Dell Inspiron 1520: Viable After Market Upgrades

Hello guys.Glad to see new discussions here.I want to share a little info about upgrading the wi-fi card but this is very OLD card so don't beat me about that.
Few days ago my cousin called me and asked for some help about the 1520.He just got problems with loosing the wi-fi connection all the time.
Surething his laptop has the stock broadcom card with B/G and the card not always works well from the start.I looked over my house and didn't find any replace with N standard so I just took I''ve had at the moment.
I used for temporary replace the Qcom q802xkg card.This card has only B/G as the stock card.I tried to install the card in the WLAN labeled mini PCI-E but didn't work at all, also I've tried the WWAN FCM the same problem.My savior is the WPAN FCM labeled slot.The card works well in this one.The bios info says about there's no wi-fi module but OC Win7 see the card without any problem.Also I can turn it off or on by the left switch button.So if someone would have the similar problem you could use just another slot for install.
-----
How you guys install the Intel N6300?The card has half size form factor.
I just can't imagine how you force the card stand there in the mini PCI E slot while the slot for full sized card?

 

You can get a little adapter to make the card like a full-size card:

Mini PCI E Half to Full Size Extension Card Wireless WiFi PCI Adapter Bracket | eBay

 

These upgrades wouldn't really be cost-effective, except perhaps for the SSD. The SSD would make a big difference on anything that's hard drive bottlenecked, which can be a surprising amount of things. I've been considering getting the very SSD you linked in that post myself - possibly for both my 1520 and my desktop. It's only the hassle of reinstalling on my desktop, and a hardware issue on my 1520, that made me decide against it in December.

If you had the 8400 GS GPU, the 8600M GT might make sense. But as you'd also have to swap the motherboard, it's a lot more questionable. The motherboard is the toughest thing to replace (probably even more so than the LCD), and increases the price from $10 to $60. The 8600M GT will be a lot better than your Intel card, but it's not a $60 GPU next to today's $60 GPUs. Similarly, the T9500 isn't worth $70 from what you have now. And $92.67 for 4 GB of RAM is highway robbery. Do note that the 1520 can only utilize up to 667 MHz RAM, so if you can get 667 MHz RAM for less, that may be a better option.

Spec-wise, you could get a considerably more powerful (and likely power-efficient) machine for $469.48 buying new (although getting an SSD for that price would be tough, and if included SSD storage would be low). However, whether such a machine would be as well-built as the 1520 is far from certain. The 1520 is remarkably well-built from a durability standpoint for a consumer-grade machine, which is part of the reason I haven't wanted to replace it as my laptop (the main other reason being that it's served me so well for so long and that I have a desktop for performance-intensive stuff). So, it depends on what you want. If you want more raw CPU/GPU horsepower, you should buy new. If you don't really need that, upgrading to an SSD and sticking with the 1520 would be considerably less expensive and still give a nice boost to responsiveness. Similarly, if you like the fact that the 1520 is more tolerant of collisions with real-world objects than most cheap consumer laptops, it may be worthwhile sticking with it until you could upgrade to a better-built laptop than most consumer ones. But I wouldn't spend $469.48 on upgrades. Unless you are making tons of money at your current position and want to give your 1520 the best upgrades possible as a reward for its faithful service. In that case, go for an X9000 instead of the T9500 and be sure to get a 450 MHz Wireless N card as well.

Oh, and you can also can also use ThrottleStop to overclock to 2.6 GHz on your T8300 on both CPU cores, which isn't possible by default (it would also allow 2.8 GHz on the T9500). I used it to get 2.4 GHz on my T7500 for awhile, although at that time it meant forgoing downclocking while the CPU was idle, so I quit doing so after awhile. But that limitation may not be present anymore - it was several years ago when I used it. At any rate, it's an option if you want to get an extra ounce of performance for free.

- - - - - - - - - - -

P.S. Has anyone tried an 802.11 AC card with the 1520? I don't think I've seen anyone say whether they work, and I'm not really well-versed in what the Wireless AC card options are in the market in general.

 

I've tried Intel Wireless-N 2230 on 1520 under W7 with no luck.The OS see this card but the driver report about can't run this device.
I used the last drivers from Intel.For now have no ideas how to make it works

 

Hi all,

First of all, I would like to thanks all of you guys for the whole thread! It brought a lot of good energy to my life for the last 2-3 weeks or so and SPECIAL thanks to "Mihael Keehl" for starting this thread.
After some time I wanted a bit more from my Inspiron's 1520 performance. I was seriously thinking to buy something new for approx 500€ but on that kind of money there is nothing interesting... not at all :/
So I started to rising money level and I found out that I need at least 1k € for my "almost perfect" laptop. It's quite a lot for a computer. Especially because I'm using it at home and at work. Moving it around in backpack over and over again... So there is constantly risk for scratches, damages .... fall?
I decided that is too much to risk.

