Please recommend CPU upgrade for Vostro 1500

Currently my notebook (Dell Vostro 1500) has an L7300 processor (1.4GHZ). It's OK, but I was wondering if anyone felt that a CPU upgrade would be cost effective in terms of increased performance return? And of so, which one?

I have a WD3200BEKT hard drive and (2) x 2 GB of PC5300 ram by the way.

Thanks a lot for the help.

John

 

I had a 1500 so long ago, I can't remember the max CPU.

I know I had a T7200, so maybe it's the T7700? Someone else can confirm.

 

I think your processor is soldered to the motherboard and it's not possible to upgrade easily. I would suggest you to go for a Seagate momentus xt hard drive if you want to improve the performance.
Intel® Core?2 Duo Processor L7300 (4M Cache, 1.40 GHz, 800 MHz FSB) with SPEC Code(s) SLA3S

 

I checked the Dell Service Manual. The processor is in a Ziff socket:

Documentation

It should be easy to replace.

Thanks,

John

But which one would you recommend?

 

Thanks for sharing that info craftech, I hope this may help you compare CPUs and choose one:
Compare Intel® Products,

 

The Vostro 1500 has a PM965 chipset and can support the older Merom T7xxx processors as well as the Penryn 800Mhz FSB T8100 2.1GHz, T8300 2.4GHz, T9300 2.5GHz, T9500 2.6GHz and X9000 2.8GHz processors. May I suggest that the T9300 is the best bang per buck recommendation.

However, I think for you case, A T8100 or a T8300 with 3mb L2 Cache is already enough to justify the L7300 1.4GHz upgrade.

 

T8100 and T83100 processors are great upgrades for the price.

I recently took an Inspiron 1520 and replaced its Core 2 T5250 (1.5GHz) with a Core 2 T8100 (2.1ghz). You get the additional clockspeed, better battery life due to the 45nm process, and SSE 4.1 instructions. The performance increase was quite good for the price.

The T8100 and T8300 can be found for around $70-120 on Ebay.

 

What kind of performance return are you referring to? CPU benchmark scores? Sure, the 'score' might seem tempting for a mere ~100 bucks or so and a couple of hours of your time (along with some luck too). But if you're not using any apps that are pushing the cpu now, you will not notice a justifiable upgrade for the time and money spent.

Are there any specific app(s) that you want to see a noticeable upgrade in?

When you need a real performance upgrade, nothing beats moving to a new platform (like to an i3 or higher, for example).

Good luck.

 

I though L processor is low voltage

 

Yes it's low voltage.

 

Count me in the no group. Unless you're running your CPU at or near capacity frequently, I don't think it'll make much of a difference in daily usage. Most usage like Office, Media and Internet, don't push the CPU enough to where you'd notice a difference. The L7300 does seem odd in a Vostro 1500. Perhaps the T7300 seems more likely?

I'm not super familar with Dells, but I wouldn't count on CPUs like the T8100 or T9300 working. At a minimum you'd need a BIOS update and the older boards may not support the newer CPUs.

 

+1, but craftech, what do you mainly use that notebook for? For instance, If you are just using it for word processing or internet browsing, you will probably not see much in performance gains.

 

PM965-chipset Dell laptops are highly upgradeable provided the CPU is socketed. Dell also is pretty consistent with releasing BIOS updates so they can sell a laptop model with a newer CPU than they might have at initial release.

Putting a T8100 in the Inspiron 1520 (also a PM965 "Santa Rosa" chipset) I redid for a family member was easy, and inexpensive. The Vostro 1500 is based on the same chassis and mainboard the Inspiron 1520 is, so it should work just fine. The design is a little chunky, but highly upgradeable --I threw everything but the kitchen sink in (webcam with a new LCD bezel for it, Intel 4965AGN wireless card to replace the cheap Dell 1390, DVD burner to replace the combo drive, etc.) and it runs beautifully.

Like you, I have a feeling the system has a T7300 in it rather than an L7300. If that's the case, I'd skip upgrading the CPU and put a faster hard drive in. The T7300 is still quite competent, and the T8100 or T8300 wouldn't be much of an upgrade, in comparison to what it would be over a 1.5GHz L7300.

 

Yes, Sony Vegas Video editing software. I edit on my desktop except whern I travel. Then I try to do some editing and it doesn't seem to render very well, and the video playback could be better as well.

Thanks,

John

 

CPU-Z says it's an L7300 at 1.4 GHZ so then would a T8100 be a good upgrade then?

John

 

I upgraded T5270 1.4Ghz up to T9300 2.5Ghz.

Performance difference? A Lot! Is it useful to me? Yes, bcause I use it for compiling programs.

Why not getting a new laptop with better processor ?? My total upgrade cost is $30, I didn't see any option for laptop upgrade if I sell my laptop + $30 in my place that and the upgrades are Fun !

 

If you're using Sony Vegas software, I'd definitely say yes. Newer versions should be able to use SSE 4.x instructions of the T8100 or T8300 that the L7300 doesn't have, which will greatly speed performance. You're also talking a considerable boost in clock-speed.

