Questions about upgrading the vostro 1520

Hey guys, I have a Vostro 1520 and intend to upgrade the processor, RAM, and graphics card. I have a Mobile Intel 4 Series Express Chipset and I've read that I'll need to swap the motherboard in order to upgrade it. Ive done some Google searches on the matter but can't seem to find anything helpful. Can someone point me it the right direction as to how to swap the motherboard, and what to purchase? I would also like to know about the compatibilities between what is already installed and upgrading what I've listed. What else will I have to do besides just install the parts? If you can help, thank you so much.

 

Hi,

A couple of components that you can easily upgrade are the RAM and the Hard Drive. On the existing motherboard you can install 4 GB RAM on each slot and make the maximum memory up to 8 GB. I am not sure about the capacity of the Hard Drive that you presently have on this laptop. However, you can install any of the following Hard Drives with the existing Motherboard.

• 250 GB 7200 RPM w/FFS
• 250 GB 7200 RPM w/FFS & FDE
• 320 GB 7200 RPM w/FFS
• 500 GB 7200 RPM w/FFS

You may be able to find motherboards other than the ‘Intel Cantiga GM45 / PM45’ series. But, I don’t have information about it presently. Based on the motherboard capacity, the above mentioned values will also differ.

Please find the below mentioned link to obtain the Service Manual for the ‘Vostro 1520’. Refer to the same if required.

Documentation

I hope this information help you in your research.

Thanks & Regards
Swapnajan MC
#iworkfordell

 

The graphics is soldered to the motherboard. The only way you'll be able to upgrade the graphics is to purchase the version of the motherboard with the graphics. You can try searching ebay for something like "vostro 1520 motherboard nvidia." You'll also need a new heatsink that can also cool the GPU chip.

Your chip is probably a GM45, so any Penryn chip with 1066 FSB should be compatible. Look for Core 2 Duo T9xxx and Pxxxx chips. Also on ebay. The only other concern might be thermal constraints. If your current CPU is a P-series, then you'll want to stick with P-series. If it's T-series then you can use either P- or T-series.

Instructions for replacing parts are in the service manual.