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    flash cache module on Inpr. 1520

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by iamcanadian, Sep 9, 2007.

  1. iamcanadian

    iamcanadian Notebook Consultant

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  2. Alemaker

    Alemaker Notebook Consultant

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    yup, you got it! :spinny:

    Since Dell didn't help me very much, I researched it too.
    Was a tad tricky for me to get running at first(trial and error),but here's what worked.

    1) The FCM slot is accesed through the back of the machine-right where your WLAN card is, there are 2 additional pci-express slots, install into either one.

    2) By default-the Flash Cache module is turned off in bios

    3) Grab all three downloads under SATA-at Dell's site.
    http://support.dell.com/support/dow...D=INS_PNT_PM_1520&os=WLH&osl=en&catid=&impid=\

    4) boot to setup-f2-enable the Flash Cache Module

    5) Install all three dowloads

    NOTE:The system must be in AHCI mode-not SATA, for Intel Turbo Memory to function.

    I found the Intel Turbo Memory 1Gb card at Amazon-since I couldn't find it on Dell's site. 28.99$ U.S.
     

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  3. iamcanadian

    iamcanadian Notebook Consultant

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    THANKS!!!


    Install???!!! it doesn't come installed??? do I have to buy the module too?



    I don't understand! How do I know what mode the system is under? and what's the difference?

    thank you
     
  4. Alemaker

    Alemaker Notebook Consultant

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  5. Alemaker

    Alemaker Notebook Consultant

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    btw- looking at your system config in your sig-our HD's are the same-if ya buy the card-your good to go!! AND our HD is suhweeeet. It's supposedly "hybrid".
    :spinny:
    Check this out-from HD properties in Vista.
     

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  6. iamcanadian

    iamcanadian Notebook Consultant

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    Can it be easily installed...

    and the million dollars question: did you notice any difference?
     
  7. Alemaker

    Alemaker Notebook Consultant

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    2 screws to get to the FCM slot, it's the cover with the Vista sticker on it.-and hmmm- at this point-only had it in a day, but definitely notice Office 2007 opening alot quicker.
     
  8. iamcanadian

    iamcanadian Notebook Consultant

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  9. Alemaker

    Alemaker Notebook Consultant

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    yup-thats the puppy! got mine from amazon.com
     
  10. iamcanadian

    iamcanadian Notebook Consultant

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    +1 rep :D

    thanks yo :)
     
  11. Alemaker

    Alemaker Notebook Consultant

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  12. Mr_Pat

    Mr_Pat Notebook Guru

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  13. Alemaker

    Alemaker Notebook Consultant

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    yup- but like i posted above, not sure how much a diff it really is,only had it in a day so far. I do notice faster speeds opening Office 2007:smile: , but there are articles all over the web saying it's not effective, but hey, Dell set up the hardware, and 30$ isn't too steep for me. I'm still out with the jury on this one tho!!:GEEK:
     
  14. dicecca112

    dicecca112 Notebook Consultant

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    could we trouble you do run some benches?
     
  15. Alemaker

    Alemaker Notebook Consultant

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    :eek2: lol-sure, if ya show me how!!
     
  16. capntang

    capntang Notebook Guru

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    It's probably worth reading through the following article as well. They ultimately conclude that while the technology offers a lot of promise, it doesn't deliver too much at the moment. It also requires Windows Vista, so you're out of luck if you've grown tired of Vista's seemingly endless quirks and shortcomings and prefer to run Linux or XP.

    http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/intel/showdoc.aspx?i=3009
     
  17. billcsho

    billcsho Notebook Deity

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    Make sure you reboot it twice after the installation. I've read the performance difference is very variable. Sometime it even run slower.
     
  18. Alemaker

    Alemaker Notebook Consultant

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    umm, yup, I mentioned that earlier in the thread. umm X-what? XPee?:laugh:
     
  19. Alemaker

    Alemaker Notebook Consultant

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    A noob benchmark!!!:laugh:

    I put in a usb flash and clicked on it's properties>Ready Boost.
    Here's the pic.
    And looked at the Ready Drive properties in the turbo boost console>Ready Drive
     

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  20. capntang

    capntang Notebook Guru

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    You mentioned the AnandTech article? I went back and read through the thread a few more times, but I'm just not seeing it.

    That particular article makes some important observations regarding installation and setup, especially pages 3 and 4.

    And I don't get the XP joke, either.
     
  21. Alemaker

    Alemaker Notebook Consultant

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    lol ok- no I didn't mention the anandtech article directly-but did note there are lots of reviews and articles discussing it's effectiveness. about XPee-if ya don't get it,:laugh: just a play on the name XP:tongue:
     
  22. sinbad

    sinbad Notebook Enthusiast

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    Where can you buy these Flash Cache Modules ? I didn't see them on the dell website? I reeelly want some
     
  23. nizzy1115

    nizzy1115 Notebook Prophet

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  24. sinbad

    sinbad Notebook Enthusiast

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    So you can install a max of two 1GB modules?
     
  25. nizzy1115

    nizzy1115 Notebook Prophet

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    no...i dont know where you got this from. you can only have 1.
     
  26. sinbad

    sinbad Notebook Enthusiast

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    but there are two slots
     
  27. nizzy1115

    nizzy1115 Notebook Prophet

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    sir, if you dont believe me, by all means purchase 2 and find out the hard way yourself.

    just an fyi, you can stick more than just a flash cache card in those slots!
     
  28. sinbad

    sinbad Notebook Enthusiast

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    Oh i didn't realize that. Sorry if my questions sounded skeptic.