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    What are the options on upgrading the CPU on a Vostro 1700? (& what specs are a T5870)

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by Emanef, Apr 4, 2008.

  1. Emanef

    Emanef Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'm looking to order one....
    As usual, Dell charge an obscene premium for parts upgrades, so I'm wondering.... can I order a Vostro with a basic CPU (Celeron or bottom spec Core 2) and buy a new faster CPU myself? I can get a newer 2.4ghz Core 2 (T8300) for less than what Dell would charge for increasing to a 1.8 ghz Core 2. Is it possible to open up a Vostro and drop in any mobile Core 2 Duo?

    With the model I'm looking at, Dell are charging £50 ( $100) to upgrade to a T5870 (2ghz) from the basic T5670 (1.8)

    Above that it's £125 ( $250) for the 2Ghz T7250, £135 for the T8100 (2.1ghz) and a wopping £215 ( $430!) to have the 2.4 ghz T8300.

    I can buy the T8300 online for £155, and the T7300 (2.ghz with 4meg L2 cache) for £125.

    Bllody Dell...! Great basic prices but a total rip off above the basic specs, certainly over here in the UK!

    I'm looking to possibly upgrade the hard drive on it too, and see if I can order one 2gig stick instead of having 2x1gb, as they want £60 just for an extra one gig of memory!
     
    Emanef, Apr 4, 2008
    #1
  2. hypdotspec

    hypdotspec Notebook Evangelist

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    If you want to void the warranty, then by all means replace the CPU with your own...
     
    hypdotspec, Apr 4, 2008
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  3. Emanef

    Emanef Notebook Enthusiast

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    So it is possible (technically) and do-able (doesn't need a degree in soldering iron-wielding!)?

    Any mobile Core 2? I'm partly thinking ahead as well, as I would be fine with a T5870 for now, and can upgrade perhaps in a year or so if I feel I need the extra grunt. I just want to know what my options are before I make a purchase.
     
    Emanef, Apr 4, 2008
    #3
  4. Daytona 955i

    Daytona 955i Notebook Consultant

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    It is possible. Any Celeron or Core2 using the "socket P" should work just fine.

    I'd be cautious installinganything higher than Dell's current highest - you may find that a BIOS upgrade is needed for the fastest processors. You'll have little luck if you email them saying that your new 16ghz quad-core CPU isn't recognised/isn't booting... ;)

    ETA - I went with the cheapest CPU, the Celeron 550/2ghz. I plan on swapping it out for a dual-core in a year/18 months or so.
     
    Daytona 955i, Apr 4, 2008
    #4