If you can find a T8300 for under $110 shipped, I'd consider going with it for another 300MHz-per-core. Otherwise, I'd stick with the T8100 if you're on a budget.

P.S. Do flash the BIOS to the latest version prior to your upgrade. Newer BIOS revisions often add support for newer processors.

 

duplicate (delete)

 

No. The first generation Penryns from T8100 to X9000 CPUs with 800Mhz FSB DOES work on the 1500. In fact, there are many owners who use them.

Yes I think I have to speak for the others as well -

I will have to agree that a L7300 (I think that sounded alot like a T5270) @ 1.4GHz to a... say a T9300 @ 2.5 IS a nice performance boost - that's like as if a near 1.1GHz overclock and will be a good substantial upgrade over it for workstation applications and even games (Yes it does, tried, and tested). - However - it will not be much of a use upgrading that if you're just doing simple tasks like web browsing, emails, MS Office, and the like.

I am somebody who doesn't like jumping conclusions and say a CPU upgrade is no good unless we have an answer on what the end user does on his laptop (an upgrade is useless for some, it may be useful for others depending on what they do) So... what exactly are the kinds of tasks you will be doing on your machine on a daily basis?

 

OP, I believe you have the T5270, re-check the processor model in "Specification", not Name.
Example of cpu-z wrong reading:

Weird CPU-Z Readings.... - PC Perspective Forums

 

When I bought my 1500, the T7200 I chose was the third option, above the T5270 and I think the T5600.

 

Like I said I'm not super familiar with Dells, but I know with ThinkPads they use different boards for the different CPUs and the new CPUs won't work on the old boards.

 

I'm not as familiar on ThinkPad guts (despite my ownership of them), so it's good to know.

Dell tends to be pretty consistent in their system boards. I haven't had an issue yet with CPU upgrades, as long as one conforms to the what the chipset of a given system board is meant to handle. It's why I sometimes pick up an older, slower one if I think it'll be an easy upgrade for a friend or relative.

The main difference in Dell laptop mainboard versions (for a specific laptop model) is usually integrated vs. discrete graphics.

 

As SomeFormOFhuman explained it would be possible to upgrade your processor, my guess is that you've got a T5XXX in there on a socket P. I personally would go for the T9300 2.5ghz 6m cache new architecture as well, easily overclockable to 2.7Ghz using Throttlestop. And yes it would make a nice noticeable upgrade for your usage.

Things to remember:

1/ Latest Bios Update,
2/ Make sure you buy correct CPU for the Socket you have.(will be Socket P or M-both of which non-interchangable)
3/ Use a good thermal Grease/Silicon.

4/It's not hard to do and Have Fun

 

I agree with the first 3 steps but not the last one

 

You were right. I downloaded the latest version of CPU-Z and it now says that the processor is indeed a T5270 at 1.4 GHZ.

So now what? Does that change the upgrade recommendations. Again, I want better performance for Sony Vegas video editing. Cost/performance.

Thanks for all this help. It's more than one could have ever hoped for. I really appreciate it.

John

 

Recommendations are still the same.

Hint: check out NBR marketplace, I've seen processors sold cheap there
Computer Components

(you don't need new processor for upgrades, get a good working condition used one, saves you big)

 

Thanks,

I'll keep my eye out for a T9300. They seem to be around $230 plus new.

John

 

I've seen used T9300s sold for $120 - 150 in NBR market

 

John, remember what I said about the two different types of socket. P and M type. For a 'P' socket you will have to look for a T9300 Spec 'SLAYY' or 'SLAQG' not 'SLAPV' which is Socket 479.(M) BGA, probably more specs than these. Just check it's what you want from the vendor. CPUID should also tell you what socket you have.Good Luck

 

I checked. CPUID says that it is a Socket P (478).

Thanks for the info.

John

 

I found one, but it is $160

http://forum.notebookreview.com/computer-components/507792-intel-core2-t9300-oem-2-5g-6m-slayy.html

And how do we know who we are buying from on that forum?

John

 

Just found this:

MikeT's Blog: Dell Vostro 1500 CPU upgrade to Penryn T9300 2.5Ghz

John

 

Just tell him say that you want to buy it. Or PM him.

 

Yup, sounds good. Going for £124 second hand over here.

 

But do we have any protection from scams here at the forum?

Thanks,

John

 

If you use PayPal, then you get the buyer protection thing.

 

OK,

Thanks,

John

 

I upgraded the CPU in my 1500 twice.

T5470 (2x1.6GHz 2MbL2) to T7300 (2x2GHz 4MbL2) to T9300 2x2.5GHz 6MbL2.

The t7300-t9300 was a bigger difference than I thought it would be (the doubling of cache gives another 5-10% performance as well as clock speed)

T9300 is pretty quick still.

 

Thanks again for all this help. I just purchased a used T9300 from a Top rated seller on eBay for $166. It is a Socket P SLAYY CPU.
The seller on the NBR market never responded.

