Is it possible to update to Core2 duo?

hi,
I would like to buy the dell E1705 with Intel® Core™ Duo Proc T2250 and Geforce go 7900 gs. I like the Core™ 2 Duo processor T7400 but it too expensive right now. So in the future, if I want to run 64-bit VISTA,is it possible to update my CPU to Core™ 2 Duo processor directly? Where can I get the Core™ 2 Duo ? Dell or elsewhere?
thanks

 

Yes, Yes it Is.

 

Unless you need it right now your best option is just to wait. Buying a raw notebook processor will cost you hundreds of additional dollars plus you will need to purchase all the installation materials (not to mention learn how to safely do an install). And doing so will void your laptops warranty (not that it was all that great anyway, but still...) Early vista will run on 64 and non 64 platforms. (expect there to be 2 versions). You can do it directly , but don't. If dell is your thing, they offer promotions every 2 minutes. Just wait.

 

Thanks. It seems the best option is just to wait. Well, maybe DELL will release the notebook with AMD processor the end of this month.

 

I'm assuming that you're not extremely savvy with PC's. I wouldn't attempt to replace a processor in a laptop unless you know your stuff.
As Ice said, just wait. Dell will probably have the C2D in their units soon enough. And they should be the same price as the current units.

 

Correct me if I am wrong but doesnt dell already have C2D in their units o.o if not then what the heck did I buy o.o!?

 

Yes, a lot of them do. Formula1freak, Schu or Alonso this Sunday, Red or Blue (Contructor)?

 

Why would you want an AMD mobile chip? The Turion X2 lags behind both the Core Duo as well as the C2D. Intel remains the mobile king, at least for now...

 

*shurg* I'm not aware of how many of their units have C2D. I was thinking that that model didn't have C2D already since the OP was talking about buying one of them w/ CD. Since he didn't say he was buying it used...

 

I like AMD

 

Yes, Dell have been updating to the Core 2 Duo's in their entire line of notebooks since the end of August and shipping over a month ago since early September.

To answer your question, while it is technically possible to upgrade to a Core 2 Duo later on (since it uses the Mobile Socket 479 and that Dells are very easily servicable with comprehensive disassembly guides avaliable directly from Dell Support website), it is not officially supported by Dell and your original warranty will be voided, no questions asked.

If you only plan to get a 1 year warranty on the system and then upgrade it yourself after the warranty expires, then you could get the cheaper Core Duo now and upgrade later. However, if you are not that technically minded and was looking at a longer warranty period, then I suggest you get a Core 2 Duo with your purchase now.

Looking at Dell.com right now, the options for the E1705 are:
T2250 (1.73GHz, 533MHz FSB, 2MB (2x1MB) Cache) -- Base
T5600 (1.83GHz, 667MHz FSB, 2MB Cache) -- + US$ 135
T7200 (2.00GHz, 667MHz FSB, 4MB Cache) -- + US$ 203
T7400 (2.16GHz, 667MHz FSB, 4MB Cache) -- + US$ 360

Personally, the best pick (sweetspot) would be the T7200 right now. From various review sites such as AnandTech's article comparing the Core Duo and Core 2 Duo, it is shown that at the same clockspeed, the C2D is generally 5-15% faster than the Core Duo. Also, note that the T2250 comes with a crippled front side bus of 533MHz (compare to 667MHz for the rest), and 2MB less L2 cache (not to mention a clockspeed of 270MHz slower). Thus I'd say the T7200 would yield at least 25-30% better performance than the T2250 (when the application is CPU limited, for most 3D games, they are still limited by the graphics/GPU).

I doubt in a year's time you would be able to get the T7200 cheaper than US$200 anyways, seeing how it is selling for around US$320-US$350 right now. Therefore, I believe it is worth the US$203 upgrade now to get it (and the resell value of the T2250 in one year's time will be at best US$100 or so).

Looking forward at Intel's 2007 roadmap, by around middle of next year the fastest Core 2 Duo for the Napa platform (which all CD/C2D system uses right now) should still be the T7600 (2.33GHz/667MHz FSB/4MB L2), and will most likely costs around US$500+ street. Compare with the T7200, I'd say the extra costs does not give you the return on the 10% or so performance increase. So, I still say get the T7200 now.

As for where you can get a mobile Core 2 Duo, many places carry them such as NewEgg. If you contact Dell parts/services and accessories, they might also be able to get an order for you as well, however, they will most likely be more expensive than what you can get elsewhere.

 

*shurg* I'm not aware of how many of their units have C2D. I was thinking that that model didn't have C2D already since the OP was talking about buying one of them w/ CD. Since he didn't say he was buying it used...

 

Thanks.
Yeah, T7200 seems great.