Questions about M50vm

Hey all,

New to the forums, doing some research on my m50 and stumbled upon this forum. I have had this computer for a few years now (~3) and it has done everything i could have asked for. Ive been through the FAQ's on the front page and couldnt find an answer that satisfies me lol.

*NOTE: before i go any further know that I am relatively unfamiliar about each component of a laptop/desktops but I am mechanically/electronically able*

Basically my problem is I do 3D CAD modeling. I would like for the system to be a little faster and more responsive. I saw that the video card isnt easily swappable but would any other upgrades be feasible for what i need the computer for? I assume upgrading the RAM would help (that i can do) but what about the harddrive? I dont think i need the exta storage space (i have a 500gb external) but does upgrading it help the realtime response? Then there is the CPU. The laptop isnt under warrenty any more (again 3 y.o.) so would changing this help?

Ive already used the dissembly guide to clean out the backings, and gotten familiar with the layout so swapping pieces of the puzzle doesnt seem to hard. Is there any other things I would need for doing these upgrades(sealant, glues, etc.) ?

Finally what you all are probably thinking, and trust me I have too, why not build a desktop capable. In short, money. I have a few hundred I could spend on upgrades, but not enough for a new system. I dont want to sell this laptop for alot less than I paid (~1400 at the time).

Any help (links too if possibly but info is just as good) would be greatly appreciated

Thanks!

Oh, almost forgot. I like to run a second monitor (crappy 17in dell with a 15pin connector).

 

Given the age of the laptop, I don't think it would be possible to upgrade the CPU/GPU, and if it we're possible, they wouldn't be easy to find and probably won't be as cheap as you think. Increasing the hard drive won't help much unless you get an SSD which is waaaaaaay to expensive. Though reformating and maintaining the drive by not installing any unnecessary software will help keep it snappy. Do a clean re-install of Windows 7 (or XP, just not Vista), this will help the performance assuming you haven't reformated in a while. Just keep windows as is and install a browser,office,and CAD + a few games if you want to. Also, don't keep anything on the desktop, keep everything inside My Docs and keep 'em neat. Delete shortcuts you don't need (heck I'd even delete the ones I do need and just click on start and find the program the old fashioned way, it's not really that hard). This will help your laptop keep snappy and quick especially on startup as Windows doesn't have to read so much stuff on the desktop as it starts up. The only feasible upgrade you can do is increase your RAM, check out what the exact type and how much RAM your laptop can support and upgrade it. Max it out IMO.

Regarding the second monitor, this depends on the laptop, whether the graphics card supports dual monitor or not as well as if the laptop has the port needed.

Hope this helps. Cheers.

 

Ok, got another dumb question about the compatibility of swapping parts. How can I tell whats compatible? lol

Oh and it came with vista :/

 

No questions are dumb.

Is it the B2 variant? Based on some extremely quick research (like placing M40vm on google and clicking on the first links), the memory is supports is DDR2 800 RAM but it says here that it comes with 4GB? If it does come with 4GB, then I don't see the need to upgrade the RAM. It's pretty much maxed out and anything above 4GB isn't really gonna help much.

If it's on Vista, you might wanna consider upgrading to Windows 7 as I cannot stress how much of an improvement Windows 7 is over Vista. Get the 64-bit version. Home premium will do, heck Home Basic will but the looks are too limited.

P.S: I edited/updated my 1st post so you might wanna read it again. I added some personal tips.

 

Thanks for the info!

Ok regarding what has been discussed:

1. I hate a messy desktop right now there isnt much on there, recycling bin,and a notepad shortcut (computer upgrade needs.txt lol) I try to keep everything neat, but will definitely go through and oragnize everything.

2. Main installed programs :
Microsoft Office
HP printer stuff
Blackberry program
System Suite
One game, whch is getting deleted (no time when your a soon to be grad student, fiance, an starting a new job with part time design work lol)
Adobe Reader
(A new autocad version will get reinstalled after i delete the game)

3. Windows 7 is on my wishlist/todo list

4. From what i just read for some reason since i have the 32-bit I only have 3gb of usable RAM. I dont understand that haha

5. If i do upgrade the the 64bit W7 Iwould assume i could upgrade the RAM higher.

 

Ah, the reason I specifically stated getting the 64-bit Windows 7 is because 32-bit based operating systems can only read up to 3GB (with XP actually I believe it can only read up to 2GB) of RAM when you actually have 4GB installed. Another reason why you have to get Windows 7 64-bit. You're laptop is already installed with 4GB or RAM, Vista 32-bit just can't register all of it. Therefore you don't have to physically upgrade the RAM at all since you already have 4GB installed, you just need to get the 64-bit Windows 7 to be able to register all your RAM and you're good to go.

In my experience, Windows always seems to find ways to get slow and sluggish over time regardless of how much care and effort you put to keep it working fast and snappy. I'm not sure if this is because it saves all TEMP files or whatever. So a good reformat every now and then is necessary if you want the machine to feel "new". Windows 7 will feel a heck of a lot faster than Vista, this I can assure you. And I strongly believe that this is the best (and possibly the only) upgrade you can make with your system in order for it to run better.

 

Will do. Thanks alot for the time and help. Im glad i signed up.

Its always nice to get on a board and get this kind of help!

 

Glad I could help.