Upgrade of my Inspiron 1525's CPU (please help!)

Hi everybody. Here's my question.

I have a Dell Inspiron 1525 laptop, with Intel T2390 CPU (1,86 Ghz, 533 Mhz FSB, 2 mb L2 Cache), and I want to buy some new CPU, but I don't know wich one is the best in performance and speed.

Should I look only in processors with 533 Mhz FSB??

Which one is the best form my old Inspiron??

Thanks for your answer.

 

Pretty much any 800 FSB Core 2 Duo. Best values are T7500 2.2 GHz 4 MB Cache or T8300 2.4 GHz 3 MB cache

 

I'd actually argue for the T8100, but all of the aforementioned chips are < $100 and generally a reasonable value. Whether you'll actually realize any gains in performance depends on what you're doing.

 

But, I thought that my motherboard's FSB was about 533 Mhz!! I can't believe you guys!!

Are you sure that I can buy and install and use an Intel Core 2 Duo processor like the 8300??

 

And... what about the 9500 (2,6 ghz, 800 FSB, 6 mb L2...)??

 

Your 1525 left the factory with pretty much entry level specs. You can go with the T9500 but be prepared to pay an arm and leg for it. And if you have integrated graphics a processor upgrade may or may not be a significant upgrade.

 

Ok. So, you say that if I have an Intel GM965 integrated graphics adapter, buying a new processor won't make a relevant improovement... Look, I don't use my notebook to play games. I want to change my processor because Windows 7 "eats" my systems resources and decreses the performance. Also because I'm interested in an increase of productivity when I work with Corel Draw, AutoCAD, Photoshop and all other common programs.

So, what do you mean exactly with: "if you have integrated graphics a processor upgrade may or may not be a significant upgrade"

 

How much RAM do you have? You say Windows 7 eats system resources but any modern OS would use the CPU for 1% then go back to 0% RAM is the most important these days besides storage performance as you can have a 5400RPM drive with lots of RAM and Windows will run better than with a 7200RPM with 1GB of RAM.

 

Ha-ha! Of course I have only the 2gb of RAM who came with my Dell, but I'm going to buy some 2 gb extra this week.

I guess that with 4 GB of RAM and a Core 2 Duo processor the performance will be in fact increased.

 

For running Photoshop and all those heavy hitters you definitely need to max out the RAM you can get. Photoshop itself (not to mention AutoCad) will definitely use 4GB BY ITSELF if it could! The OS wont let it however but those apps are definitely RAM hungry. Surely some high performance HDD/SSD would help too as i'm guessing you got a 5400RPM HDD which doesn't help when it comes to loading those big files into Photoshop or AutoCAD.

 

I agree woth you. But, I don't think a new processor wich works with 800 mhz BFS won't be helpful to increase the response time of the apps installed in my laptop....

 

While upgrading your cpu will increase your productivity, I would ensure you have addressed the following too to maximize your systems responsiveness whether you replace the cpu or not:

1) Upgrade to Win7x64 - but do a clean install.

2) Maximize the RAM in your system - try 8GB RAM too (2x4GB modules) as almost all your programs will benefit that you listed above - even though your model specifies MAX of 4GB RAM, that doesn't mean it can't handle 8GB - you just need to try (with a money back guarantee).

3) Buy a fast HDD like the Hitachi 7K500 or the Seagate Hybrid XT.

4) Use the smallest partition for C: you can while giving yourself at least 20GB Free space.

Consider this partitioning strategy which gives measurable performance results as seen in the second link:

See:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/har...-hitachi-7k500-benchmark-setup-specifics.html


See:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/har...le-copy-result-hdds-ssds-easy-comparison.html


5) Disable System Restore.

Do these additional 'tweaks' too:

See:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/6723837-post163.html


6) Use PerfectDisk Professional 11



If you are doing all/most of the above and still not happy with the performance of your current system - a new platform is indicated (not simply doing 'sideways' upgrades).

Good luck.

 

As tiller said, there are a lot of things you should do prior to (or in addition to) upgrading your CPU. Definitely get a faster hard drive; the hard drive is going to be the bottleneck when opening programs, files, and booting up -- it only makes sense to invest money there to minimize its impact.

