But if you get 3GB then you won't be able to use Dual Channel mode...so I think 2x2GB is a better choice... anyway, there's no need to get performance RAM for laptop...you won't have the ability to OC it anyway.. I think any brand (Corsair or Kingston would do).

when i installed 3gb inside and check BIOS,it still show dual channel

for performance ram,mostly is ddr2 800mhz..and our laptop not support 800mhz.still can use it but will clock down to 667mhz so no difference
n don trust kingston so much..u buy for the brand only but act is lousy

Never really seen anything like that, dya have a link on ebay selling this? And how do you actually apply it? any visual helps....?

ah right, I think I know the size from my specs, just the brand I'm interested in. You guys should have tried many HDD brand, would reccomend any good quality one? much appreciated

Oh thanks for the info. Btw, RAM doesn't vary in size, do they? lmao Im so noob Im worrying about all stuff Im getting into pardon me!

i'm quite aware of that, i think I read it from previous post, thx annyway

Anyone have info in replacing the processor? and the damn 'T' button?

just in case, refer to this post http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/796318/+449#

oh and thanks in advance

This post has been edited by Andicom: Jan 2 2009, 07:23 AM

the guide will come next week. sorry for the delays

u can buy T7xxx or T9xxx processors online, and since u r in london, u can get it off amazon or ebay. just make sure when u choose the T9xxx series processor, it is the santa rosa refresh version, NOT the montiviena version. our laptop can only support 667 FSB. replacing the processor is pretty straight forward. just remove the heatsink, unscrew the lock, reapply thermal paste (a paste that helps conduct heat from CPU to heatsink), assemble it back and u are good to go. (more on this in the disassembly guide next week).

as for 320GB HDD, there are quite a few makers out there. u can choose from Western Digital, TOshiba, Samsung, Fujitsu, Seagate etc.. i personally own Toshiba, Samsung and Fujitsu 320GB HDD respectively, and i would not recommend you to get samsung one (unreliable). fujitsu seems good, and toshiba is average. WD and seagate ones are easier to find though.

as for RAM, u can get either 3GB or 4GB config. 32bit vista will have problem addressing all 4GB of those RAM. any DDR2 RAM that is 667MHz and above will do just fine.

This post has been edited by alexnvidia: Jan 2 2009, 09:01 AM

oh thanks, we'll be waiting for the guide

Its so damn hard to find a T7 or T9 series with 667Mhz FSB, I only could find these :

http://www.techstore.co.uk/detail_104740.html

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detai...BC1JBT&v=glance

Notice the large different of prices between the 2. however, does it really make any different in performance? Talking about how intense I use my lappy is, lets say I use Solid Works and Matlab (these 2 are the heaviest programs I use I think), and several other programs (Photoshop, dreamweaver, vegas, netbeans...) I played games occasionally, like NBA2k9, COD4.. So, what would you suggest? I don't know T7600 is that expensive seems like a waste of money if I put on it?

For HDD, I think Ill try find the fujitsu's first at local stores. I asked them about upgrading parts today, CPU, RAM, HDD, but they said upgrade service alone costs me around 100 pound (RM 500) wth lol I dont mind paying 100 pound or more for RAM, HDD or CPU but giving it for free tojerks with glasses, no way lol

for RAM, I'll try to find 4GB, any brand will do (as u guys said) Im trying to max it out and see how its doing afterwards.

thx for the info. oh Im welcoming any seller from LYN, I suck at ebay-ing (looking for stuff in ebay is not very entertaining )

This post has been edited by Andicom: Jan 2 2009, 11:25 AM

u can rty serach theral paste or mostly called as thermal grease at lowyat here. and u will found out how it look. very easy to apply on the heatink but no need over apply.

I don't think you'll see huge difference between 2.0GHz and 2.33GHz. It's certainly not worth the price if you're getting 2.33GHz.

I'd recommend you to get T7200 due to the price difference.

Sorry mate, i think i might have made some confusing statement last night. u can choose a T7 or &9 processor with 800MHz FSB BUT memory support is 667MHz. so when i said 667MHz, i quickly assume that it's memory speed that we are talking about. that said, u can also install cpus like T7500, T7300, etc.. (refer intel's table for core2duo mobile CPU, look for santa rosa and santa rosa refresh). i would not recommend u getting T7 with 667 cpu FSB, try looking for one that supports 800 cpu FSB. T7300 at 2GHz would be quite ok for your demanding tasks, if u've got the extra $, u can also opt for T7500 or T7700.

