Dell Vostro 1700 Upgrade

Hi guys.

I've got a Dell Vostro 1700 which I have had for a long time now and I'm currently in the upgrading mood. I recently upgraded to Windows 7 but I need more
And so I need a few opinions and lots of help if anyone is willing as the last threads I found on here with a quick search is coming up to 2 years or so old.

BIOS:
I've been told that the BIOS is something that falls under the "don't fix if not broke" category but I still have the stock A00 version with A07 being the current on Dell's drivers site.

So do I need anything specific before I upgrade my BIOS? And is it as easy as it sounds? (just run an downloaded app like any other driver upgrade)

Processor:
Now this is where I will need the most help with.

Currently I have the Intel Core 2 Duo T7100 (1.8Ghz). I know this isn't the fastest but I also have no idea what would work in my laptop nevermind what would be good value for money.

So if I do upgrade to BIOS version A07, which processors would be compatible and which one would you guys suggest? I don't need the most top of the range one, just one which would be a good upgrade within a reasonable budget.

I am also planning on upgrading my RAM from 2Gb to 4Gb, but that is just a simple "make sure it says on the new ones what it does on the old" upgrade. right?

Thanks in advance for any help you guys offer


- Mentior

 

u can use 4GB... 6GB is max from what i know... for CPU , T9500 is the best upgrade but T9300 will be way cheaper and is only 0.2GHz slower... and before u change the RAM and CPU , update the BIOS... its quite simple... just download the file and the app will open and flash the BIOS... make sure u do this on AC power and ur battery is in because if there is power loss , u might brick ur laptop...

 

Yeah I am still old fashioned and don't know any better so I stayed with the 32bit OS so not worth to get more than 4Gb.

And thanks for the advice, I will def check those out