To make a long story short!
I found this thread and I was very surprised!
I used to think that it's a laptop and you can't upgrade much more but apparently I was wrong!

Processor: It's still T5750 but tomorrow should get T9300 Price convinced me (26€ on ebay) it's about 70% improvement between these two according to Passmark benchmark.

Memory: Still 4GB (dual channel). Here my question, is there any point to upgrade it? 6GB it's maximum but I'll loose dual channel. What You guys think about it?

Hard Drive: I installed Samsung SSD EVO 250GB! What a change! Huge improvement!
System is running smooth and loading in 20sec + about 60sec to set everything (I have a lot of stuff installed) but after 20sec I can use it normally and rest is loading in background without hiccough. On my old drive it took 5minutes before I could open Firefox or email....
So this was my primary HDD bay. I bought also HDD 2nd drive Caddy (removed DVD) and put there my old Seagate Momentus 320GB. It's not the newest drive and it's a bit slow... max 60mb/s read and 40mb/s write.
I'm working mostly on big files and it drove me craaazy!
At first, I had some problems with this drive in Caddy as it sometimes liked to "unmount itself" when under pressure.
Just copying something there and watching some film and HDD was just gone! I had to restart computer to make it visible again. Very odd. I changed from Performance to Bypass in BIOS, than to Quiet mode of HDD but it didn't help. I switched off something about HDD buffer in windows but problem still occur. Finally, I removed all partitions, formatted it with 4096kbit and now it's running perfectly fine! Weird...

Optical Drive: GONE

LCD screen: I have 1280x800 and I'm very happy with it. I used to have Inspiron 1525 (piece of crap!) with 1440 res but it seemed that everything was too small form me. Anyway, 1280x800 is great for watching movies in 720p so no need to change.

Graphic processor: Used to be 8400m GS, few days ago I intalled 8600m GT.
It works much better guys! I got it brand new on ebay for about 25€

Here are some tests I made:
FuMark 720p benchmark

8400m GS:
400/400 - 78pts. (standard clock)
650/550 - 124kts (max stable overclock I got)

8600m GT:
475/400 - 178pts. (standard)
590/490 - 224pts. (standard after flashing NEW BIOS from "TechPowerUp" website)
600/500 - 225pts. Hi temp 69C (stock thermal paste)/ 65c(Zalman STG-2) - yea... after a day I changed thermal paste on it
625/500 - 232pts.
650/500 - 240pts.
675/500 - 246pts.

As You can see it is an improvement Although clocks 600/500 are most stable. Higher is working fine... but sometimes not
New graphic card BIOS changed from 1,2V to 1,6V so I thought it might be better to change thermal paste as well
I'm using EVGA Precission X for overclocking - nice and smooth app.

Battery: My is gone and don't need any. For me it's just a waist of money as I have AC adaptor in my living room, bedroom and everywhere at work...

Bluetooth: I had one all the time but... I didn't know about it In Win7 it simply doesn't work... I spent few hours to make it work. Don't ask me how I didn't because I have no clue... All that time I have been using BT on a USB stick

Intel Turbo Memory: I don't have one but thinking, will it change anything if I have very fast SSD already? It's not too pricey though... What guys do you think about it? Does it make any sense?

Speakers:
Left one is working approx 80% quieter... I bought on ebay pair of working ones for 5€ with delivery hope it will solve this problem

Now I became very happy and proud of my 1520. I have feeling, that I resurrected this machine and it will stay with me for next few years
I used to own an Inspiron 1525 with I bought in 2008 for 850€ and I was very disappointed. This was nightmare! It used to overheat (I took my T5750 from 1525 to my 1520 and works just fine)
Graphic card... I'm drawing faster than GPU in 1525
And 1525 is a very fragile laptop. My parents still have it and it has a tone of super glue and silicon on it! Even angle iron on side to keep screen standing Half laptop- half Zombie
In 2010 I bought used Inspiron 1520 for about 100€ and apparently still happy Especially after all that upgrades.

How to overclock processor? Can we do it? Is it possible?

 

Hi.If you install 6GB of RAM you won't lose the dual channel at all.You will have 4GB dual channel+2GB single in work.The size of the RAM will help if 4GB is not enough for your needs.
I am in doubt about any big speed increase in your case.So if you need just more memory simply buy the Intel turbo card.

You can overclock the processor very easy for 200Mhz each core by using throttlestop program check out about this on the forum.