The 7K500 is an excellent high-performance hard drive, currently the 'best of breed' in my opinion. Quiet, fast and reliable.

I wouldn't spend more than $200 or so on upgrades, otherwise you're better off going for a new system. You can get an entry-level notebook that's faster than your notebook for $400 and a decently-equipped model for $500-600. See our deals page here for examples of what kinds of deals are out there:
http://www.notebookreview.com/deals

 

Thank you all.

First of all, I have to say that I've done all in my range to increase my Windows 7 performance. I have a 7200 RPM hard drive (S-ATA2) and only 2 GB of RAM.

But the important question for me is if a CPU upgrade could increase my system response and performance. I know that buying some RAM is prioritary.... but now, I want to focus on the CPU.

I have a Desktop PC for the heavy work, but with my old inspiron I get stucked when I try to do some work out of my house...

So, what do you say... A CPU upgrade can maximize the performance or not??

 

I think a nice upgrade would be the T9300 @ $150: 2.5ghz Core 2 Duo Processor T9300 SLAYY m1530 800 6mb - eBay (item 220689582280 end time Dec-28-10 11:23:50 PST)

The T9600 is $200 and only 100MHz faster. If you upgrade your HDD, Memory, and CPU, then sell the old parts, it would only cost around $125-$150 for all.

 

Second that.

I have been using it for exactly 1 year. 2844 hours / 118.5 days of operation have accumulated so far. No problems whatsoever.


--

 

Ok. But, if I have two RAM slots with two RAM modules at 266 Mhz (because now my FSB is in 533...), when I upgrade my CPU to 800 hz FSB I will have to upgrade my RAM modules too???????

 

I upgraded my 1525 to T8300 from T3200 ...money well spent IMO

 

No, I believe the max ram speed is 533MHz.

 

I think my RAM modules have a max speed of 333 mhz

Look this capture from CPU-Z SPD Page:

 

Your ram is 667mhz ram (333x2 because it's double pumped).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_data_rate

333mhz is the real frequency and 667mhz is the effective frequency.

I believe the max ram frequency for your chipset is 667mhz, so your ram is good.

 

+1. PM965 chipset only needs PC2-5300 RAM since it can operate at a max of 333/667Mhz. PC2-6400 (400/800Mhz) is used by the one-gen newer PM45 chipset.

 

But if my RAM is going at 667 mhz, wich is right, it won't go with the speed of my CPU if I want to buy a Core 2 Duo like T8300 ( FSB 800 Mhz).... Am I wrong?

 

Well it doesn't have to.

You have enough ram bandwidth (333mhz ram vs 200mhz real FSB (quad pumped so you get effective 800mhz)).

 

Are you sure about this? So, I can upgrade my CPU to a Core 2 Duo and mke my inspiron works with 800 Mhz FSB and use the same RAM modules? And what if I buy first aome RAM modules that works at 400 mh...?

 

The 400mhz ram will automatically downclock to 333mhz.

I had 2 notebooks with the PM/GM965 chipset.
In one of them I had a T8100 and in the other I had a T7300.

Both notebooks had 400mhz ram in them and it ran at 333mhz.

400mhz ram would be good if you were overclocking the FSB:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/del...21279-inspiron-1525-successful-overclock.html

 

Yup Moral is correct. PM965 only supports up to PC2-5300. However the prices of DDR2 SODIMM hardly make a difference between DDR2 800 and 667, though my work had the 800 cheaper than the 667 so I went 800. In CPU-Z it shows them downclocked to 667.

 

So, I should....:

1) Buy a new HDD like the Hitachi 7K500 or similar ( 7200 RPM)
2) Buy two RAM modules ---> SODIMM 333 mhz, 2 GB each one (4 Gb total)
3) Buy new CPU like T8100 or best ( 800 mhz FSB)

Note: Inspiron 1525 ony supports 4 GB max.

Did I undesrtudd? =)

 

Buy them all! No really what do you do the most with your laptop, then we can help determine what best to upgrade for you.

 

And what if I start buying some RAM modules that runs at 333 mhz (if I've unsterstud well, buying RAM at 400 mhz doesn't worth it).

