upgrading RAM speed on Dell 1420? (for a new CPU)

I have a Dell Inspiron 1430 with a t2370 processor.
I would like to upgrade the CPU, but most of the worthwhile CPUs have an 800MHz FSB speed. currently with my CPU the ram and FSB are at 533, and from some web searching I'm confident I can upgrade to 667MHz, but that would only give me the option of installing a T5850 processor.

To do better I would need to install DDR2 800MHz ram to match the FSB of the better compatible CPUs.

So my question is: Is this possible for my laptop?

Thanks very much for any help!

 

You can't run memory faster than 667MHz in an Inspiron 1420. Using 533MHz or 667MHz memory won't prevent you from using an 800MHz FSB processor, though.

 

I've found that most laptops generally just set the RAM to whatever they please, regardless of the factory rated settings for the RAM. Some overclock capable laptops allow the ram timings to be changed.

You do not have to get RAM that matches the fsb of the cpu, unless you really think you need the faster ram, what you have should work with the new cpu.

 

Thanks a lot, this is exactly what I what I wanted to know..
So in terms of an upgrade, this would allow me do install perhaps a T9300...

What about a p9500, it's got a lower TDP, which is attractive, and a 6MB cache, but it's a different series than what usually goes in this line of laptops. And with maybe a slightly different architecture, which I suppose if okay, but I'm not sure. could anyone give me some buying advice?

Before this thread, my best option seemed to be the T5850, which still seems attractive because it is only $50 on ebay. Then there is the T9300, which is $100, and then the P9500 (which I am still not sure about) at just a bit more.

Does anyone have any experience with where the returns start to diminish versus cost, etc? sorry to veer the topic, but any other advice would probably have this completely sorted for me.

again, thanks!

 

Or, sorry if that was rambling,

will the P9500 or 8800 also work?

thanks

 

I advise only 800 FSB Core 2 Duo processors. 1066 may work but their FSB will be downclocked to 800 as the chipset max is 800.

If you don't want to spend alot, look for a T8300 or T8100, you get Penryn with still fast clock speeds without spending a fortune.

 

1066MHz FSB CPUs like the P series will not downclock but will just not work on your laptop (you'll see a black screen on power up) since it isn't supported by the chipset.

 

Okay, that clears the P series idea up.

The T8300 seems like its perfect for my needs and the price. It should be a performance boost, and possibly a bit less power hungry than the T9300, which is about twice as much. It should do fine until I eventually get a new laptop. With the extra $50 I could get some 800MHz capable ram as well.

Anyway thanks everyone for your replies, this thread helped a lot!

 

A PC6400 ram will downclock to 667MHz. This is due to the limitations of the i965 chipset. Go for the PC5300 if you find it cheaper.