The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Acer Aspire 8930 upgrade

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by markojs, Oct 2, 2009.

  1. markojs

    markojs Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    6
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Hello,

    just thinking to upgrade my laptop.
    Now it's running with T5750 and 9500GS.

    Is it possible to upgrade both (cpu and graphics card) and what things should I be aware of? Which ones are most powerful?

    Also thinking to change HD to faster one. Can I use any brand?

    I need more power to watch full HD movies, gaming etc.

    Thanks!
     
    markojs, Oct 2, 2009
    #1
  2. moelda

    moelda Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    6
    Messages:
    88
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Keep an eye on my thread as I have also opened one very similar to yours...
    I have added a second HD ( WD Blue 500Gb) and it works perfectly. I think any hard drive will do as far as you get it with the right connection ( PATA / SATA )
     
    moelda, Oct 2, 2009
    #2
  3. markojs

    markojs Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    6
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    ok.... thanks.
     
    markojs, Oct 2, 2009
    #3
  4. qhn

    qhn Notebook User

    Reputations:
    1,654
    Messages:
    5,955
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    205
    Don't think that you can upgrade or swap out the Graphic Card.

    cheers ...
     
    qhn, Oct 3, 2009
    #4
  5. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    2,389
    Messages:
    10,552
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    456
    Actually Acer is one of the few companies that you can possibly upgrade the GPU. Check out the Acer forum for the list of GPUs available.
     
    sgogeta4, Oct 3, 2009
    #5
  6. markojs

    markojs Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    6
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Sorry I was wrong, my laptop model 8920 and according to this post:

    http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=396320

    my mxm model is III so only cards which fits here are:

    Aspire 8920G - MXM-III, 9500M GS, HD 3650, 9650M GS

    So is it worth change card to HD3650 or 9650 GS?
     
    markojs, Oct 3, 2009
    #6
  7. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    2,389
    Messages:
    10,552
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    456
    Depends what games you are playing, the cost, and the type of GPU memory. That being said, you probably won't get too much of a benefit moving to the 9650M GS GDDR3 as it is still a 128-bit card. If the cost is low though, then it might be worth it.
     
    sgogeta4, Oct 3, 2009
    #7
  8. sean473

    sean473 Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    613
    Messages:
    6,705
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Still a 9650M GS is like 2 times more powerful than 9500M GS so an upgrade would help in games...
     
    sean473, Oct 3, 2009
    #8
  9. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    2,389
    Messages:
    10,552
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    456
    It's no where near twice as powerful. The 9500M GS is the same as the 8600M GT and has 32 shaders and clock speeds of 475/950/700. The 9650M GS also has 32 shaders and clock speeds of 625/1250/800. I've overclocked my 9500M GS to beyond those speeds and I only got a couple FPS more.
     
    sgogeta4, Oct 3, 2009
    #9
  10. TehSuigi

    TehSuigi Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    931
    Messages:
    3,882
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    105
    BUT the 9500M GS that Acer provides has DDR2 memory at 400 MHz, while the 9650M GS would have GDDR3 at 800 MHz. That extra memory bandwidth is good for a sizable gain, at least.
     
    TehSuigi, Oct 3, 2009
    #10
  11. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    2,389
    Messages:
    10,552
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    456
    Yes, GDDR3 would give around 20% better performance over DDR2. But overall even with faster clocks, it's a far cry from 100% better than the 9500M GS. As I said in my second post: depends on what game and what your budget is.
     
    sgogeta4, Oct 3, 2009
    #11
  12. markojs

    markojs Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    6
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Ok,

    thanks. So it will be good change if only I get it reasonable price. Can anyone point good place for buying one? Europe/US?

    sgogeta4:

    You mentioned: "Check out the Acer forum for the list of GPUs available."
    Did u mean available for sell or? Forum in here?

    Thank you very much,

    M
     
    markojs, Oct 5, 2009
    #12
  13. MidnightSun

    MidnightSun Emodicon

    Reputations:
    6,668
    Messages:
    8,224
    Likes Received:
    231
    Trophy Points:
    231
    He meant look in the subforum for Acer on NBR.

    I do not think even a 20% gain in performance would be worth it for the upgrade, which could easily cost from $200 to $500. These cards are very rare and difficult to find, and are therefore very expensive. You're probably better off saving up to get a new laptop in a year or so.
     