Hope you will be happy with your new speakers.I remember the 1520 of mine always got freezes when I make high volume and listen any music

 

Thanks for reply. :smile:
As far as I know to have dual channel I need both the same or at least the same size memory modules. Do I?
And if I'm wrong, can I buy just any 4GB RAM module, remove my 2GB piece (I have 2x2GB) and on it's place put this 4GB? This will give me 6GB but will I keep Dual Channel mode?
If this works that way it's piece of cake...

I have been trying ThrottleStop but everything I can do there is underclocking. I can go less than 12x multiplier. Can also go down with Clock Modulation and Chipset ClockMod but can't go above 100% or 12x multiplier and this is the case
I have been googleing about this for a bit but couldn't find anything useful. Probably some PLL need to be changed or something like that
Well, I still have T5750 installed as my T9300 is on it's way
So my question here guys, how can I run it faster? Extra 200MHz per core will make myself proud and happy the same time

And about speakers. My never freezes... Works perfectly fine except left is hardly to notice that it's working. Right one is very loud (for my needs). Although when there is a "strong stereo" e.g. two guys talking in the movie. One on left, other guy on right I can clear hear guy on the right but one on left sounds like he is 6ft under or talking with the bucket on his head :laugh: So sometimes it can be annoying...
Now I just realised that I could set... mono? silly me...
Anyway, I already ordered those speakers and I will let know if this helped.

About Intel Turbo Memory. I read this might decrease performance in some cases especially if you already have SSD drive so I think, I'll pass.

 

Holy mother of pearl! I have found the jackpot! You don't know how happy it makes me see that this thread exist!

We have had a workhorse Dell Inspiron 1520 for several years now. We have only replaced the battery and AC adapter one time. Now, I have to make the decision. Upgrade the old reliable laptop to Winders 7 or buy a new device.

I hate to just give up on it. It runs great and has been so reliable up to this point. I enjoy tinkering with computers, though I haven't done so in a few years.

I will give you guys all of my current specs tonight and I would appreciate it if you could help me develop a game plan on best bang for the buck on going down the Windows 7 path and how much that will cost. Thank you so much and I will talk to you all soon.

 

Ok, I would like to keep my Inspiron 1520 around for a few more years. I need to upgrade to Windows 7, preferably 64 bit version. I would also like to install a few hardware upgrades while I am at it, since this is the perfect time. This laptop is mainly used for MS Office, Netflix, watching DVDs, light gaming and internet surfing. It would be NICE to be able to plug this into a high def TV and use it as a Netflix/DVD device wherever I go. Solid state drive would be NICE as well.

Which hardware upgrades make the most sense guys?

I pulled everything from the service tag report that seemed to matter. This is the current config...
Part # Qty Description
DM343 1 PROCESSOR, T5250, 1.50, 2MB, CMER, M0
GX800 1 Assembly, DVD+/-RW, 8X, IDE Toshiba Samsung Storage Technology, CGSY
C362C 1 LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY, 15.4WXGA, LGP, V2
Y9530 2 DUAL IN-LINE MEMORY MODULE, 1GB, 667, 128X64, 8K, 200
N3564 1 HARD DRIVE, 160G, Serial ATA, 9.5, 5.4, SE080
KU907 1 CARD (CIRCUIT), GRAPHICS, NVIDA, 128MB, G86, #1
FP509 1 HEATSINK, CENTRAL PROCESSOR UNIT, NOTEBOOK, DISCRETE, SRM, 1520
KY768 1 ASSEMBLY, BASE (ASSEMBLY OR GROUP), NOTEBOOK, DISCRETE, 1520

YX514 1 Kit, Software, DELL MEDIA DIRECT, 3.3, CD Corsica
FW331 1 KIT, REMOTE CONTROL, NOTEBOOK, M08, PHILIPS

I greatly appreciate your input. Thank you.

 

My vote would also be on getting an SSD first. More RAM would also help; 1GB is getting kind of small these days, especially for anything other than XP. Then you can consider maybe doing the screen or the CPU.

 

"beleginwaffle"
At the moment my 1520 is running Win7 x64 and it's much better than 32bit (tried this before). x64 is noticeably faster.
I would advice you to get rid of your HDD and install there SSD. In my case it did a lot change!
I previously owned 160gb 7200rpm Seagate Barracuda but it was way to small for my needs. I changed it and put there 320gb but 5200rpm I was shocked but "slower" drive was more less twice faster than this 160GB. I was prepared to have bigger, but probably slower drive so imagine my surprise! (newer technology, more data on one disc- faster read/write)
After few years it become too slow though as I started to work on bigger files so SSD rules!

