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    xps m1330 upgrades

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by goldie, Jul 28, 2008.

  1. goldie

    goldie Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi,
    have an xps m1330 and looking to upgrade.

    have attached the spec sheet from dell to give you an idea of specs.

    wanted to put 64bit vista to use the full ram
    also was looking at the t7800?? (the 2.6ghz processor)
    or the t9500?? (the other 2.6ghz one)

    suggestions appreciated. comfortable working on the software side of things and installing hardware myself but not to comfortable as to understanding what fits with what.

    Thanks

    Goldie
     

    Attached Files:

    goldie, Jul 28, 2008
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  2. Phil

    Phil Retired

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    Keep in mind that you already have a 2.2Ghz CPU. Upgrading the CPU will only be worthwhile if you are using applications that fully utilize your current CPU.

    I would upgrade the harddrive first. I suggest a Western Digital 3200BEKT 320GB/7200rpm.
     
    Phil, Jul 28, 2008
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  3. goldie

    goldie Notebook Enthusiast

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    apart from the extra hdd space what would a bigger hdd do for me? i already use a 1tb external for media so not really in need of more space
     
    goldie, Jul 28, 2008
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  4. Phil

    Phil Retired

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    It is probably much faster than your current HDD due to the higher rpm and data density. It will boost your overall system speed. It will be more responsive, boot faster and load applications quicker.

    If you don't need extra space you could also go for WD1600BEKT 160GB.

    Do you know what the brand and type is of your current HD?

    K-Tron did a good job of explaining it, if your drive uses two platters:
     
    Phil, Jul 28, 2008
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  5. goldie

    goldie Notebook Enthusiast

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    goldie, Jul 28, 2008
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  6. Andy

    Andy Notebook Prophet

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    Download HD Tune to know all about your HDD....
    Or download PC Wizard 08, and find out almost everything about your notebook's hardware....
     
    Andy, Jul 28, 2008
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  7. goldie

    goldie Notebook Enthusiast

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    where abouts from? have you got a link or anything??
     
    goldie, Jul 28, 2008
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  8. Phil

    Phil Retired

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    If you want to download HDTune go here: http://www.hdtune.com/download.html
    If you run the free version and post the results here we can tell you more.

    Or you could also just go to your conguration panel and check your HDD details in the device manager.
     
    Phil, Jul 28, 2008
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  9. goldie

    goldie Notebook Enthusiast

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    goldie, Jul 28, 2008
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  10. Phil

    Phil Retired

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    Phil, Jul 28, 2008
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  11. paper_wastage

    paper_wastage Beat this 7x7x7 Cube

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    a) if u want to upgrade ur processor, upgrade to at least a penyrn (T8x00, P8x00 and above....) the most cost-effective upgrade would be to T8100 or T8300, but any processor upgrade isn't goign to be cost-efficient
     
    paper_wastage, Jul 28, 2008
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  12. goldie

    goldie Notebook Enthusiast

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    thanks. for the money may as well get the 320gb version. will run hdtune when i get home from work and post results. is that hd likely to fit?
     
    goldie, Jul 28, 2008
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  13. Phil

    Phil Retired

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    Yes it will fit. it's normal 2.5" drive and 9.5mm high.
     
    Phil, Jul 28, 2008
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  14. goldie

    goldie Notebook Enthusiast

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    phil,
    is there any point in me running hd tune then? as it seems im pretty much decided on what im doing?
    quick technical question for you though. would i be able to use norton ghost to first transfer the drive contents to an external and then back to the new hdd?
    also any other suggestions for anything else worth upgrading?
     
    goldie, Jul 28, 2008
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  15. Phil

    Phil Retired

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    Small point. There is a chance that you've got one of the faster 160GB/5400rpm, in which case the speed bump might be smaller.

    But I recommend running it anyway, it gives more information to you as well, than you know why you are upgrading. It may also show how well your OS is tuned.

    Yes. This would be called cloning the disk.
    You already have a clean OS install right?

    Next in line would be your CPU but I recommend waiting for your new harddrive, you might be satisfied already.

    What are the applications or games or moments that you would like to be faster?
     
    Phil, Jul 28, 2008
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  16. goldie

    goldie Notebook Enthusiast

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    im assuming its a clean install? not sure exactly what you mean by that but was installed by dell. havent touched it since apart from windows updates. runs a bit of everything really. do CAD for a living so occosionally used for that, bit of gaming and used as a media player as well
     
    goldie, Jul 28, 2008
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  17. Phil

    Phil Retired

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    I do not know how Dell delivers the OS. For example Sony is notorius for bloatware: too much unnecessary programs that slow down the system. A clean install is another way of speeding up the system.

    For running CAD faster a CPU upgrade could be interesting. If you press ctrl-alt-del you can see how often you maximize your CPU utilization.

    PS. I have not really recommended the OCZ Core 128GB. In most situations they are faster than the WD but come with some problems in write speeds and multitasking. That's why I recommend the WD drive.
     
    Phil, Jul 28, 2008
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  18. goldie

    goldie Notebook Enthusiast

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    dell does seem to add a few of its own programs but nothing major that i've noticed. something called quickset seems a bit of a pain and a few other bits. although thats only what ive noticed. probably is a lot of junk there though. i have coretemp running all the time and it does seem to run relatively hot. (around 85%%dC) when hammered. idles at about 70
     
    goldie, Jul 28, 2008
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  19. Phil

    Phil Retired

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    When you've booted your system press ctrl-alt-del and check how many processes are running. Then compare this to someone who did a clean install on the M1330. Then you will know if it will help to do a clean install.
     
    Phil, Jul 28, 2008
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