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    Possible to swap out the CPU on a 1520?

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by phios, Aug 22, 2007.

  1. phios

    phios Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi All,

    I just picked up a slightly used 1520 and it has a T5250 installed. Now I'm really not certain if I will the more processing power, but does anyone know if it is possible to swap it out to a different processor?

    Thanks
     
    phios, Aug 22, 2007
    #1
  2. odin243

    odin243 Notebook Prophet

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    Yes, it's possible. If you break anything doing it, however, or cause anything to fail, that will not be covered under warranty. You should be able to upgrade to any Santa Rosa compatible processor (T7100, T7300, etc.)
     
    odin243, Aug 22, 2007
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  3. TuxDude

    TuxDude Notebook Deity

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    But I thought the laptop processors are not sold separately right ? Or is it only the T5250 and T5450 ?
     
    TuxDude, Aug 22, 2007
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  4. phios

    phios Notebook Enthusiast

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    I've seen the T7100-T7500 on newegg for between 200-500. Not too expensive considering in 2 years they'll only be like 50-100.

    What about the fact that the T7100+ use an 800mhz FSB vs. the T5250 using a 666FSB? Will that only affect the ram being used?
     
    phios, Aug 22, 2007
    #4
  5. TuxDude

    TuxDude Notebook Deity

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    No it wont actually... The RAM and the CPU can run at completely different bus speeds without any problems....
     
    TuxDude, Aug 22, 2007
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  6. BodyByNotte

    BodyByNotte Notebook Guru

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    If I ordered a 1520 with the T7300 (800MHz FSB) and 2GB of RAM @ 667MHz and I decide to upgrade to 4GB of RAM, should I stay with 667MHz RAM or can I/ should I go with PC2-6400 RAM at 800MHz? If I do go with the 800MHz RAM, would I notice a difference? Would I need to change anything else in the Bios? How hard would it be?

    Also, for upgrading, in general, I'm a little worried about changing the top RAM chip myself and removing the keyboard. Can I take it anywhere and have someone do it or do I need to take it to a specific "authorized" service center?
     
    BodyByNotte, Aug 22, 2007
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  7. nizzy1115

    nizzy1115 Notebook Prophet

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    the motherboard doesnt support 800mzh ram, so it will lower it to 667. so you might as well save your money and buy 667.
     
    nizzy1115, Aug 22, 2007
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  8. BodyByNotte

    BodyByNotte Notebook Guru

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    ok nizzy1115 thanks
     
    BodyByNotte, Aug 22, 2007
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  9. phios

    phios Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks for the answers guys... I guess my only other question is if all current generation 1520 motherboards are the same. Also, are these chips similar to the desktop versions (with the inverted pin system)?
     
    phios, Aug 23, 2007
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  10. odin243

    odin243 Notebook Prophet

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    All the intel 1520's and 1500's with dedicated graphics use the same motherboard.
     
    odin243, Aug 23, 2007
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  11. lazydave80

    lazydave80 Notebook Enthusiast

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    er... the motherboards do support 800mhz RAM. All Santa Rosa chipsets do.
     
    lazydave80, Aug 28, 2007
    #11
  12. Ixon

    Ixon Notebook Guru

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    Pretty much every part you can think of can be upgraded on this notebook. Graphics card, CPU, Memory, CD-Rom and Hard drive.. it all can be upgraded. Just last night I took my 1520 apart.. I'm so planning to drop a 8800m and quadcore-m processor in this baby when they are released. (hopefully supported)

    if u want pictures of my dismantled 1520 just say.. i'll post them.
     
    Ixon, Aug 28, 2007
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  13. Spliner

    Spliner Notebook Consultant

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    Post em pppppplease ;)
     
    Spliner, Aug 28, 2007
    #13