I get it, that everything is a cost especially a SSD drive is very expensive. We all are doing different stuff on our computers so you need to find out what is the best for you. What are your needs? It's quite easy to find out. First of all you need to do is check what is slowing down your computer. I would recommend to install Win7x64 then install gadgets from Most Wanted Windows Desktop Gadgets - Windows 8, Windows 7 and Windows Vista Two are very helpful like All CPU meter and GPU meter. With these tools you will be able to monitor what is under pressure.
Do stuff you usually do + install everything you use, but keep checking what's going on with your CPU, GPU and keep an eye on your HDD LED (is it on for the most of time?)

Let's say you're doing something and... waiting for it to happen
- if CPU is working 100% for a long time - upgrade your CPU
- if your GPU is under pressure overclock it! I recommend EVGA Precission X (find on my previous post how it improves 8400GS - yours card) if it won't be enough replace it with 8600m GT :thumbsup:
- if you see that processor is not working that hard but you still need to wait but LED from HDD is almost constantly on add some RAM and change HDD to SSD... simple as that.

In my case. HDD was working all the time when with 160 and 320gb (still I have 4gb of RAM) during windows start up but processor wasn't that much under pressure.
When I put a SSD, this LED light blinks sometimes but processor is 100% , so now, upgrade of CPU make sense.


Different thing is that, never believe in 'names" how much GHz processor has or how fancy HDD/SSD name is. ALWAYS go to benchmark!
In my opinion this website PassMark Software - CPU Benchmark Charts is just mindblowing!
I found all processors I owned since primary school It's easy to compare is given CPU, GPU, HDD is worth it's money. In my case i decided for T9300 (2,5GHz) as it will give me much more processing power fur about 26€

For Example:
- Your processor: Intel Core2 Duo T5250 @ 1.50GHz 829 (benchmark points)
- My current one: Intel Core2 Duo T5750 @ 2.00GHz 1083
- I decided for: Intel Core2 Duo T9300 @ 2.50GHz 1711
- Max ours 1520 mainboard can accept: Intel Core2 Extreme X9000 @ 2.80GHz 2023

So as you can see. Core 2 Extreme X9000 costs about 450€ on ebay! :wub: crazy! You can overclock it easy but is for most of us worth to go that far for that extra cost?
So even our old Inspiron 1520 can be upgraded and still good to use. Few days ago I was in Tesco and my eye was caught be brand new laptop from HP... It had processor named B830... When I got home I checked it on Passmark:
Intel Celeron B830 @ 1.80GHz 1545 points - ? We have 2014 and it is mounted in computer for 499€
So how much your 1520 will be worth after upgrading?

I hope, I gave you something to think about


EDIT:
Guys, now I'm confused after checking this PDF about GM965 http://www.intel.com/Assets/PDF/datasheet/316273.pdf especially this part:

System Memory Support
• Supports dual-channel DDR2 SDRAM
• One SO-DIMM connector (or memory module) per channel
• Two memory channel configurations supported
— Dual channel interleaved
— Dual channel asymmetric
• Maximum memory supported: 4 GB
• Intel® Flex Memory Technology support
• 64-bit wide per channel
• Support for DDR2 at 667 MHz and 533 MHz
• 256-Mb, 512-Mb, and 1-Gb memory technologies supported

So... no chance for 6gb RAM?


Little update after an hour...
I checked my mailbox and found T9300. Installed and running just fine

 

"eclipse05"

Wow! Thank you so much. This is very helpful and yes, it gives me a lot to think about. My budget is limited. The SSD would take most of my budget, but I know it is likely the best upgrade I can do to increase performance. Like you say, benchmark and then choose wisely based on needs and costs.

This is going to be fun! :thumbsup: Thank you again!

 

I'm glad i could help

Although I still need some advice about RAM as I'm very confused :confused2:
Some sources are saying that our Mainboard is capable to work with 6GB, others that 4GB is maximum...
I found some posts that people are saying that it works with 6GB OK but no one shared information does it worki in DualChannel
And if I'll change for RAM to 800Mhz will it change anything as my T9300 is on 800MHz FSB? I think, GM965 is capable only of 667MHz RAM? Am I correct?

I think, it would be nice if I'll share my benchmark from Win7. I know it's not the best tool for benchmark but still easy and most of us can perform this test easy and check your platform.