Remeber that now I have Intel Dual Core T2390 (@1,86 Ghz, 533 Mhz FSB)

 

I would suggest at least a T8300, its only $20 more than a T8100. Personally, I'd get the T9300 @ $140.

 

None of the above. Don't waste your money.

A HDD replacment is easy enough, but don't expect big dividends from putting a 7200rpm HDD in a 2-3 year old computer. If you've got a bad HDD, by all means replace it, if you plan on keeping the PC.

The RAM replacement is a waste of money since obsolete DDR2 sticks are very poor value compared to the current DDR3 standard. Again, if you feel you have corrupted RAM, go for a replacement, if you plan on keeping the PC.

Lastly, a processor replacement is a total waste of money. You've got a low end, mainstream consumer PC from 2-3 years ago. Even if the processor required replacement, you'd be better off with a new PC. Don't do it.

In the end, I simply can't understand why you want to update this old notebook? Looking at the numbers, you're better off buying new. I think you should examine and explain your own motivations for wanting to upgrade? Why?

 

Money well spent if you did it back in 2008, or maybe not. Processor upgrades are rarely worth the trouble and expensive, especially for a mainstream consumer quality notebook that's 2-3 years old. There are people out there who upgrade workstations and gaming notebooks, but it makes very little sense for Dell Inspirons - unless you have a free, used processor sitting on a workbench next to a free, used Inspiron.

 

Sheesh way to burst somebody's bubble.

Some people like their older laptops. If spending 280 to upgrade a laptop up to spec vs buying a 600-700 dollar machine.

T8300 ~ 130
4 GB RAM ~ 70
Momentus XT ~ 80

 

Why put upwards of $300 into a notebook that's pretty much near the end of it's lifecycle anyway? If the HDD checks out, then maybe it's time to drop $35-40 on a replacement, but there's no point in putting money into a consumer notebook that's this old. For this computer, the obsolete integrated graphics are a real bottleneck - we're talking about Intel integrated graphics that are now 3 generations back.

On top of your list, you really would have to replace the CMOS battery, due to the age. In addition, I'd say that the notebook battery itself is probably due for replacement. Then CCFL backlights don't last forever. The same goes for the original motherboard. There are many reasons why it isn't worth the time and trouble. The original poster is better off buying new.

 

Inspiron 1525 had the option of T3400/T4200/T6600 CPUs. They're cheaper on ebay. Consider overclock options as below. Celerons are the easiest to overclock - it's just a CPU pinmod. Though they don't run speedstep. FSLx requiring more skill: RAM SPDtable needs modification, systemboard requires soldering, may need a VID cpu pinmod to provide more voltage.

There's a T3400 on ebay now for $30.

T3400-2.16 + BSEL pinmod to 2.6@200Mhz
T4200-2.0 + FSLx pinmod to 2.66@266Mhz
T6600-2.2 + FSLx pinmod to 2.93@266Mhz

The penryn Santa-Rosa cpus bettering the above T-series by providing IDA and superLFM with more cache:

T8300-2.4 + FSLx pinmod to 3.2@266Mhz + dualIDA to get 3.46Ghz.
T9300-2.5 + FSLx pinmod to 3.3@266Mhz + dualIDA to get 3.6Ghz.

 

I know that but if you say like that, what's the point of upgrading a laptop right out of warranty? The motherboard might die, battery could go kaput. In fact why buy anything at all using that logic? Well if I buy this Honda and the warranty expires why buy new tires, suspension, brake pads when the engine or transmission might die? Slippery slope my friend.

Also your post seemed rather rude...at least that's how I interpreted it.

 

Guys, I want to upgrade my Inspiron because I'm planning to use it for a long time. Also take note that here where I live (Argentina) buying a new laptop starts with about u$s 1000... With that amount of money you can buy a new Inspiron, with the same (or worst) capabilities than my 1525...

I'm also planning to acquire a new laptop in 2011, but I will keep my old Inspiron beacuse in the next year that will be enough for me and my work!

I love computers, and I want to have the best in my hands, but my budget is not enough to do that.

So there you have the reason I rather "upgrade" my Dell, and not buy some new... Also, I think the new laptops that Dell si offering in my country are a true demostration of a well-implemented marketing strategy to get down the costs...!

