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.

    RAM Upgrade vs. Graphics Card Upgrade

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by whynot, Jul 3, 2008.

  1. whynot

    whynot Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    I need a bit of help here. I currently have a Dell Inspiron 1520 w/ 1GB RAM and 32-bit Vista, no separate video card. Recently at work I have begun to work with a program that is somewhat more graphics intensive and my laptop has begun to really hang more than usual. Which would be more helpful, a better graphics card or upgrading to 3GB RAM?

    If the graphics card is the people's choice, any recommendations?

    If the RAM is the choice is it worth it to go up to 3GB or would I be fine with
    2x1GB cards to fill up the two slots. From what I know there is no point in going to 4GB with the 32 bit Vista as it don't recognize it anyway.

    Thanks in advance.
     
    whynot, Jul 3, 2008
    #1
  2. chipmoney

    chipmoney Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    140
    Messages:
    635
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    You can't upgrade your graphics card, hence go with the RAM especially with Vista, you should have at least 2 GB for Vista
     
    chipmoney, Jul 3, 2008
    #2
  3. Andy

    Andy Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    2,133
    Messages:
    6,399
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    206
    RAM - you could go upto 4GB - Get a 64-bit vista disc and install it using the 32-bit license
    GPU - I guess you have the 8600M GT 256MB, depending upon what MXM slot the laptop has (maybe MXM-II), you maybe able to upgrade to the 512MB version of the GPU above (I dont think there is one :p)....if it was available for that laptop as an upgrade option because installing gpus from other manufacturers wont work due to some difference in video BIOSs....and check out the general info stickies..!!
     
    Andy, Jul 3, 2008
    #3
  4. Tricks.

    Tricks. Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    34
    Messages:
    156
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    you cannot "upgrade" the graphics card so to speak on your laptop.

    the only way would be to buy a 1520 motherboard with the nvidia gpu.
     
    Tricks., Jul 3, 2008
    #4
  5. KGann

    KGann NBR Themesong Writer

    Reputations:
    317
    Messages:
    2,742
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    It wouldn't make a difference. The 512mb of VRam couldn't be utilized, due to the 128bit bus.
     
    KGann, Jul 3, 2008
    #5
  6. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,857
    Messages:
    16,212
    Likes Received:
    58
    Trophy Points:
    466
    Bottom line: It is unrealistic to upgrade the GPU...assuming you don't have the best one for that model anyway.

    RAM...check the RAM Deals thread if you live in the US.
     
    Greg, Jul 3, 2008
    #6
  7. whynot

    whynot Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Thanks all. RAM it is then. Enjoy the weekend.
     
    whynot, Jul 4, 2008
    #7
  8. powerpack

    powerpack Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    7,101
    Messages:
    5,757
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    I would get 3GB's or 4GB's (I know 32bit can't use all) it is not expensive.
     
    powerpack, Jul 4, 2008
    #8