Spoiler

Windows Benchmark win 7x64

2,0GHz T5750, 4gb ram, 8400GS (standard clocks), Seagate Momentus 320GB
Processor 5,0
Ram 5,0
Graphic 3,1
Graphic in Games 5,2
HDD 5,6

2,0GHz T5570, 4gb ram, 8400GS 700MHz/550Mhz, SSD Samsung 250GB

Processor 5,1
Ram 5,1
Graphic 3,5
Graphic in Games 5,2
HDD 7,7


2,0GHz T5570, 4gb ram, 8600GT 450/400, SSD Samsung 250GB
Processor 5,1
Ram 5,1
Graphic 4,7
Graphic in Games 5,8
HDD 7,7


2,0GHz T5570, 4gb ram, 8600GT 650/500, SSD Samsung 250GB
Processor 5,1
Ram 5,1
Graphic 5,2
Graphic in Games 6,3
HDD 7,7

2,0GHz T9300, 4gb ram, 8600GT 625/500 (Stable clocks), SSD Samsung 250GB +320 HDD Caddy
Processor 6,1
Ram 6,1
Graphic 5,1
Graphic in Games 6,2
HDD 7,7

2,0GHz T9300, 4gb ram, 8600GT 650/500 (Stable - for most of the time but not always), SSD Samsung 250GB +320 HDD Caddy
Processor 6,1
Ram 6,1
Graphic 5,2
Graphic in Games 6,2
HDD 7,7

 

**Advice Needed**

What do you guys think about this SSD I found on eBay? Form and spec are fine, 120 GB is fine with me. The seller is Top Rated. Should I go for it?

120GB Intel 320 Series SSD 3Gb/s 2.5" SATA 2 (SSDSA2BW120G3H) Solid State Drive

http://www.ebay.com/itm/120GB-Intel-320-Series-SSD-3Gb-s-2-5-SATA-2-SSDSA2BW120G3H-Solid-State-Drive-/281269879311?pt=US_Solid_State_Drives&hash=item417cfdc20f

 

I think I can consider myself as an Intel fan but brands, names etc. doesn't have much impact any more for my decisions.
Now only real time performance and benchamarks have sense to me

INTEL SSDSA2BW120G3H 1650pts.
Samsung SSD 840 EVO 120GB 3698pts. (probably a bit more expensive)
Samsung SSD 840 EVO 250GB 4005 - I have this one and I'm very happy

Check it for yourself. You may find something better for better price... PassMark Software - Hard Drive Benchmark Charts

Think about something "future proof". If you'll change laptop in a year or two? New one will def. have SATAIII... and then you will get much more form faster drive

 

Hmmm...that Samsung is only $7 more than the Crucial 500 on Amazon and it gets much better marks on the benchmark.

Crucial_ CT120M500SSD1 2549 pts 381 rank
Samsung SSD 840 EVO 120GB 3698 pts 95 rank

Samsung it is then! Thank you.

Amazon.com: Samsung Electronics 840 EVO-Series 120GB 2.5-Inch SATA III Single Unit Version Internal Solid State Drive MZ-7TE120BW: Computers & Accessories

 

Now you see my point. Always do some research first
When you'll be installing it make sure that SATA connector will fit correctly! SSD is much thinner than your old drive and it can be inside but it doesn't have to be connected. And remember about screws...
It happened to me even BIOS didn't see SDD but it was inside and just two of four screws were actually keeping drive.

 

You can mix up all sizes of the memory due to the Intel Flex Memory technology.It will run your 6GB as 4GB in dual channel and another 2GB in single channel.
The OS will report about you're have dual channel mode.So don't worry about this.

First of all you can't overclock your T5750 via ThrottleStop because this processor doesn't have Intel Dynamic Acceleration technology or more simple IDA.Nowadays we know this technology as TurboBoost 2.0 in new iCore processors but it became more powerful than IDA.
Your new processor T9300 will support the IDA and you are able to tweak via ThrottleStop to overclock both cores here the topic: Link

In real world some laptops with this chipset can handle to 8GB of Ram just easy.Most of them is IBM/lenovo laptops.Our 1520 can handle only 6GB people already tried 8 GB but as I remember it only shows 6GB of RAM.So that's why all recommend to buy just one stick of 4 GB because there's no sense to get two.

The RAM runs only at 533/667Mhz on 1520.

That isn't correct to compare two absolutely different architechtures.Anyway the newer Intel Pentium/Core i3 processors does throttle very fast because of the max temperature they could handle is 85c but in real it does throttle at 75c while Core 2 Duo works fine even on 95c.That's the main point I do not like the newer Pentium/Core i3 processors.

 

Hey Guys,

Lately my 1520 screen has been troubling me a lot. Whenever i open the lid, it turns on for a second and goes almost all black ( if i look at it under bright light at a certain angle i can see something). I believe it is the LCD inverter giving up, has anyone else faced this problem and how did u fix it ?

Thanks

 

That could be the backlight lamp too.The both things can be fixed only by replace.

