Upgrade my Acer Aspire 5672? Need advice as it's my first time

Hello!

I had bought the Acer Aspire 5672 back in Sept. 2006 and thought it was about time to get a new computer now, but after shopping around it seems like it would be less expensive if I upgraded it as it still works and I already have another netbook.

The reason I wanted a new computer/upgrade is I wanted a faster computer...faster app loading and multiple applications open/running

Do you agree? upgrade vs. new computer?

So after reading a bit, I should upgrade my hard drive first to 7200rpm. What hard drive is good/compatible with my laptop? Can you give me some specific ones because I don't really know which ones are compatible or up-to-date on the tech. advance? I might also consider SSD, but they seem expensive.

Also, what part should I be looking for in upgrading other parts like CPU, RAM...etc?

Thanks!!

My Acer Aspire 5672 specs from what I can gather
* Windows XP Professional
* T2300 @ 1.66GHz
* 2GB of RAM
* 120GB Hard Drive Toshiba MK1234GSX 2.5"
* ATI Mobility Radeon X1400

 

For faster app loading, you're probably looking at a hard drive upgrade. Your machine has a SATA interface, which means you can take pretty much any modern 2.5" 9.5mm hard drive. 12.7mm ones may be possible, but you'd have to check with someone more familiar with your hardware. Popular hard drives include the 7K500 and WD5000BEKT, both are 7200 RPM 500 GB drives, which will run you around $60-75 dollars depending on whether or not you can find a sale (fairly likely). Or you could spend a bit over $100 and get a Momentus XT, which will get you fast boot times, and better response for programs you use regularly a lot.

For having multiple applications open/running, it's mostly a RAM and CPU issue (depending on how much active load those applications may have), and your RAM is listed as DDR2 PC2-5300. You can get faster DDR2 RAM if you want, as it'll downclock to PC2-5300 speeds anyway. Official listed maximum is 4 GB (2x 2 GB sticks) of RAM, you might want to ask in the Acer subforum if anyone has ever managed to get theirs to recognize more.

Your CPU is possibly socket M, so in theory you may be able to go up to a T7600 or a more economical T7200, if your CPU isn't instead a BGA and soldered to the motherboard. Again, you'd have to ask someone more directly familiar with your model for that sort of information.

 

If you're running XP or Vista then consider Win7x64 with 4GB RAM.

A Seagate Momentus XT hybrid is recommended for fastest app loading for the price (although the 4GB RAM and SuperFetch will help with that too - once Win7 gets to 'know' your work habits).

Although the cpu and the video card seem 'weak' compared to today's systems - if they are doing what you need now, with the above upgrades you essentially have a new system anyway. In some ways even better than a new system (with slow HD and associated bloatware).

Keep a total of what the above will cost: if much more than three hundred or so (-+ $50), then consider selling this system to buy new.

This thread may also be of help too:

See:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/acer/381580-acer-aspire-5672-win-7-a.html

 

Thanks for the replies so far. I will look into the hard drives you guys suggested and keep an eye out on BF and holiday sales. On Newegg, I see there is 200 Pin DDR2 and 204 Pin DDR2, how do I check how many mine has?

If my laptop dies, can I take these upgrades and put it in the next laptop I buy?

 

The HD (as long as it's SATA) you can move to your new system.

The RAM will probably be throw away (unless you buy a 'yesterday' model). Okay, not 'throw away', you'll still be able to sell/ebay it to someone.

Mobile DDR2 RAM sticks have 200pins the 204 pin sticks are DDR3 (physically not compatible with DDR2 sockets).

The O/S? You'll need a new license.

Try to get one for around $30 for students.

Good luck.

 

haha I just realized I read the 204 pin ddr3 as ddr2 on newegg. how stupid.

Ok so I can just add an extra 2gb or replace with 2 x 2gb?
anyone of these work?
Newegg.com - G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual Channel Kit Laptop Memory Model F2-5300CL5D-4GBSA
Newegg.com - Crucial 2GB (2 x 1GB) 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual Channel Kit Laptop Memory Model CT2KIT12864AC667
Newegg.com - CORSAIR 2GB 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Laptop Memory Model VS2GSDS667D2

 

You should be good with any of them.

