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    dv5z upgrade questions

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by dontpush, Dec 26, 2008.

  1. dontpush

    dontpush Notebook Enthusiast

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    I got the HP dv5z for christmas and have 15 days to look it over and send it back if needed.

    The specs are:
    AMD Athlon(TM) X2 Dual-Core Processor for Notebook PCs QL-60 (1.9GHz)
    15.4" diagonal WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
    4GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
    ATI Radeon(TM) HD 3200 Graphics


    This is good for what im using it for, school work, internet, small design projects. I have a desktop for gaming and music editing.

    I am planning on spending 100 bucks to upgrade one of the parts. Heres my choice

    Processor- 75$
    AMD Athlon(TM) X2 Dual-Core Processor for Notebook PCs QL-60 (1.9GHz)
    to
    AMD Turion(TM) X2 Dual-Core Mobile Processor RM-72 (2.1GHz)

    OR

    Display- 75$
    15.4" diagonal WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
    to
    15.4" diagonal WSXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1680 x 1050)


    The display seems key because im used to a high desktop resolution so thats my first choice.... but...

    i guess what im really wondering is if the processor upgrade will be significant enough of an upgrade to forfeit higher resolution?



    i could ALSO do both but would like some advice first because its more $$ obviously! thanks in advance!
     
    dontpush, Dec 26, 2008
    #1
  2. Evolution

    Evolution Vox Sola

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    If I understand you correctly you already have the laptop correct? Then how are you planning to "upgrade" these parts?

    Do you mean you will send it back and then change the configuration and reorder it?
     
    Evolution, Dec 26, 2008
    #2
  3. dontpush

    dontpush Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yeah they gave me a 15 day period to send it back no questions asked... and the freaking thing booted up 2 times so far with no video!!

    i figured while i was sending it back i might as well pimp it out
     
    dontpush, Dec 26, 2008
    #3
  4. Evolution

    Evolution Vox Sola

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    Oh okay...Well it is up to you I guess. For me I would upgrade the display to (1680 x 1050) as that processor upgrade probably won't net much of a speed increase; the turion is more power efficient than the athlon but its not worth it IMO.
     
    Evolution, Dec 26, 2008
    #4
  5. Tippey764

    Tippey764 Notebook Deity

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    Do it now you can get a free blu-ray drive too i belive on the dv5z ( i know you can on the dv4z ). Also Evolution very nice picture evo's are awesome.
     
    Tippey764, Dec 27, 2008
    #5
  6. dontpush

    dontpush Notebook Enthusiast

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    im definitely upgrading the display...

    now - should i upgrade the GFX from 3200 to 3450, or the processor from 1.9 to 2.1?
     
    dontpush, Dec 29, 2008
    #6
  7. boypogi

    boypogi Man Beast

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    just upgrade the display. the difference between the gpu is around 500 3d marks score and the cpu's are both "slow." not worth it :D
     
    boypogi, Dec 29, 2008
    #7
  8. Tippey764

    Tippey764 Notebook Deity

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    Turions arnt that slow. They just arnt as fast an intel.
     
    Tippey764, Dec 30, 2008
    #8
  9. S_P_Q_R

    S_P_Q_R Notebook Evangelist

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    They have a 30% coupon in HP, Compaq and Voodoo PC in Notebook Manufacturers, send it back take the 100$ and see what you can get?
     
    S_P_Q_R, Dec 30, 2008
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  10. boypogi

    boypogi Man Beast

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    meaning they are slow LOL :D
     
    boypogi, Dec 30, 2008
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  11. dontpush

    dontpush Notebook Enthusiast

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    ok so im going with the display...

    how much battery life would i gain getting the turion? i get 2 hours now..but want more!!

    i know the video card isnt that much better- but its dedicated instead of shared correct? so is the dedicated memory worth the 100 bucks?
     
    dontpush, Dec 31, 2008
    #11