Dell M5010 Upgrades

So, I got a refurb Dell M5010 for Christmas, and would like it to pack more of a punch. It has an AMD P320 Dual Core 2.1 GHz processor, 3 GB RAM, and a 300 GB HDD. I'm unsure about the specific graphics load out.

Now, for what I'd like. I want to install a faster processor and backlit keyboard, and if funds allow, another GB or 2 of RAM. I don't know if the keyboard is an option, but I hope it is! I'm open to suggestions about processors. I'd like to put in the keyboard before I even do the processor, again, if it's an option. Does anyone know whether it take DDR2 or 3 RAM? My total budget is $250 and labor won't be an issue as I will be working with my neighbor who is very good with computers.

Thanks a lot!
Redsox

 

You should have socket S1G4, and any Phenom/Athlon processor should work.

Phenom II N620
Phenom II N640
Phenom II N660

These are the fastest dual cores offer by AMD for S1G4. I don't recommend the Phenom II Quad cores unless you are always rendering as they don't have Turbo Boost and suffer greatly in single threaded applications, though you can install them as the M5010 offers the quad cores and the cooling system can handle it.

RAM is far cheaper, you can get 8 GB for ~70 dollars.

I don't know about the backlit, but since it is a 15.6" you might be able to borrow another Dell keyboard of the same size screen that has a backlit keyboard.

 

Now that I know what I need, can you suggest some online retailers? I usually use NewEgg for computer items, but a better deal may exist somewhere.

Is there a specific processor which you would recommend? For the RAM, 8GB sounds nice although I don't know many reliable brands other than the obvious, PNY, Kingston, etc. NewEgg carries these but they also carry others. How would I go about getting a backlit keyboard from another Dell laptop?

Sorry for the seemingly basic questions, it's just that this isn't my area of expertise. I can do basic stuff with my desktop like RAM installation, but I've never worked with a laptop before.

Here's the results I got on NewEgg for DDR3 204 pin RAM. I'm thinking 8GB is the way to go for the cost.

 

fleebay usually has good deals

 

Unfortunately very few places sell AMD mobile processors OEM. Your best bet is Ebay.

For RAM, any reputable RAM company will do. I've had good success with Crucial, Corsair, GSkill and Kingston. Patriot and PNY are good too, just never tried them personally.

I'll take a look at the backlit keyboard, but generally if it isn't offered, the general answer is no.

 

Ok, so I'll head over to Ebay to scope out processors, give up on the keyboard, and propose one more question.

How much does RAM speed matter? Should I mate it to the speed of my new processor?

 

Your laptop has the ATi Mobility Radeon HD 4250. Ok for old games.

Before you buy a keyboard, take the current one off and check if there is a power connector for the light.

 

RAM speed does not matter. Take the cheapest DDR3 RAM. More RAM > Faster RAM.

You don't have to give up on the keyboard but just don't be optimistic lol.

 

OK, when I do the hardware upgrades I'll take a look at the keyboard. By "old games" you mean what? I'll be playing some Counter Strike Source and thats about it for games on here. Will it be ok?

Thank you so very much!

 

Are you talking about this Counter Strike:

Minimum: 1.2 GHz Processor, 256MB RAM, DirectX 7 level graphics card, Windows 2000/XP/ME/98, Mouse, Keyboard, Internet Connection

Recommended: 2.4 GHz Processor, 512MB RAM, DirectX 9 level graphics card, Windows 2000/XP, Mouse, Keyboard, Internet Connection

If so, your laptop will run it on max.

 

No that's like the original requirements based off the HL1 engine. Source is the HL2 engine but it came out ~5 years ago, so you should be able to run it, albeit lower resolutions for lag free play.

 

WELL DUH! Why don't I go look at Steam's site.

Here's what I turned up. I think I'm in the clear!

1.7 GHz Processor, 512MB RAM, DirectX® 8.1 level Graphics Card (Requires support for SSE), Windows® 7 (32/64-bit)/Vista/XP/2000, Mouse, Keyboard, Internet Connection


EDIT: Well, I went hunting for the N660 processor and all I uncovered were laptops. Those things don't seem to exist individually

The triple and quad cores have been easier to find, is there any major drawback to one of these that would make a dual core worth hunting for?

 

Will this work in my laptop?

 

No the GPU is soldered onto the motherboard. I believe you have the Radeon 4250 graphics and that is integrated graphics.

 

So I'm pretty much SOL in terms of graphics?

 

I mean, the 4250 isn't bad, you should be able to do moderate gaming provided you get some more RAM. You could swap out the motherboard if you wanted to..

 

Well, I tried out some Counter Strike Source today and it ran 40FPS +- a few. My resolution was full screen 1366x768 with the following, all recommended by the integrated "video stress test" in the game:

Model Detail: High
Texture Detail: High
Shader Detail: High
Water Detail: Reflect World
Shadow Detail: High
Color Correction: Enabled
Antialiasing Mode: None
Filtering Mode: Trilinear
Wait for Vertical Sync: Disabled
Motion Blur: Disabled
Multicore Rendering: Disabled
High Dynamic Range: Full

I don't know what this means to you, but these were the suggested video settings.

Now, after adding RAM, my budget will be floating around $170. I can say with decent certainty that this is not NEARLY enough for a motherboard/graphics upgrade although I would still like to do the processor. I'd like to shoot for 2.8+ GHz which, for the dual cores, is the N640 or N660. I can't find either as newegg doesn't carry anything with my socket, S1G4. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Is there a Rep boost button, I owe it to you?

 

Well that isn't bad. In all honestly you wouldn't need a CPU upgrade, 2.1 GHz dual core is enough for modern games. I ran Source based games on my old T5470, 1.6 GHz Core 2 Duo. Unless you plan on rendering, you should be fine with that Athlon dual core.

More RAM will be more beneficial immediately as you don't have dedicated VRAM, more RAM will help.