    MidnightSun, Oct 5, 2009
    #13
  14. markojs

    markojs Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    6
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Ok,

    definitely it's not worth if it really costs from 200$ - 500$ (136€ - 342€ ;) I mean my laptop cost 500€ (used=OS installed) at least if price is close to 340€.

    Any comments or changing CPU T5750 to T9500 or 9300. Ebay: T9500 = 140€ or T9300 = 126€.

    Thanks.
     
    markojs, Oct 5, 2009
    #14
  15. Kallogan

    Kallogan Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    596
    Messages:
    1,096
    Likes Received:
    19
    Trophy Points:
    56
    So you are planning to change cpu, gpu and HDD ???

    Frankly, give yourself a flavour and buy a new laptop ;-)
     
    Kallogan, Oct 5, 2009
    #15
  16. markojs

    markojs Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    6
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Not really changing everything just trying to figure out which would be the best upgrade (useful). HDs are cheap, GPU seems to be too expensive upgrade but how about CPU? Is it worth, do I gain any extra.

    Thanks!
     
    markojs, Oct 7, 2009
    #16
  17. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    2,389
    Messages:
    10,552
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    456
    CPU upgrades are rarely worth it because most people aren't limited by their CPU. For example, in most games, your average FPS wouldn't be better if you had a faster CPU (compared to your current one).
     
    sgogeta4, Oct 7, 2009
    #17
  18. moelda

    moelda Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    6
    Messages:
    88
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15


    I really think it's funnier to upgrade.

    I have added a second hard drive and chahged the DVD drive for a blu ray one.

    I will be receiveing an Intel P8600, (currently with the T6400) GPU 9600GT ( 9300M GS)
    I am running 3 GB DDR2-667 DDR2 SDRAM and I am also upgrading this with probably KINGSTON HYPERX 4GB KIT though I am not sure whether I should go for DDR3 as "Everest" says that my mobo will support it ( prices are quite similar)
    Do I really need it? The answer is NO!!
    The laptop is only 3 months old (Acer 8730G). I could have bought a better latop with all the money I am spending on upgrades... but I just love it!
    and so do all of you!!! lol

    PS: The other reason I haven't bought a better laptop is because my wife doesn't know about all this upgrades...lol (she only saw the price I paid for the laptop and was quite happy with it)
     
    moelda, Oct 8, 2009
    #18
  19. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    2,389
    Messages:
    10,552
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    456
    You cannot upgrade to DDR3 system memory, because it won't fit physically. The chipset does support it but the motherboard does not.
     
    sgogeta4, Oct 8, 2009
    #19
  20. moelda

    moelda Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    6
    Messages:
    88
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    that's wot i thougth but there seem to be 2 versions of DDR3

    200 and 204 pin

    just write "sodimm ddr3 200 pin" on google and see for urself
     
    moelda, Oct 8, 2009
    #20
  21. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    2,389
    Messages:
    10,552
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    456
    That is false information. 200 pin is DDR2 SO-DIMM. 204 pin is DDR3 SO-DIMM. These are standards and cannot be changed.
     
    sgogeta4, Oct 8, 2009
    #21
  22. moelda

    moelda Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    6
    Messages:
    88
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Well... I guess DDR2 800 it is then ;)
     
    moelda, Oct 8, 2009
    #22
  23. moelda

    moelda Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    6
    Messages:
    88
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    FYI

    http://www.play.com/PC/PCs/4-/948136...y/Product.html

    Memory Size: 2GB
    Memory Type: PC3-8500 DDR3
    Memory Speed: 1066MHz
    Form Factor: JEDEC-Standard 200-pin Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (SODIMM)
    Unbuffered
    Cas Latency : CL5
    Description


    DDR3 is the next generation of DDR memory. DDR3 memory features faster speeds, greater bandwidth, lower power consumption and enhanced thermal performance. Although DDR3 modules are the same physical dimension as DDR2 and DDR modules, the plug-in connector configuration is different and as such DDR3 modules are not compatible with PCs requiring DDR2 modules, and vice-versa
     
    moelda, Oct 8, 2009
    #23
  24. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    2,389
    Messages:
    10,552
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    456
    Doesn't matter what these websites say, they are all incorrect. As I stated and also repeated by others in the other thread, DDR3 SO-DIMM follows a STANDARD and is 204 pin. You can put anything on the internet, but you can't change how products are manufactured.
     