In the nex months I'm planning to buy a laptop from dell that have at least an Intel Core i5... but for now on... I want my Inspiron to let me do that work I need!

So, tell me now:

 

There you go, that's what happens when you assume things. Laptops start at 1000? Probably a decent one might be 1500. So spending 280 vs 1500 hrm...

 

Well, I have to say that a "decent one's" price starts at $2000... so, upgrading my Inspiron (wich works perfectly now, but slower than I'd like) is about $300... what's the problem with that?

 

Oh no I wasn't referring to you, I was talking to linuxwannabe. He automatically assumed you lived in the US and yes in the US are laptops are cheap. Unfortunately laptops outside the US usually cost an arm and a leg or your first born child. Yes I would pay for the upgrades if you plan on keeping it for longer.

 

If you can import the components for a reasonable price, I'd advise you to do the same thing with a new computer. Instead of going directly through Dell Argentina, buy a new computer through an American reseller and have it shipped to Argentina. Many Americans have electronics shipped directly from Southern China or Hong Kong, and I don't know of any reason why you can't have electronics shipped directly to Argentina?

 

Hey there's no reason why you can't use international shipping these days, even for a notebook PC. Personally, if I lived in a high cost country, I'd buy from a reseller and ship directly to my home country.

 

Alot of headaches dealing with customs in certain countries. Plus half the countries also have very high import taxes or VAT which still put it way more than you could just buy from America.

 

He's right. The taxes and the base cost of a new notebook, and the shipping cost makes the option impossible.

But, aout of that kind of discussion, I'd like to know if I can buy a some ram modules of 2 GB / 333 Mhz or 400 Mhz... do you know if I'm right?

 

Let me understand this:
You will be buying a new system in 2011, you want to sink $300 or so (plus your time - don't forget to add that) to upgrade your current system and continue using it after you buy the new one.

You'll be spending between $1 - $2 K's on the new system but you'll probably see a 3 fold increase in performance over your current one.

I suggest that the most cost effective way to increase your current productivity and get your new system faster (to really increase your output) would be to simply get 4GB of RAM.

Put all the money you save into the new system, sooner.

Along with my previous recommendations, you will be guaranteeing yourself a stable system that works (not guaranteed once you start pulling it apart and putting it together again) and that will be an appropriate upgrade for your current system. In the near future when it will be put to less strenuous tasks, it will still be worth to keep around as a secondary system - with little maintenance needed.

Trust me, with a new system - no matter how much you say you'll use the old computer, you won't - at least, not for real work.

Notice that this doesn't matter how much a system costs in your part of the world - it is a matter of balance. Putting in a $100 HDD (which you should do to your new system as well) and spending $100+ on a cpu which will be a sideways move (the 'platform' is still using the same, old, slow and outdated system) is not a good use of your money - no matter how good of a 'deal' it is compared to a new system.

The new systems cost that much because they are worth it - trust me. I wouldn't even suggest you spend closer to the $2K I would suggest you plan for two purchases of around $1K each - your productivity will be much higher over the same time period, and you'll always be covered under warranty too.

You always get what you pay for. Choose to pay for a real upgrade (a new system/platform), not a sideways move that will fool you for a while into thinking you're 'current', but actually will make you get behind with each day you use it.

Buy the RAM you desperately need right now (2GB is so 2005! Especially for PS) for your work (don't worry what speed it is - just buy the cheapest, matched, lifetime warrantied RAM that will run in your system) and plan to get your new system sooner, rather than later.

Simply 'saving' money is a false economy when it comes at the expense of real productivity gains.

Don't lose sight of your overall goals. Make every dollar count towards that end.

Good luck.

 

Either PC2-5300 (667Mhz) or PC2-6400 (800Mhz) RAM modules work in a PM965 chipset. The latter will be running using the 333/667Mhz SPDtable entry. I'd get whichever is cheaper to tide you over then look to upgrade once Sandy Bridge notebooks hit the shelves. Existing C2D/i-core systems will see quite a depreciation in value making it a good time to jump to the next wave of tech.

 

I have an Intel GM965 chipset... Not PM!
Does it work with PC5300 memory?

 

Once more; yes it will.

See:
Mobile Intel® GM965 Express Chipset

 

GM965 = PM965 + intel IGP enabled.

They are the same.