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.

    Is it worth upgrading my laptop?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by os3330, Nov 16, 2008.

  1. os3330

    os3330 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    I bought a Compaq CQ50-110US laptop a while back. Here are the current specs:

    Processor: 2.00 GHz AMD Turion X2 RM-70 Dual-Core Mobile Processor (1MB Cache)
    Memory: 3072 MB (DDR2-667)
    Memory Max: Up to 3GB DDR2
    Video Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 8200m (up to 1407 MB)
    Hard Drive: 200 GB (4200 rpm)
    Optical Drive: LightScribe Super Multi 8X DVD±R/RW
    Support Display: 15.4" WXGA High-Definition BrightView Widescreen (1280 x 800)
    Fax/Modem: High speed 56K modem
    Network Card: Integrated 10/100 Ethernet LAN
    Wireless Connectivity: 802.11b/g WLAN

    I'm thinking a 7200RPM for about $100.00 at Newegg. $150.00 will go into a 12-cell battery.

    The RM-70 processor can handle DDR2-800 memory. Also, the network card can be upgraded to support a/b/g/n (through HP). The question is, will all these upgrades (save the battery) result in a noticeable increase in performance?

    Which ones should I invest in, which ones should I leave alone is basically what I'm asking.
     
    os3330, Nov 16, 2008
    #1
  2. Xirurg

    Xirurg ORLY???

    Reputations:
    3,189
    Messages:
    7,375
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    206
    1)no,difference wont be noticeable
    2)if you need to access "n" networks
     
    Xirurg, Nov 16, 2008
    #2
  3. boypogi

    boypogi Man Beast

    Reputations:
    239
    Messages:
    2,037
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    just upgrade the hdd :D
     
    boypogi, Nov 16, 2008
    #3
  4. plasma.

    plasma. herpyderpy

    Reputations:
    1,279
    Messages:
    2,870
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    yes, please. Unless the drive is PATA.
     
    plasma., Nov 16, 2008
    #4
  5. wobble987

    wobble987 Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    543
    Messages:
    2,871
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    do you find your current laptop's performance lacking?

    to be quite honest, your current spec is evenly balanced. no upgrade necessary.

    there is not much difference in getting DDR2-800. no i dont think it is beneficial.

    do you find yourself needing faster HDD? (the HDD trashes too much for your liking)

    the 7200rpm drive might increase the case temperature and may cause overheat. in which case, a high density 5400rpm drives makes more sense.

    in any case, i think your machine is pretty well balanced. get a new machine when you feel you need a performance hike.
     
    wobble987, Nov 16, 2008
    #5