Modify Dell Inspiron 1520 Bios to Increase Maximum RAM Allowable?

I was wondering if anyone here could help me modify the BIOS I have running in my Dell Inspiron 1520 so that I can attach (2) 4GB RAM modules instead of being limited to just the 4 they say I can have. If anyone can help me out with this, I'd greatly appreciate it.

 

The 1520 has a maximum memory support of 6GB. Tried and tested. The same goes to the Inspiron 1720. It's not worth the time and effort to modify the BIOS to accept 8GB. Just get a new notebook. You should also upgrade to an x64 platform should you upgrade to 6GB.

Good luck.

 

What sticks of RAM should I use to get to 6GB?

 

Also would you happen to know if the optical drive could be upgraded to a BluRay/DVD Player/Burner?

 

I'd recommend using a 4 GB and a 2GB module. You might get a very minor, to the point of not being able to notice it, benefit from having two identical-size modules (forget what this is called at the moment), but it wouldn't be worth the price difference. So just keep one of your 2 GB DIMMs and buy one 4 GB one.

SomeFormOFhuman is the memory expert on the 1520/1720, by the way.

The DVD connection is PATA, so you'd have to find a standard laptop-size PATA Blu-Ray reader/burner. These are pretty rare, but I there are a few such models. I searched eBay for 'pata blu-ray laptop' just now and two read-only and one writer turned up (not sure if you want Blu-ray writing or not). Disclaimer that this is all based on what technically should work, and I haven't actually upgraded my DVD drive.

Seeing as you're tricking out your 1520, you might as well know about ThrottleStop, which will let you run your CPU at 2.8 GHz instead of 2.6 GHz. Probably not enough of a difference to really notice, but potentially so over the long term. I've been using it for the better part of a year now to eke out the extra 200 MHz.

 

First off, thanks for your help! I was able to find this for the memory, is that the correct one? I'm a performance heavy user, I have to deal with lots of designs and layouts, specifically through Photoshop/Fireworks and InDesign. As for the DVD Player, I was able to find this for the BluRay Drive, is this the one you were looking at? Disclaimer understood, worst case I'll sell the drive online for what I bought it for.

Regarding my processor, I haven't actually upgraded to that as of yet, I've ordered that mobile processor but am still waiting for it to actually arrive at my house. I don't know why shipping takes so bloody long! Currently, I'm still using the T5250 which is I believe to be 1.5 GHz. Much of the upgrades I have done have been performance upgrades, I haven't actually had to change anything other than the screen itself (which was having problems after 3 1/2 years).