Need some help deciding what hardware to get in my Inspiron 1520

So, I just ordered an Inspiron 1520, but I'm having second thoughts about the hardware that I choose. I'm getting this notebook for college, and I want basically the fastest computer that I can get because I hate waiting for things to load, and Im going to have this computer at least 3 or 4 years, so I dont want it to get outdated too fast. Im not into gaming now, but I can see my self getting into some games, like the newest GTA game and halo 3. Im going to be studying engineering, so there is also a very good chance that I will be running CAD on it.

This is what I ordered:
Core 2 Duo T7300 2.0Ghz
2 Gb Ram
High Resolution, glossy widescreen 15.4 inch display (1680x1050)
256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT
160G 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive

I only noticed the 3Gb Ram option when I was checking everything over for the final order. I dont think that option was available yesterday.

Anyway, Im having second thoughts about whether it would have been better to spend the extra $100 that I used to upgrade to the 8600M GT from the 8400M GS on a Core 2 Duo T7500 or 3Gb of ram.

From what Ive read the 3Gb may not actually perform better because the chips are not the same. So Im guessing that that isnt the way to go.

Would the T7500 be more worthwhile than the 8600M GT for me? I think (with not much of a basis) that the 8600M GT will make more of a difference as a step up from the component below it than the T7500. Would I be correct?

 

After reading around on this forum, it seems like regardless of what I do it would be a good idea to order it with 1Gb of Ram and buy another 1Gb or 2Gb chip (depending on what you guys tell me) elsewhere. Does 1Gb notebook come with 1 1Gb chip of 2 512Mb chips? If it turns out that I can buy an aftermarket second chip, can someone suggest and quality brand and a place to purchase it?

Thanks!!

 

Yes, you're better off getting the best cpu/gpu now and buy ur memory from a store like newegg.com. Also check out the Hot ram deals section and you'll find some good stuff.

Remember, ram and hard drive are easily and cheaply upgraded later on. But things like gpu and cpu will be a lot more expensive and harder to do so in a couple years, so get the fastest you can afford now.

 

I can help you. I have a 1520 too as you can see.

Anyway, all your specs are perfect. Why are you second guessing them? Even the T7100 would be fine...so the T7300 is great.

I ordered 2GB of RAM directly from Dell. Didn't care much about the price. However, a lot of people have monetary restraints. I'm 99.9% sure that when Dell offers 1GB options, they use (2x512MB) sticks.

Now, the hard drive is also perfect for you, since you want fast load times. Most of that depends on the speed of your hard drive. I have the 5400RPM drive and I still think it's blazing fast for me.

Onto the graphics card....it is very simple. If you plan to game well and for the longest time possible with that laptop, get the 8600M GT. If you only plan to play older games like CS, BF2, etc. The 8400M GS will be fine for you. It IS worth the extra $100 to get the 8600M GT. The sequence goes from the 8400M GS to the 8400M GT then to the 8600M GS and then finally to the 8600M GT. The 8600M GT is a far better performer than the 8400M GS, even the 8400M GT is weak compared to it.

No, the T7500 won't be worthwhile. Of course, it will increase performance, but it's up to you to decide whether you want to spend that extra cash on it.

I don't know about the 3GB of ram, sorry.

 

Get the best GPU/CPU as those are harder to upgrade later.

 

You ordered a very nice system and I think memory is the only question. 2GB or 3GB will both work fine.

 

First of all, thanks alot for the quick responses.

Aside from the Ram, I think I'm gonna stick with the system the way it is becuase it seems like the 8600M GT will greatly improve my ability to play games, while the T7500 would just make it a little faster overall.

As for the Ram, what I think I going to do is order it with 1gb and then swap it out with aftermarket 3Gb of aftermarket Ram. If anybody could verify that dell gives you two 512Mb chips when you order 1Gb of ram that would be great.

Im having trouble figuring out what Ram to buy though. Based on neweggs search criteria I think that there are two types of DDR2 available 200pin and 214pin. Ive tried searching on some calculator sites, but the 1520 is not yet listed. If there are other differences, how do I know what type of ram is right for the 1520?

I know the 1520 comes with DDR2-667 ram. i know DDR2-800 ram is faster, would there be any advantage to getting that, or is the faster speed not compatable with the motherboard or something?

Thanks again

 

Also what is the difference between DDR2-667 (PC2 5300) and DDR2-667 (PC2 5400)?

 

Ram running at 800Mhz will just downclock to 667Mhz probably with higher latency. So get 667Mhz, 5300 and 5400 are the same I believe you need 200 Pin DDR2 5300/5400 SODIMM. Crucial has a memory scanner that might help you confirm. Standard latency on 667Mhz is 5 but some are 4. Either is good and if price is the same get 4. Unless you are an extreme user like overclocking almost any brand will work. RAM is not something that can be made in the basement like crystal meth so there are a limited number of manufacturer's and they sell to company's who just re-brand it any way. For the most part RAM either works or does not. Getting a good warranty should be standard also so no worries.

 

I was thinking I would get these:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820227099

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820227236

I'll check crucials site, but could anybody tell me if these will fit?

 

Wow. So many people are getting 1520's. No wonder Dells shipping is so backed up.

 

Yes latency of 5.

 

They are the same thing. Some manufactures round up, some down