Dell Studio 1737 processor confusion

I have a Dell Studio 1737 that I have owned since new. T6500 @ 2.10GHz, 4gb memory, Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit. Updated A09 Bios.
I am about to replace my fan since the bushings are wearing out and it's getting noisy. I have added a Crucial M500 SSD for my boot drive and moved my mechanical drive to the second bay.

I want to maximize my processor and replace the thermal paste (Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut) while I'm in there. There are so many processor options that I'm getting confused.

Dell states the fastest STOCK processor for the laptop was an Intel 2.8 GHz, 1066 MHz, 6M L2 cache (T9600) But I'm guessing there are better options. I have even read where someone changed it to a Q9000,
although it has a TDP of 45W and I can't figure out how they would attach the heatsink to 2 dies when it's designed for only 1.

From my research, the motherboard runs a 1066 Mhz FSB so it should not throttle down.

The T6500 and T9600 both have a 35W TDP.


My main goal is a STABILE computer with the best/fastest processor for the 1737.

ANY RECOMMENDATIONS?

 

I would not spend the time or resources necessary to make this old platform 'better'.

See:
http://www.cpubenchmark.net/compare.php?cmp[]=995&cmp[]=1012

Sure, going to an T9600 from your current processor will get you a 50% increase in raw performance (multithreaded) and 33% better in single core (responsiveness) performance for very little $$.

But that pales in comparison to putting that same $$ towards a newer platform where, depending on what you get, be looking at a 6x or higher (600% or more) performance increase - along with major benefits just from the platform upgrade too.

A new(er) platform can quadruple the RAM easily and cheaply and that by itself will get you newfound performance vs. the 4GB RAM and Win7 platform you now have.

Unless your budget is so strict, or, your need to continue with this oldie is mostly for nostalgia's sake - it is time to retire this platform and use something much, much newer.

Good luck.

btw, Try putting the cpuid output into a 'code' box instead of having people need to scroll such a long first post.

 

Thanks

 

Thanks, I appreciate your feedback. While getting a new computer/platform would be nice, I can't justify the expenditure for my use. I really don't even NEED to change the CPU but figured since I was going to dismantle the computer anyway to replace my noisy fan and thermal compound, I would consider a cheap upgrade at the same time.

I already have the fan and compound on hand so the only additional cost would be the processor. I have done a little more research and found out the x9100 is suitable although it's TDP is 9W hotter than the T9900. Performance wise, they are almost identical. Since battery life is not an issue for me, (AC use only) changing the thermal compound to the Kryonaut, and a much needed good cleaning, " SHOULD" (fingers crossed) care of the extra heat.

Used prices of the t9900 are around $40.00 while the X9100 is around $10.00. $40.00 is pushing it a bit but $10.00 is hard to resist.

Any comments?

P.S. Sorry for the LONG Cpuid stats.

 

New doesn't necessarily mean 'brand new'. Don't write off that option just yet...

For $10 additional cost and assuming you won't be pushing this system in a 24/7 or even an 8/5 scenario to it's max... it would be great tinkering experience.

See:
http://www.cpubenchmark.net/compare.php?cmp[]=1012&cmp[]=995&cmp[]=1030

While the X9100 looks tempting, it is a very marginal improvement for a very real way to make your older platform go up in proverbial smoke.

The $40 for the T9900 is a wiser investment, imo, for your platform. Don't forget you can turn around and put your old CPU up for sale after you verify the new one is working as it should to recoup some of the T9900's cost.

Pushing an old platform past it's specs is asking for trouble. If you will only be using it at much lower % utilization... then, what's the point? For a mere $30 more, you'll get to play a little more with your system in 200 pieces and you'll get the satisfaction of giving it a little more oomph too. All within it's rated specs too. I vote for the T9900, today.

Still; with all those processors you're considering being 2C/2T designs - don't expect a major jump in actual 'productivity' (but in 'snappiness'; yeah, there you should see a difference, depending on how sensitive you are to small changes). A new(er) platform will really be an eye opener (but I understand there is no budget for that right now).

What I see limiting you is the 2C/2T at low GHz..., Win7 and 4GB RAM. If you can get an educational price for Win10 x32 (pro recommended), that would be a good upgrade for your current platform too (depending on the price, of course), with a clean install of the O/S and programs highly recommended!

I'll be looking here to see for any updates on your plan of action.

Good luck.

 

Thanks again. I will ponder it for a while. I will post whatever I end up doing.