 

"RussianEnthusiast" Thank you very much for your help
You gave me many useful advices

1) RAM - I decided to get 4GB. I started to looking for it but all prices are very high! Madness
I couldn't find on ebay one piece 4GB lower than 92€. What's wrong?? Why is it so expensive?

2) I tweaked my T9300 with SUCCESS using method you mentioned :wink: it took me about 5minutes.
Now It's locked on 2,7GHz - I'm very happy with this extra power...

3) I know that I compared two different architectures. My point is that even in 2014 buying a brand new laptop (low end) doesn't mean it is faster than something from 2006-2007m (overclocked, tweaked, on steroids )

 

The DDR2 has been quickly changed to the new DDR3.When it has been changed the main factories just stop do old DDR2.When product is still popular but limited to sell the prices are going high in other words that's robbery
I'd recommend to buy the Intel Turbo Memory card that's a lot cheaper.Yes it's should be slower than the main RAM but it does not make slower for all the system at all.Just extra more memory but with slower speeds.

 

You must be right as DDR2 and DDR3 prices are so various.
Are you sure Intel Turbo Memory is faster than my SSD? (540read/520write)

 

Ah sry.I just lost from my mind about you get installed SSD disk.Then, you don't need this Turbo memory card.The card is useless with SSD/Hybrid drives and designed only for typical mechanical one's.

 

OK... now I want to upgrade my WLAN card. At the moment I have 802.11 a/b/g and maximum I can get is around 20Mb/s down and 20Mb/s up.
My router is 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and when connected via cable/wire I can get 60-65Mb/s down and 27Mb/s upload.
Apparently there is a huge different so I started to dig. I found this Intel 4965 Wireless Wifi Mini PCI E 4965AGN Card 300M | eBay. Price is great but it's "only" standard N which mean in real life I could get max around 50Mb/s. Much, much better but still it's not full bandwidth of my broadband. Are there any 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac wlan cards to fit and work with Inspiron 1520?

EDIT:
I have borrow Intel 5100 WLAN from a friend http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/wireless-products/wifi-link-5100-brief.html and it works very well. Now I'm getting around 40Mb/s down So it's about two times faster than my standard broadcom card.
So I know this one is working but both are about the same price on ebay. Which to choose? Intel 4965 or 5100 ?
I see, there is even Intel 5300... But it has 3 connectors for antenna (I have only 2, black and white) will it work?

 

You can use the 4965 and 5300 with 2 antennas; whether they will actually be better than the 5100 in that configuration is another question.

 

Are you sure about that?In my 1520 I can see six cables.

 

Yes, you're right. There are more cables but is one of them for "better" WLAN?

 

If I'm not wrong it's the grey with white band cable.

 

I choose Intel 5300. Main factors: 450Mb/s, 3 antennas.
Probably Intel 6300 is even better but they are available only in Half Size so I'll need adaptor... and... cables are not long enough. There are some extensions available to buy or even open screen and make cables longer but I think 5300 is less pain

 

So I decided to extend the life of my Dell Inspiron 1520 and install Windows 7 Professional 64bit

Parts ready for installation…

1) Samsung SSD - 840 EVO-Series 120GB 2.5-Inch SATA III SSD MZ-7TE120BW - $90.00
Amazon.com: Samsung Electronics 840 EVO-Series 120GB 2.5-Inch SATA III Single Unit Version Internal Solid State Drive MZ-7TE120BW: Computers & Accessories

2) Video Card Upgrade (up from GeForce 8400) - NVIDIA GeForce 8600M Video Card Part Number: UW390 – $12.00
Amazon.com : Genuine Dell NVIDIA GeForce 8600M Video Graphics Card For Vostro 1500, 1510, 1520 Inspiron 1520, 1521 Laptops Part Number: UW390 : Computer Graphics Cards : Computers & Accessories


Thank you!

Parts I am currently considering …

**Please double-check me here**

RAM - PC2-5300 667MHZ 1.8V DDR2 200 PIN SO DIMM

3) 4 GB – Single Stick – $69.00 - Best price I could find from a seemingly reliable source
4GB Memory 512x64 PC2 5300 667MHz 1 8V DDR2 200 Pin So DIMM | eBay

4) 2 GB – Single Stick - $23.00
2GB Memory 256x64 PC2 5300 667MHz 1 8V DDR2 200 Pin So DIMM | eBay

5) Processor – Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 2.5Ghz 6M/800 CPU - $39.00
Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 2 5GHz 6M 800 CPU Slayy Mobile Laptop Processor 0675900938335 | eBay

 