This post has been edited by alexnvidia: Jan 2 2009, 04:12 PM

Just installed Windows 7 on my Inspiron. I'll see if there's any performance difference using WDDM 1.1...

ahh that sounds nice, Ill post later what Ive chosen then thanks a bunch!

Uiks? So fast got BETA version already? how is it? Our Lappy can support 7 ah?
sooo many questions wakakakaka.

now windows 7 beta already eveywhr in internet(if u get wat i mean)

for me no choice to try beta especially OS

Windows 7 Evaluation

Computer Spec
DELL Inspiron Laptop 1520
Intel Core2 Duo T7250 @ 2.0GHz
2.0GB (2x1.0GB) DDR2-667
NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT
250GB Hitachi HDD 5400RPM SATA
Windows 7 Beta 7000

Installation
Installation took around 15 minutes from Clean Install. This duration is measured from the starting point (Copying files) until I access Windows interface. Should be faster if you're using 7200RPM HDD.

Drivers installation
I have only installed these drivers so I can use the hardware:-
- NVIDIA ForceWare 179.23 (WDDM 1.1)
- Intel SATA Controller
- Ricoh Card Reader

Software installation
Almost all softwares that was compatible with Vista is supported on W7. No suprise here since it's based on Vista.

All the Vista drivers can be installed on Windows 7. Some installer might gives an error indicating that the OS is not supported, but it is still installable by using manual install.
Unlike Vista, I do not need to install the Dell Wireless Driver to use it. It connected right away after I entered the security key for the router.

Changes from Windows Vista
I don't really feel any boot time decrease from my optimized Vista (I turned off services and programs that don't need to be ran at startup).

First thing I think most users will like is the ability to use gadgets without sidebar.

As you all might have know, Windows 7 now comes with mouse gesture feature for controlling the explorer. Dragging the window to the top of the screen will maximize it, while dragging it to the side will make it fills half the screen. This is especially useful for Widescreen computers.

The controls also feel more responsive compared to Windows Vista. And the taskbar is really useful if you're a multi-tasker. But it took a while for me to get used of it.

Windows Security Center is changed to Windows Action Center now.

Windows 7 comes with the adaptive brightness feature. This will allow the computer adjust the brightness of the screen according to the environment. I have not tested this feature as I don't think my laptop comes with a sensor.

Windows Experience Index scale has now increased to 7.9 compared to 5.9 of Windows Vista. My Inspiron 1520 got a 3.0 WEI for the score because of the Hard disk performance. Maybe it's because it's a 5400RPM SATA.

Windows 7 now features DirectX 11. I can't test whether this really is DirectX 11 since my hardware does not support it and there are no games released using DirectX 11 API.

Multiple folders can be "combined" into a single folder known as the Library. This does not move the file to the folder.

Updated MSPaint and Calculator. MSPaint now features the Ribbon interface but not much changes in features. Calculator now have the conversion function, which I think is pretty useful.

This post has been edited by Demonic Wrath: Jan 3 2009, 12:32 AM

wa nice review. haha tell us more about it.

thanx for the review ,the installation is fast.just need 15 min

fresh install without any windows or upgrade from vista?

It's a fresh install. I deleted the Vista partition first then installed on the partition. I don't really recommend upgrading since some old files will retain in the HDD.

EDIT:
I didn't mention UAC in the review because I disabled UAC also. So, it's no different from Vista.
WMP12 seems buggy. It is using high CPU usage. (around 20% on my computer).

This post has been edited by Demonic Wrath: Jan 3 2009, 08:47 AM

sorry asking you again, is there any different between these t7700 processors? How do I know which one fits my inspiron 1520? do they vary in size, pin numbers or anything...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Intel-Core-2-Duo-T77...%3A1|240%3A1318

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Intel-Core2-Duo-T770...%3A1|240%3A1318

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Intel-Core2-Duo-Mobi...p3286.m63.l1177

can ya reccomend any that fits?

thx a bunch

This post has been edited by Andicom: Jan 3 2009, 08:47 AM

lately my 1520 crashes alot...really byond my patience limit..keep on restartin n promptin the blue screen error...i wonder if my memory or the hdd prob...can i get dell to fix it??..

Boot into Diagnostic mode to test out the problem.

Diagnostic Mode
1) Turn off your laptop
2) Hold Fn and then press the Power On button.
3) Let it complete the test. If there's any error message, note it down and send it to DELL.