About to purchase dv2000t - help!

I had a couple quick questions before I order my dv2000t

1. If I get the core solo processor, will I be able to upgrade to the new memron (sp?) processor coming out, or does the core solo use a different socket than the core duo's? Or will I not be able to upgrade at all regardless?

2. If I order the 40gb 5400 rpm HD now, is it possible to open up and replace it with a better (60 or 80gb 7200rpm HD) later on? Can I do this on my own (have lots of experience w/ building desktops), or do I have to send it in to have HP do it? Will doing it myself void the any the warranty of the whole notebook?

sorry if these are trivial questions.. this will be the first notebook I purchase, and I don't want to get stuck with something I can't work with.

Thanks for your time.

 

1. The Core Duo and the Solo share the same socket and so can be upgraded to Merom. But you will need to disassemble the whole laptop to access the cpu.

2. The HDD is upgradable and can be upgraded to a 7200rpm. If you can upgrade the processor, then changing the HDD is childs play. The HDD is easily acessed by a bay(door) underneath the laptop.

Upgrading the HDD shouldnt void the warranty but changing the processor most definately will. Also keep the old HDD/cpu handy just in case you need to send it for warranty repairs, since they are known to replace parts even if they are not the ones with the defect.

 

How hard is it to get to the processor? Does it require special tools? I'm pretty good with building / repairing desktops, so would you say I'll be fine swapping processors?

 

That should not be 2 hard. HP does have the manual. However, the warrenty will be watered out. There may have some scraches depend on how careful you are.

I may DIY the z not t since core duo is much expensive compare to x2.

 

Repairing desktops does not require it to be totally disassembled and is very different than disassembling a laptop. Replacing the cpu is easy(remove the heat sink, unlock the socket an take out the processor). The hard part is disassembling to access the cpu and then putting it back together since there are lots of screws and you will need to be extremely careful. I really wouldnt recommend if you are unsure of your abilities but it is possible if you take it slow and do it in an orderly manner.

 

OK I'm thinking I get a duo core for now, and attempt to upgrade a couple years down the line.

I am assuming the processors for notebooks are the same ones that go into desktops right? So the notebook socket 478s are the same as desktop socket 478s? and is artic 5 safe to use on notebooks?

 

No, the mobile 478's(or rather 479 - I have seen both numbers being used and I havent been able to figure out why) have the same number of pins but they are not pin compatible and yes it is definately safe to use AS5 in any mobile/desktop processor.

 

So where do I go about looking for a mobile Merom processor? I don't plan on buying one until the price goes down a bit, but I'd just like to know where to look for them.

BTW, I ordered my dv2000t yesterday. I got the 1.73ghz duo processor, go7200, bluetooth, 512 ram / 40gig HD (both of which i'm going to Fry's to buy upgrade as soon as i get my laptop), and it came with a free DVD burner (non-lightscribe). And I threw in the remote that fits in the express card slot for the hell of it. It all came out to a little under $1000 (after rebates).

Thanks for all your help Miner!

 

Nice specs!
Merom isnt available yet, but most online stores like Newegg, Zipzoomfly, Mwave and ewiz would probably be selling them. Newegg also has lots of RAM and HDD options to choose from would check them out first before heading to a B&M store.

 

I'm thinking about getting 2 sticks of OCZ PC4200 1GB ram. Its rated at 4-4-4-8, and Frys outpost is selling them for $65 each. Is PC 4200 the highest form of RAM that the dv2000t supports? Do I have to use dual channel, or can I buy one stick of 1GB ram for now, and buy another later? Is there a brand that is especially prefered with HPs?

 

The price is definately very good for 1GB stick and OCZ is a good brand as well.

The dv2000t is available with Core Duo's with FSB of either 533MHz or 667MHz. The 667MHz versions are capable of supporting memory upto 667MHz(or PC2 5300) where as the 533MHz versions are lmited to 533MHz(or PC2 4200). Memory wont run faster than your FSB even if the chipset/motherboard supports it. So your dv2000t with the T2250 can only use memory max of PC4200. You can still use PC 5300 memory but it will run at PC 4200 speeds.

It is not necassary to run in dual channel mode and you can safely use the 1GB stick. But do remember that dual channel efectivelt doubles your bandwdth and in some cases performance might be hit by a minimal amount if a certain program likes memory bandwidth. As for brand any good brand should work. HP uses Micron(Crucial) as OEM memory. I would recommend them but they a sometimes a bt more expensive. Othres like Kingston, Corsair, OCZ should also work.

 

so: my motherboard will support up to 5300, therefore when I upgrade the processor (assuming it has the higher FSB) then I should upgrade the RAM accordingly?

Thanks for all your help once again miner

 

Yes, you can still use PC5300 memory with your current cpu and later when upgrade it with a 667MHz FSB version, then the memory will just run at its max speed.