I'm very happy with my new T9300 especially after lock it on 2.7GHz

Don't wait and install your new drive! With CD there should be some kind of app to help you move all data from old drive to new one (I didn't use it)

I don't know where you live but shipping this RAM and Processor to Ireland costs 45$! Is there nothing cheaper?
RAM is very expensive so I'm not going to upgrade it to 6GB.... 4GB is fine too... If you have 2GB than it's a different story :/


Here it's X7800 - processor itself is more expensive but post is much cheaper: Intel Core 2 Extreme X7800 Processor 2 60 GHZ SLA6Z 4M Cache 800 MHZ FSB T9500 | eBay

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/QZXR-INTEL-CPU-PROCESSOR-C2E-MOBILE-X7800-2-6GHZ-2-CORE-EXTREME-For-HP-DELL-/171193867333?pt=FR_GH_Informatique_Composant_Cartes_M%C3%A8res_Processeurs&hash=item27dbf31c45

Somehow T9300 are very expensive right now. I paid 35€ for processor and shipping together...

According to passmark X7800 is just a bit more efficient than T9300 but if Xtreme is cheaper?
You can overclock Xtreme... Although, Xtreme producing more heat... :/

 

Assuming you are in the US, these are all reasonable choices at fairly reasonably prices. You can probably do better on the price of the T9300, though; I've definitely seen down to $40 shipped.

I don't really think there is any reason to get the X7800 over the T9300; it's only marginally faster but generates a ton more heat, and you can't really take advantage of the unlocked multiplier in a 1520.

 

As I remember some guy have installed X9000 with overclock to 3.0 Ghz+undervolting on 1520 just fine.If you're not using the battery and don't put laptop on your knees plus you're having a wish about overclocking then I see no problem to buy X7800.

 

You guys both have right. I bought T9300 as it was in good price over anything else but if I could have Xtreme (prefer X9000) for the same price or even less... well, you can guess my choice
Somewhere in this thread is user who has X9000 overclocked to 3.0 or 3.2Ghz - try to dig to it
In my personal opinion 1520 has great cooling system - until thermal grace is in good shape.
I think X7800 is generating more heat than X9000 but if your 1520 is on the desk it should be OK.

Anyway, there are solutions to cool down your laptop. Years back I bought something like that: Cooler Master NotePal Infinite [R9-NBC-BWCA]: specifications, reviews, discount offers and more | Hardware.Info United Kingdom. I needed it for my Inspiron 1525 as it was constantly overheating and switching itself off :/
I started to use it for 1520, not because cooling it down but because computer is a bit higher and in nice angle. It's also great if you want to sit in bed with your laptop. Easy to handle

 

Wonderful thread. Read from the 1st page to page 34. Inspired me to finally open and clean my Vostro 1520 removing a lint ball the size of a stick of gum. That's why the fan was always running.


Anyway a couple of questions...

1) Is the Vostro 1520 the same as a Inspiron 1520?
2) The Vosto CPU is an Intel Core 2 Dou P7570. Are any of the first page CPUs an upgrade for the P7570?

Thanks,


-- asterger

 

Nope.The same is only Vostro 1500.Your laptop is too different.

Intel website Link
You should to choose there in the filter "Mobile CPU" then just find your upgrade.All processors with P character will work.

 

You can use T series Penryns in the Vostro 1520 as well... in fact anything that's standard voltage/socketed socket P should work, even Meroms.

 

So here is an update on my Dell Inspiron 1520 Windows 7 Professional 64bit

I am VERY pleased with the few updates I have performed so far. Thank you all for the advice and tips.

Parts installed...

1) Samsung SSD - 840 EVO-Series 120GB 2.5-Inch SATA III SSD MZ-7TE120BW - $90
***Amazing speed! I can go from a cold boot to desktop in under 40 seconds.

2) 4 GB – Single Stick 4GB Memory 512x64 PC2 5300 667MHz 1 8V DDR2 200 Pin So DIMM – $69.00
***I put this in the slot under the keyboard. I can tell a decent gain in performance. I still have a 1GB stick in the other slot. 2GB stick coming soon.

3) Windows 7 Professional 64 bit - Runs like a champ on the revamped system. No issues at all.


Parts awaiting install...

4) Video Card Upgrade (up from GeForce 8400) - NVIDIA GeForce 8600M Video Card Part Number: UW390 - $12
***Waiting until I get the new processor before I dig in that far. Two birds, one stone.


Parts soon to be ordered...

5) Processor – Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 2.5Ghz 6M/800 CPU - $39.00
***Coming soon.

6) 2 GB – Single Stick - 2GB Memory 256x64 PC2 5300 667MHz 1 8V DDR2 200 Pin So DIMM - $23.00
***Coming soon.

