Questions about my dv9000t (ez379av)

I have the dual core T5200 @ 1.66ghz. I'm interested in upgrading to XP 64-bit or Vista 64-bit. If you guys can post some pros, cons, and final recommendations on those two operating systems I'd appreciate it. Next, would the benefit vs cost/effort even be worth it to upgrade the processor? Is it even upgradable? The same question goes for the video card. I'm not sure if it's a dedicated card or not but I have the go 7600 512mb that came with these models (if the answer is no on this one, please list ways I can improve gaming on this system--allocating more memory to be used for memory?)

Also, I've read in some places you can update the BIOS and take advantage of 4gb of memory (right now max memory in this model is 2gb). I don't know if that's a good idea--flashing the BIOS I mean. Especially if I can just use a 2gb SD card with Readyboost.

Thanks guys.

 

Pros and cons are half way down the page IMO if you don't do the type of computing that warrants 64 bits, you'd be better off spending any money on what ever hardware you could upgrade to.

 

I agree you will be better off upgrading the hardware.
I'm not sure what the max processor is on your motherboard, but if your motherboard is compatible with the processors that came with the dv9700 then you should use those
As for graphics card, I thought it was welded on to the motherboard... (I'm probably wrong?)

Oh yeah if you want to make use of RAM that is 4GB or more you should get 64bit

 

Yeah, as of right now I'm using a custom version of XP Pro I modified and slipstreamed XP3 into. Moving up to Vista 64 will make me feel like I'm losing some of that power and control.

 

Yeah I felt that way as well.
I'm curious about using a 64bit OS as well and I too am wondering if it will benefit me.
64bit support is growing bigger and bigger though.
I still think its too early for me to switch and benefit.
(But then if I switch and provide feedback, it will be helpful for developers)

 

I am using Vista Ultimate 64 bit since Day 1 and it has been rock solid and stable. With the amount of 64 bit drivers available, drivers are not even a problem unless you are really owning outdated stuff.

 

What about programs and their performance? For example Firefox, Photoshop, Office 2007, etc..

 

From what I hear a 64-bit compiled version will run decidedly faster than a 32-bit version. I haven't looked it up yet but I'm sure anything open source is 64-bit (Firefox). No idea if Photoshop is though.