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    Configuring my new Vostro 1700

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by GoaFraggle, May 15, 2008.

  1. GoaFraggle

    GoaFraggle Newbie

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    Hi there,

    i need your help in some questions configuring my new DELL Vostro please.

    What I already have is:

    - Intel Core 2 Duo T5870 (2,0 GHz, 2 MB L2-Cache, 800 MHz FSB)
    - 17" WXGA+ LCD matte
    - nVidia Geforce 8600M GT, 256MB

    Now, since I have a financial limit I have to choose the other updates. So please tell me which are the most usefull ones:

    - RAM, 667MHz Dual Channel DDR2: ... 4GB (2x2GB) or 3GB (1GB + 2GB)
    I think 3GB would be absolutely enough for my purposes but I heard that you have to use two identical modules to get the best speed. Is that true and if so, is it worth to pay for 4GB just to get two identical modules?

    - Harddrive: ... 250GB SATA w 5400rpm or 200GB SATA w 7200rpm and free fall sensor.
    I wouldn´t mind 50 GB less, but i wonder whether the faster 7200rpm HD really IS noticable faster? Is it worth the additional 35€?

    Another point is the battery. How much more time gives me a 9cell battery replacing the standard 6cell battery?

    Greets,
    René
     
    GoaFraggle, May 15, 2008
    #1
  2. Prasad

    Prasad NBR Reviewer 1337 NBR Reviewer

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    You can get 3GB RAM and the 320GB 5400RPM drive if available... much greater storage, but same speed as a 200GB 7200RPM drive. I would consider getting the larger battery a better investment... :)
     
    Prasad, May 15, 2008
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  3. Xirurg

    Xirurg ORLY???

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    get 1 gb ram and upgrade it yourself and get a good CPU instead! ;)
     
    Xirurg, May 15, 2008
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  4. GoaFraggle

    GoaFraggle Newbie

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    Are you sure?
    320GB 5400rpm has the same speed as 200GB 7200rpm? How comes?
    And using one 1GB and one 2GB dimm won´t slow the RAM down?

    Btw. I just noticed they don´t offer a larger battery for the Vostro for some reason. But they do for the Inspirons and it costs amazing 142€!!! :eek:

    @Xirurg
    Are you serious? So I expect merket prices for ram modules are lower than dell offers right? Can I do that on my own as I don´t know how to do it yet?
     
    GoaFraggle, May 15, 2008
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  5. Prasad

    Prasad NBR Reviewer 1337 NBR Reviewer

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    Dell pricing on RAM will always be much more.... And yes, it's a known fact in the forums.... I'd rather not explain it again.. :p But oh well.. :D The 320GB drive may have slower rotation but has higher disc data density... thus equal speed :)
     
    Prasad, May 15, 2008
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  6. X2P

    X2P COOLING | NBR Super Mod

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    Just buy the 6 cell and buy the 9 in a few months once the factory in Korea has fully recovered for FAR FAR less.
     
    X2P, May 15, 2008
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  7. Xirurg

    Xirurg ORLY???

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    yeap,2 gb ddr2 costs ~30$ and by "upgrading"-you just open the back and click your ram stick into the empty slot ;) and 1GB and one 2GB wont slow it down!
     
    Xirurg, May 15, 2008
    #7