A Processor upgrade vs a Graphics card upgrade?

Hello!

Due to some reason , I am deciding to upgrade either my processor, or my graphics card.

Here is further information (more specs are in my signature) -

Current Motherboard - Intel 965GM

Current processor - Intel T5250, 1.5 GHz Core 2 Duo.
New processor - At least a 2.2 GHz processor

Current Graphics card - nVidia 8600M GT with 256MB GDDR2 VRAM.
New graphics card - 7900GS, 7950GTX or 8700M (all have GDDR3 VRA, I think?).


Here are my questions, I'd be grateful if anyone could answer them!

1) Which upgrade would give me better performance, in gaming? A better processor with 8600M GT (which I have now), or a better graphics card (with GDDR3 VRAM) and the 1.5GHz C2D processor (which I have now).

2) Which upgrade will will give me a better performance on a whole, using Windows Vista and other tasks (mine include surfing the Internet, using Messenger, Winamp, uTorrent, little bit of Photoshop's features like cropping and resizing images) and a casual gaming (though the latest games).

3) Which is the best graphics card amongst the ones I've listed as the replacements (7900GS, 7950GTX or 8700M)? Which are DirectX 10 based? I've read the 7950GTX vs 8700M sticky thread, but I couldn't make much out of it, sorry.

4) Intel 965GM motherboard, the one that comes with Inspiron 1720, supports these graphics cards, or not?

5) If I have to chose, which processor will give me the best performance (though it should not be the costliest or the state of the art, as I won't be able to afford it probably).


If you need any further information, please let me know!


Thank you!

 

man, do not upgrade anything right now. if u were into games when u bought 1720, u should've known that 8600 will not be able to handle crazy resolution that 1720's provide. as for processor, keep that as well, but u can always upgrade when the new type of intel processor comes out (penryn i think)
u can't upgrade ur video card as of right now...

 

Are you planning on doing the upgrade yourself on the Inspiron in your sig?

 

oh, and by the way, what exactly are u disappointed in?

 

Yes.

@BiG_V - There is something with DELL, which I'd rather not post here, because I'm getting all the help from them right now. It'll only bring bad reviews to their support, which is not the case with me right now.

So, I think I'd should go for a processor? Can 8700M GT fit in Inspiron 1720?

 

so far, I have not heard of any possible upgrades. as for the processor, a lot of current games do not require a top-of-the-line processors to run decently.

 

But at least it will help me in general right? A 1.5 GHz C2D (2MB L2 cache) vs let's say 2.4 GHz C2D (4MB L2 Cache)?

Will the performance boost be noticiable? Even if not, at least it won't be a downgrade of any sorts?

 

if it's a free upgrade, i'd go for it, otherwise - it's not really worth it(some will argue contrary)
there's a thread on here somewhere where u can actually see how fast ur processor performs....

 

Yes, it'll be a free upgrade (if there is justice in the world).

 

go for it then

 

So, if both are free-upgrades, well not actually, but let's say it won't cost me one bit, I should go for the processor, right? And 8700M GT doesn't fit in Inpiron 1720, right?

 

yes, unless dell explicitly tells u that it is possible, then i'd go for the video card, but in ur case, better proc is what u'll get.

 

DELL told me that if I wanted a new graphics card, I'll have to replace the processor (and buy ONLY from them), since the processors based on the Santa Rosa platform, are slow! And you know why they're slow (according to them)? Because they have a 533 MHz FSB (it's actually 667MHz but the girl won't listen).

So therefore, I am triple checking everything this time, my own knowledge (which isn't much) + the Internet reviews + a thread on NBR. No chances of getting lied to again!

Man, some DELL tech support reps are n00blets. I told them I can not fully utilize 4 GB RAM in a 32 bit OS, and the guy says some part will be used by MediaDirect.

 

lol that's what we all had to go thru haha

 

Man, 8700M GT is costly!!

 

So a processor upgrade it is! Damn man! I wanted a graphics card!

Anyways, thank you.

 

u're welcome

 

DELL have agreed to upgrade my processor. I will be getting T7700 soon. I love DELL! OMG, I take back everything bad I ever said about them because of their lies! They have got a permanent customer! I love you DELL!

 

that's what it takes to get back a customer these days, huh?! haha good for u, man! i love dell as well, bought a lap from them for 1200 and got 200 back! haha

 

As you've already probably figured out, there's no way that Dell could give you a better graphics card for your laptop, even if they wanted to. Congrats on the processor upgrade though.

 

Thank you. I hope it performs better that T5250 when I encode my video recordings (it will, right?).

 

Yup, it will.

 

It will come via FedEx, and I have been given the tracking number as well. It says the processor should reach me on this Monday, 8:00pm. Last time FedEx said 8:00pm, they meant 8:00am! Oh man, I'm so happy, I've even ******bated twice.

But how do I know that is a new processor, and not ripped off a returned/refubished notebook? I am getting my DVD+/-RW replaced as well. How do I make sure I am not being screwed?

 

Hey guys i know im a little late in the conversation but it looks like you guys know what you are talking about. i have a 1520 inspiron and i want to upgrade the cpu from a T7500 to a x7900. i know they have the same slot so it should fit but im afraid that the colling system might not work probably and over heat any suggestion

 

If the Inspiron 1520 also sports the X7900 as a customisable part, then it is possible. If Dell does not offer it in any 1520,it is not possible.
A quick view on the Dell website said the fastest CPU for it was the T7500 (2.2 Ghz) which sounds fast enough is you pair it with just the 8600GT ...