    sgogeta4, Oct 9, 2009
    #24
  25. moelda

    moelda Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    6
    Messages:
    88
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    you are probably 99.9% right, but I don't mind trying that 0.1%
    I've got the time... lol
     
    moelda, Oct 9, 2009
    #25
  26. jon.c

    jon.c Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    15
    Messages:
    74
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Hi i have the 8930 with:

    Centrino core 2 duo t6600

    nvidia 9700m

    3gb DDR

    Vista 32 bit

    im looking for more power for gaming maybe even a lot more given price and availability, would a new processor mean a different motherboard etc...im new to upgrading parts so any help would be great, if i can turn it into a nice powerful gaming machine ill be happy, ty
     
    jon.c, Jan 31, 2010
    #26
  27. sean473

    sean473 Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    613
    Messages:
    6,705
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    u can upgrade ur processor to any Intel P7000 P8000 P9000 series or T9000 series processor with 1066MHz FSB... i would look at T9600 at least... best price for performance and u don't need a new motherboard to upgrade CPU... u can swap it... if u want more gaming power , u can look at the DIY Vidcok external graphics solution... Look at the link below... this is the best upgrade u can have as graphics cards are usually soldered to motherboard and even if ur Acer uses MXM , there won't be a much better upgrade available... link for DIY Vidock below

    http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=418851
     
    sean473, Feb 1, 2010
    #27
  28. jon.c

    jon.c Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    15
    Messages:
    74
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Thanks for the help and the thread, it looks a good way to get some extra muscle into my games even though it seems a bit complex for a noob like me lol
     
    jon.c, Feb 1, 2010
    #28
  29. jon.c

    jon.c Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    15
    Messages:
    74
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    is it worth me upgrading from 3gb to 4gb ddr under vista 32 bit cos i heard it wont have an effect on a 32 bit set up after a certain number of gigs
     
    jon.c, Feb 1, 2010
    #29
  30. Judicator

    Judicator Judged and found wanting.

    Reputations:
    1,098
    Messages:
    2,594
    Likes Received:
    19
    Trophy Points:
    56
    It probably won't be worth upgrading from 3 GB to 4 GB under 32-bit, since depending on what other memory addresses are being used by your system, chances are you'll only get maybe another 300 MB or so.
     
    Judicator, Feb 2, 2010
    #30
  31. john1310

    john1310 Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Hi all first of all im new to this forum and if i have posted this in wrong section then apologies in advance.. :confused:

    I have an acer 8930g that i recennly purchased it was returned to the shop by the initial buyer saying he/she didnt want it but they had removed the bluray drive (naughty naughty ) anyway i got the acer at a bargain :)

    The problem is im searching the web to find the compatible bluray drive part number for my acer,i tried a friends acer 8920 drive but the connection at the back is different i was told that maybe the acer 6935 is compatibale :confused:

    Any help offered by members would be gresatfully appreciated and thanks in advance :smile:
     
    john1310, Jul 25, 2010
    #31
  32. sean473

    sean473 Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    613
    Messages:
    6,705
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    u can have 2 types of blue ray drives.. PATA or SATA... the 8930 most likely has SATA so u need a sony optitrac BC-5600CS or something... but to confirm it , download pc wizard 2010 and see the optical drive section and tell us what type of optical drive u have.
     
    sean473, Jul 25, 2010
    #32
  33. grassysparkie

    grassysparkie Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    34
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    My wife has the Acer 8930g, and it came with the Sony Optiarc BC-5500 sata.

    When i was building up my Clevo a while back I bought exactly the same drive as it's a nice little drive for what it is.

    Here is a link to place I got it from. Sorry its in German but my location at the time was close to them so it made sense.

    PCSystems-Evolutionx.de - Laufwerke

    Hope this helps.
     
    grassysparkie, Jul 25, 2010
    #33
  34. sean473

    sean473 Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    613
    Messages:
    6,705
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    that drive is what i coincidently have in Dv5t.. excellent but a shame that i haven't used the blue ray feature yet... so this confirms it , the 8930 uses a SATA optical drive..
     
    sean473, Jul 26, 2010
    #34