Upgrading the Dell XPS M170

Far from now, I am thinking about upgrading my RAM from 1GB to 2 GB, and my video card from 6800 to 7800. Is it possible to upgrade the CPU from a Pentium M 760 to a Pentium M 780? I am just asking if it is possible because they both have similar specs, but different GHz. It looks like you can do that.

 

Yes, it is possible to upgrade the CPU. However, I can tell you that the upgrade from 2.0GHz to 2.26GHz isn't going to be worth the money, I doubt that you will even notice the difference.

The video card upgrade is possible, you can get the spare part from Dell. That is probably the one upgrade you will notice the most - the Go7800GTX is about 50% faster than th Go6800U.

Also, taking the RAM from 1GB to 2GB will definitely help in games such as BF2 and Quake 4. I noticed a big difference when I did that upgrade.

 

Don't waste your time on the CPU upgrade. As mentioned, you will not notice the difference. The best and cheapest upgrade would be to up your RAM to the 2GB limit. You can then sell your 1GB and get back some of the money.

Upgrading the video card is a matter of taste. The actual speed difference is about 25-30%. If you play games all the time and prefer the highest resolutions with max detail, then the 7800 Go GTX is worth the money. You can find ways to get the card between $300 - $400, depending on how you order. You could then sell the Ultra for $100-$150.

 

You'll see the performance increase in newer games, such as FEAR, and ones that use HDR Rendering with the Go7800GTX over the Go6800 Ultra.

If you ask me, I wouldn't upgrade the video card - it is expensive. Then again, as posted, it is based on your personal preferences.

 

Thank you guys for replying and answering my question.