The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    what else can i do?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by cq50FUD, Feb 8, 2009.

  1. cq50FUD

    cq50FUD Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    198
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    well i currently own a low end (quick ship model) compaq presario cq50 laptop. i was wondering what i could upgrade (graphics card?, hardware etc) and how much it would cost/ if it would be hard, thanks a bunch if you could tell me.
     
  2. miner

    miner Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    1,326
    Messages:
    7,137
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    205
    Well, the GPU integrated into the motherboard and upgrades are not possible. But, other than that the easiest to upgrade would be the RAM and the HDD in that order. You could also look into upgrading the cpu to any of the Turion RM or ZM series but this depends on bios support. CPU upgrades require complete disassebly pf the system and is not cost effective either.
     
  3. cq50FUD

    cq50FUD Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    198
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    thanks, i upgraded the ram already to 3gb (im running on 32 bit os so i figured no need for 4gb yet) and i bought a 500gb external hdd instead of internal. so ill see in upgrading those for a better outcome, thanks
     
  4. Bog

    Bog Losing it...

    Reputations:
    4,018
    Messages:
    6,046
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    206
    You could upgrade to 64-bit Vista, simply for the performance boost (and to prepare for the 4GB of RAM you're eyeing).
     
  5. cq50FUD

    cq50FUD Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    198
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    yeah, but first im eyeing for a new internal hdd, about 250gb maybe? but how would i know which would work for mine/the same harddrive type just more memory. only because windows 7 is already in beta, you will never know, microsoft released the 360 early too didnt they
     
  6. cq50FUD

    cq50FUD Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    198
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    bump need to know about the information above
     
  7. miner

    miner Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    1,326
    Messages:
    7,137
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    205
    Most notebooks use the standard 2.5" SATA notebook hard drive. Your shouldnt be any different.
     
  8. cq50FUD

    cq50FUD Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    198
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    will i have to re-install vista
     
  9. notyou

    notyou Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    652
    Messages:
    1,562
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Yes
    (10 char)
     
  10. cq50FUD

    cq50FUD Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    198
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
  11. notyou

    notyou Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    652
    Messages:
    1,562
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    A restore disk will work, you will also need to update any drivers you had installed (check your manufacturer's website for them), be sure you download them and put them on a CD/DVD/USB stick for after you reinstall.
    That drive should be compatible (your laptop looks relatively new so there should be no size (GB wise) problems).
     
  12. Bog

    Bog Losing it...

    Reputations:
    4,018
    Messages:
    6,046
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    206
    When you upgrade your hard drive? No, you won't. You can use an imaging program like Acronis TrueImage or Norton Ghost to create a compressed archive of everything on your hard disk and transplant it to your new one (provided you have an external HD to do so).
     
  13. cq50FUD

    cq50FUD Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    198
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    oh yes i have that, so i can easily just use thier backup program that came with it, forgot about that, well once i buy the new hdd ill back it up and then install the new hdd. but the thing is i dont have to install drivers or will it back it up too im not too specific with western digital mybook software

    btw was the link i gave you the hitachi 320gb 2.5 mobile hard drive right at tigerdirect?
    is it good i know 320gb is good at that price probably, because i dont wanna buy it then it braking.