 

Nice upgrades.
I've been interesting about installing new Wi-Fi cards in 1520.
Then I've tried Intel® Centrino® Wireless-N 2230 and Intel® Centrino® Advanced-N 6235 both are with the same issue.The OS W7 and Intel drivers recognize those cards but can't run.
I've tried many ways like put a tape on pins of the card but no success.I see cards(separately) in the Device Manager with warning icon that's all
Based on the info from a guy who has Intel 6300 on 1520 with no problems I'm gonna think if you want an Intel card from new generation on 1520 you have to buy the module without Bluethooth.As I know the newer Intel 7260ac has about 4 clones w/without bluetooth then there's a hope to get AC standart on 1520.
Anyway as I know 1520 doesn't support combo cards wifi+bt but in most of cases wi-fi worked just fine.

 

Funny you should say that...both...

I recently tried having Inte 6300 and Dell Dw1501...both at the same time. I was under Arch Linux, not sure about Windows, but they worked perfectly

Had some fun time with them...

I just had to choose which one to use.

However I can confirm both cards working separately under Windows.

 

Surething I've tried one by one.Once both at the same time.
Idk why it doesn't work for me.Will try more when I get access to 1520.Since that's not mine laptop.

 

Hi guys... I need some help
I received today Intel wifi link 5300 agn but it doesn't work ;(
I have the latest driver: 2012-01-22, 14.3.2.1. I intalled Intel PROset wireless.
I have no idea what to do...

Device Cannot Start - error Code 10

 

I'm sorry to hear that.This card shoulda work without any trouble.
Can you show an auction you bought from?Ask the seller about for which laptop this card is supposed to be?I think there's should be editions for HP/Lenovo/IBM laptops and
a different one for Dell laptops.The difference is the internal firmware of the WLAN card.If he would say for dell laptops ask him for full refund.
Do you know any lunix-based system?Try to run your machine on it for test your card.I have ran my Intel 2230 with Ubuntu OS finally but it doesn't work under W7.

 

It's possible that there are electrical differences between the two, I tried using a more recent up to date one but the load was greater than I had anticipated, so I was unable to.

 

Thanks for quick response.
This is an auction form ebay: Intel Wifi Link 5300 AGN Pcie Wireless N Card 533AN MMM | eBay. It says it will work with Dell machines.

I posted it to my friend and he is going to test it (he has three different Acer laptops). This way we should find out is it a problem with compatibility (refund then).
But if my new Intel5300 will work with his machines but not with mine he will give me his Intel5100 (swap then)
It will be sort of win-win situation. I know 5100 is a bit slower and less efficient than 5300 but after loosing couple of hours on that thing i don't care any more.

To cheer up I put some new stickers on my laptop though :laugh: it looks much better now.

 

Looks like that's a correct one.Then I hope this card will work with acers.
Any card is better than the stock one

 

I want to tell about my success.
I've fixed my issue(error 10) on Intel centrino 2230 wi-fi card.As I assumption that's a bug because of drivers.In my case I've installed the last drivers from Intel site for W7 x64 with no errors or something but the card wouldn't work and I've had "cannot run the device error 10" in device manager on it.Finally I tried ubuntu OS there's the card works more than fine but under W7 it can't start.
So I did more research+sleepless night and now it works with W7.The driver which worked for me is an old one 29/11/11 ver 15.0.0.75 downloaded from lenovo site.
About not enough length for wires because of the half-sized card.That's ok you can use for those needs blue+grey wires.Speeds are OK.I have up from 25Mbit to 46Mbit.
I think Intel 6230/6235 will work with this driver too.Also I've got the bluetooth works from Intel 2230 however Wi-fi stopped to work.The bluetooth is working if you install the card in WPAN FCM slot.

 

So the thing is... My friend tested this card with his two of three Acers (third has different wifi type connector). No success...
He had the same error as I - Code 10
He spent at least two hours on that but finally he gave up
He said, it must be a problem with card...

So I got it back and I tried Ubuntu. It worked perfectly fine! So there is no any technical issue with the card itself.

My Intel 5300 is a full card so three cables can reach connectors
Now I'm downloading some old versions of drivers from Lenovo site... I'll give it a try... we'll see

EDIT:
Oh! I HATE it so badly! I've lost my patient! I installed few older drivers but still the same problem ;(

 

Wow.I didn't thought that would be so bad for you.
Try the dell drivers and then if won't help get refund from the seller just need to keep quiet about the card is working under Ubuntu
https://www.google.ru/search?q=dell...j4&sourceid=chrome&espv=210&es_sm=93&ie=UTF-8