Upgrading the INSPIRON 9300

Upgrading my old INSPIRON 9300 without the need of hacking it's functions are modding it in anyway. This is mainly just a fun project of mine. I understand that the end result won't be worth the cost of the parts but oh well; and besides, I already have a load of the main hardware on the way, so too late now (I just hope they all work as planned.....)

Current Specs
CPU: INTEL PENTIUM M 1.73GHz
GPU: ATI MOBILITY RADEON X300
RAM: HYNIX 1GB (2 x 512MB) LAPTOP RAM HYMP564S64P6-C4
HDD: Fujitsu MHV2080AH 80GB 5400 RPM 8MB Cache 2.5

Parts I Plan To Upgrade To

CPU: Intel Pentium M 780 CPU 2.26GHz 2M/533 SL7VB Socket 479 Dothan Centrino 7542B357 Intel Pentium M 780 CPU 2.26GHz 2M/533 SL7VB Socket 479 Dothan Centrino 7542B357 | eBay

GPU: Dell Inspiron 9300 256MB nVidia GeForce 6800 Go Video Card W5373 Genuine Dell Inspiron 9300 256MB nVidia GeForce 6800 Go Video Card W5373 TESTED | eBay

RAM: 2X Dell 1 GB Dell Certified Replacement Memory Module Memory : Computer Components | Dell

HDD: Hitachi Travelstar 7K100 HTS721010G9AT00 100GB Internal 7200 RPM 2.5" Hitachi Travelstar 7K100 HTS721010G9AT00 100GB Internal 7200 RPM 2.5" Hard Drive 000061531215 | eBay

So that's what i've got planned thus far. If you guys have any suggestions or concerns, let me know promtly, I have about 20 days before I can return most the parts haha

 

If you're concerned about compatibility, everything should be fine... I agree that it's totally not worth the money at all, though.

 

Haha yeeeeah, it was a very compulsive upgrade for sure. I started with some cheaper parts, but couldn't resist the urge to go all the way. Again, I just hope installation goes as planned. the only part I have mixed feelings on would be the CPU. Some sources said 2.26 780 works. Others said 2.13 770, but we shall see.

 

So Installed the HDD and RAM sticks 1st. Piece of cake. Put in the GPU. A little more work, but everything went well. Put in the new processor. Worked excellent! Faster than ever, but after a few minutes, the computer froze. So i went to reboot it, but it wouldn't start up. only the 3 lock led lights would come on for a second then it would turn off. What happened!?

 

Please don't post the same thing in multiple places.

That being said, does it still work with your old CPU? Your old RAM? Your old GPU? Your old HDD?

 

oh sorry, I let my panic get the better of me :/

So i just went back into the laptop, took out the CPU, inspected it. All seems well. Re installed it, and applied some thermal paste. Now it's working! but for how long is the question? I don't know if I just prolonged it's eminent failure and i'm afraid to turn it off. Is there a way one may check the system hardware to see if everything is all well?

 

Just Prime95 it overnight. Memtest it a couple times while you're at it. If it works, it works, if it doesn't, it doesn't. I'd guess you just didn't fully lock the CPU the first time or something similarly simple.