being said, either CPU is only giving you about 10% to 15% more performance. Considering that you have the Nvidia GPU, I would advise against putting more money into the machine and saving toward a new one instead.

 

I too would highly advise in replacing the computer as any 2nd generation Core i series processor will be significantly faster than an aging Core 2 Duo Santa Rosa platform. On top of that, it uses DDR3 memory which is very cheap as well as HD 3000 benchmarks better than 8400M GS as well as doesn't have a defective GPU.

 

Let me explain my situation a bit more.Right now, the only thibg i do with my comp is use it to render video files, so my primary aim is to speed up render times. Would i still be better off saving up than even, say, getting another few gigs of ram? Or doe s the gpu still make the whole process pointless?

Thanks for the help!

 

I'm saying that because even a T9300 or T9500 will only net 10% to 15% more performance it's not worth it. On top of that the fact that your machine has one of the bad Nvidia GPUs makes it even less worthwhile as you never know when that GPU could kick the bucket rendering your upgrade a further waste of money.

 

I've already had the motherboard replaced, BIOS updated and my machine has lasted since 2006 or so without problems (I live in a cold climate), is that relevant or you still think it's pointless because of the GPU? Would getting just more RAM, not a new CPU, speed up my render times?

Sorry if I'm labouring the point, I'd just like to have things clear in my head.

 

It doesn't matter if the board has already been replaced (though it couldn't have been in 2006 as the M1330 came out in 2007); all of these GPUs are defective and it is only a matter of time before they go out (though it could be a while; the problem is that you never know). Buying more RAM is unlikely to affect your render times. The point I'm trying to stress is that you should not put more money into this machine because it could stop working at any time due to said Nvidia GPU.

 

Ok, I understand now. Thanks alot for your help.

 

The point we are trying to make is, yes there will be a performance boost, but probably not justifying spending money on it. Also Nvidia mobos ALL die.