1. I assume all it needs is a cleaning with 90% Isopropyl alcohol and a thin coat of thermal paste.

2. Do I have to adjust anything in the BIOS when I install it?

Thanks again.

John

 

1. Some people place a dot of thermal paste in the middle of the cpu and then clam the heatsink down, thus spreading the paste. I'd put on a latex glove and spread the thermal paste very thin with my finger. Either way is fine.

2. No adjustments needed, just update your bios to the latest version before changing the cpu.

 

Thanks,

Latest BIOS has been on there for quite some time. It is BIOS A06 from 2008.

John

 

Installed the T9300 without any real problems. Was very careful to insure good contact with Heat Sink, CPU, and Arctic Silver 5. But I not sure if my Temps are within reason or not.

I am getting roughly 41 /36 C when web surfing and at idle.

However when processing intensive video with my editor the temps have climbed as high as 80 degrees C with a 100% CPU load. They are averaging in the 70s with a 95-98% CPU load. This is using Core Temp to monitor it.

Is that really bad? Should I disassemble the entire laptop again and redo the thermal compound?

Thanks,

John

EDIT: OK, I looked it up on the Core Temp website. It says:

What is considered to be a safe temperature for my processor?
For processors with the "TjMax" value being shown in Core Temp it is usually considered best to keep the temperature 15-20C below that value when the processor is under full load.
For chips which don't provide a TjMax value, such as the AMD K8 family of chips, it's best to keep the temps under 70C full load.

My TjMax value (according to CoreTemp) is 105 degrees C. So that means 80 degrees C is at the maximum safe temperature for my T9300.

 

Try to use other temp monitor tools. If still the same, re-do the installation

80 is quite high for your machine & T9300.

This is the screen of my max temp when first installing of T9300:

Spoiler

And this one's after undervolt

Spoiler

Edit: I forgot, AS5 may need some curing time.. I used Tuniq TX-2 which should be no to minimum curing time needed.

 

Thanks for helping me. Much appreciated.

In addition to CoreTemp, I also tried SpeedFan and then CPUID Hardware Monitor (The one you used). The temperatures are not as low as yours, but they both are reading lower than CoreTemp. I ran CPUID Hardware Monitor and CoreTemp at the same time and the temperature for CoreTemp read 6 - 8 degrees higher than CPUID Hardware Monitor read. CPUID Hardware Monitor running Go Orthos Beta by Johnny Lee averaged about 65-70 degrees C with 100% CPU Load.

I'll let the AS5 cure for a few days and try it again.

I have a whole bunch of MX2, but I didn't read anything that indicated it was any better than AS5. Do you think it is? Trying to avoid a complete dis-assembly of the laptop again, but I will if you think I would benefit from it.

Thanks again,

John

 

The T9300 I bunged in my Vostro 1500 ran up to 80C but only during games (8600MGT shares fan)

Without issue for >12 months (not using due to new lappy)

 

Yes let it cure.

AS5 is legend, but is also old.
if you ever decide to try re-installing the processor, I'd suggest to use the MX2

That's understandable (the heat mostly from gpu).
If using Nvidia 8600, I won't be worry about the processor, it's the gpu that has a sudden death risk

 

Now that you mention it, I don't remember seeing a GPU heatsink at all. In this photo that would be the upper one:

IMG_1593.JPG (image)

I only saw the CPU / Northbridge heatsink/cooler. The end that sits over the Northbridge has a pad on it. What I did was to scrape off the Ceramique-like hard coating from the bottom of the CPU heatsink and leave the pad on the Northbridge end. I applied AS5 to the CPU and the Northbridge (left the pad on the cooler) and squished it all down. Someone recommended that here:

MikeT's Blog and Dell pages: Dell Vostro 1500 CPU upgrade to Penryn T9300 2.5Ghz

But you have me wondering about the GPU cooler/heatsink assembly that is missing on mine. Sounds like an improbable mistake for Dell to make so maybe it wasn't necessary on mine.

John

EDIT: I found the answer in the Dell Service Manual under "Removing the Fan":

9. Remove the graphics card assembly, if installed (see Removing the Graphics Card Assembly).

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/vos1500/en/sm/fan.htm#wp1179839

My GPU is a Mobile Intel 965

.............but I am curious as to what you guys think about the way I applied the Arctic Silver 5.

You also may like this MASSIVE thermal paste reviews:

http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=138&Itemid=1

http://hardwarelogic.com/articles.php?id=5379&asesessid=effe453c32c684ce66f20b5d14f34c3c620fce50

 

I don't think you're supposed to put thermal paste on the northbridge chip. Only a thermal pad.

 

Someone suggested it in that blog I linked. They did it because the cooler doesn't always sit perfectly level across both the CPU and the Northbridge Chipset. They also suggested putting on more thermal paste on the CPU sink than one would normally apply for the same reason. That's what I did. Someone had applied it correctly (thin) on the CPU and it got really really hot because of the non-level seating contact of that long cooling pipe.

Would the paste on the pad hurt do you think? I assume 90% Isopropyl would remove it OK if need be.

John