I do recommend that you buy matched sticks of RAM (if you want your programs and O/S as reliable and glitch free as possible).

When you're confident that you've tested the new RAM to your satisfaction - you can then sell your old RAM to recover some of your cost.

Use memtest to test your RAM (overnight if you can).

Good luck.

 

You'll probably have to buy 2 new sticks of 2 GB memory, as chances are very good that your current memory is actually 2x 1 GB sticks (you can download CPU-Z to check). If it's actually just a single 2 GB stick, then yes, you could just buy 1 stick of 2 GB, but matched pairs are usually preferred (just to avoid trouble, much like buying car tyres; you could buy a single tyre, but it's usually recommended to at least buy them in pairs). Out of the links you have there, you want the first (if buying 2 sticks) or the third (if buying 1). The second link is for 2 sticks of 1 GB RAM, which is what I suspect you have now.

 

Regarding hard drive, if 120GB meets your needs then any 7200 RPM drive should do, although it's usually only $5-$10 more expensive for a larger capacity drive, for example $50 for 160GB but $60 for 320GB and chances are the 320GB is quicker. I'd recommend the WD Scorpio Black for $60:

Newegg.com - Western Digital Scorpio Black WD3200BEKT 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache 2.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s Internal Notebook Hard Drive -Bare Drive

Otherwise if you are interested in a more SSD like experience then you can go with the Seagate Momentus XT 250GB for about $100 at newegg.

Newegg.com - Seagate Momentus XT ST92505610AS 250GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache 2.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s with NCQ Solid State Hybrid Drive -Bare Drive

In either case you should be able to get a decent overall improvement for $100-$150 between both a RAM and HDD upgrade.

 

I hate the continuing cycle of technology advances, I can never win at this tech and price game. lol. mmm I'm not really liking the fact if I buy RAM for about $70, it's gonna end up being throwaway.Maybe I should just buy a new computer as everything will be faster than my current one and I prob won't have to do any part upgrades. I had originally planned on getting a new computer after 4 years, but this one still works and I don't need to. Though, I kind of want a brand-new-spankin' laptop especially now that I've been shopping around.

Get a new $500 laptop, sell my old one for about $110? Then, if I really want and price come down a bit I can get Momentus XT for alittle lower?

I think for now I will be price watching these 2 months...there's prob more price cuts at the beginning of the year as they get rid of old inventory too? lol...

 

If you don't need to upgrade - don't!

As for the tech race: use it to your advantage. Either buy at the top/edge if work related (with write-offs!), or, buy at/near the bottom and ignore the calls of 'better! faster! cheaper!' every few months from all the marketing hype - and listen to yourself (as you're doing) as to how well your current system is matched to your needs.

Upgrading an older system depends on many factors and the ones that are most important (need, how old system is, ability to purchase new, price of new systems and relative performance gains, etc.) are least relevant to you now.

Keep in mind that even with a new system, the upgrades we're talking about here are still pertinent. I consider them as part of the cost of a new system: the original RAM and the original HD (both unused) I keep for when I sell the system in a few years.

The performance difference from maximizing the RAM and using the latest HD tech (XT hybrid for capacity and performance) makes even a brand new system at 'default' shipping status a poor case for upgrading an older, but better balanced system.

As you can wait - do so. The $$$ you spend will be about the same but the performance gained will be worth the wait. Performance gains not only in cpu power, but also in longer battery life and a cooler running notebook.

Good luck.

 

Well, I do need something faster and can handle more applications open as I realized I have been limiting it because it was not fast enough for me and not enjoying my laptop experience. Time for me to head over to What Notebook Should I Buy? and see what specs I actually need for my needs. Thanks!

 

hello again,

I found a 1gb ddr2 in my drawer...can I add it into this laptop? Thanks for all the help/suggestions. I've upgraded my HD to the Momentus XT from the recommends.

 

Probably, if you have an open slot. I don't remember if you ever checked if you had 2x 1 GB sticks, or a single 2 GB stick. If you have twin 1 GB sticks, then you'd still have the same total memory if you replaced one. If you have a single 2 GB stick, then you could add that 1 GB stick for 3 GB total.