New laptop..Worth the upgrade?

Hey there everyone..been a while since I have been on here...I just got a new laptop..the Gateway 6860 FX...picked one up for $850 shipped.

Specs are:

T5550 1.8 c2d
4GB ddr2
320 GB HD
17" widescreen
8800m GTS 512 gfx card

Was wondering if you guys think it would be worth me to upgrade the cpu to a t9300 2.5ghz 6mb cache 800mhz cpu, or would it not make that big of a difference?? I can pick one up for about 260 shipped. Or any other suggestions on what cpu I should go for? Mostly for gaming and auto cad...Just needed some more opinions!

Thanks for your time everyone...

Austin

 

I'm not sure if you really need it, but you're looking at a moderate jump in power. You saved a lot of coin on your purchase - and if you're not breaking the bank, go for it.

I'd suggest upgrading the screen though, as the stock screens in the 68XX-FXs are fairly... low resolution.

 

If you can get a T9300 for $260 shipped, jump on it. The move from the T5550 will be very noticeable in both day to day activities and gaming. Not to mention cooler temps.

 

I know you get this a lot...but I have not seen any benchmarks comparing the two..but would there be a significant boost in fps/performance overall? I really appreciate your time..Thanks

 

Indeed. When I first put my X7800 in and left it running at the stock 2.6ghz I ran some quick tests. My 3dMark06 jumped to over 9k and I gained close to 8FPS in Crysis alone. The T9300 has more cache, so the difference may be even more for you.

 

Kind of a weird question..but the cpu im watching on ebay... http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=250281459743&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=015

Whats the whole SLAQC thing? I see another but its named SLAYY...is there a difference? Kind of confusing..

 

The slaqg runs at a higher voltage whereas the slayy is more power efficient and utilizes a lower voltage.

SLAQG

SLAYY

 

the T9300 is well worth upgrading to. i did. never regretted it.

 

Here is a CPU Benchmark List, and there is more stuff at TomsHardware.
Yes, you will see an increase in FPS/Performance when going from the T5550 to the T9300, due to the increased clock frequency, bus speed and L2 cache.
The memory will still operate at 667MHz, but the CPU will kinda communicate with the GPU a bit faster. The increased data cache will also be useful, since more data copies can be stored in it, to speed up the data fetch, in turn avoiding the need to access the slower, main memory.
So you will see a boost in overall performance, especially in CPU-intensive tasks.

 

Man you guys are quick...Very cool..Should I just grab the one on newegg for 320 then? Or is it worth the $60 save the grab this?

Thanks diablo...Did you upgrade your RAM as well!? If so..did it make much of a difference?

haha - I have so many questions...first laptop here..and first time using Vista...Should I opt for the ultimate upgrade of vista when it arrives?

 

I'd say go for it, simply because the CPU is hard to upgrade on your own and you will see quite a difference in performance...

Also, otherwise your CPU would definitely be your bottleneck...

 

Go for the newegg one, if the one on ebay doesn't have the 3 year MR's Warranty.
For 4GB ram to be fully recognized, you will need a x64 OS.

 

Thats your call man. They dont say whether the one on ebay is used or not, but it appears it most likely is. The one from newegg is retail and includes the full intel warranty.

 

I thought that the home premium was 64 bit..I must have read something wrong..shoot.

I hear its pretty easy to upgrade this particular lappy as far as the CPU goes...We will find out I guess!

I'm just happy I got a good price on the thing...Will be nice to have it for college...Any special backpacks or cases you guys prefer?

 

Home premium comes in both flavors. 32 and 64bit.
And yes, the upgrade is insanely simple. Just make sure you get some decent thermal paste.

 

As far as backpacks and sleeves go I like what Spire has to offer. I have had a spire sleeve for a year now and have really liked it.

They are at: www.spireusa.com

Hope this helps! XD

 

Holy cow..170 for a backpack!!??? haha..holy cow...They better be titanium plated on the inside!

 

only if you really think you will need vista ultimate features that home premium does not offer (bitlocker, and a couple other things)

i didnt upgrade the ram, but rather changed it out for the ram that i had in my old toshiba x205, because i had bought a set of kingston 2x2gb as an upgrade for the x205. not much difference at all (0.00001% difference visually) and TBH, even though Dook had a little trouble with his T9300 from newegg, I never once had a problem with newegg so that would be an extra 60 i would be willing to spend on such a high profile item for laptops.

 

Just want to say thank you guys for all the help and quick responses...I really do appreciate the time and conversation!

 

no problemo...now you can join us over in the gateway/e-machines sub forum!

 

Indeed. Bring it on over.

 

If you're referring to the 6860FX's Vista Home Premium, the default is a 64 bit install. The install DVD that comes with your computer also has the 32 bit OS available should you wish to install it.

If you wish to save, you can also consider buying the T8300. Performance differences between the T8300 and T9300 are generally minimal.

 

and get mad at yourself for not buying the P-7811FX like some users there.

 

Well, he did pick up the 6860FX for 850 shipped. I would say that's a nice price for it.

 

this is very true...much nicer than my 1099 i paid for it.

 

Id go for the upgrade right now im thinking of doing similar to my t5250

 

Well, whats the difference between the two? I mean, after I upgrade the cpu - what would be holding me down? The 7811 has the 9800 gtx/s but- Isn't that just an 8800 gts with a 100mhz clock increase? I'm just talking about basic hardware. I know the 7811 has the better res screen, but I have grown used to the 1440x900 res on my desktop pc...I wouldn't want to go any higher than that....Should I be upset that I didn't get the newer version???

Thanks guys! I'll be at work most of the day, but I'll be back on here in a few!

Take care!