Dell Inspiron 1720 RAM Upgrade

Hi there, considering I only have 2gb RAM, I want to up it to 3gb -

I quite firmly believe that this proposed RAM that I wish to buy will work in my laptop, however I want to see if people think this is a good deal and if a better deal is available:

http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/mpartspecs.aspx?mtbpoid=966E63DCA5CA7304

Thank you.

Regards,
Simon

 

According to that it's an AMD chipset - did they even do a 1720 with an AMD processor? Thought they were all Intel.

If it's an Intel PM/GM65 1720 then you can use DDR2-800 but it will only run at DDR2-667 as that's the fastest memory the PM/GM965 supports. If it really is an AMD chipset then I have no idea off the top of my head.

 

The 1720 is Intel-based only. The companion AMD-based model was the 1721. Interestingly, the 1721 is STILL available (and even a few 1521s)- http://www.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/amd_laptops?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=mn

Regardless of whether we're talking about the 1720 or 1721, it will use 200-pin DDR2 SODIMMs. The Intel chipset/platform used in the 1720 can use DDR2-533 or DDR2-667. The AMD 'Kite Refresh' platform featured in the 1721 actually supports up to DDR2-800, although you can use the slower 667 or 533 varieties.

Side note- if the 1720 is like the smaller Inspiron 1520, the two memory slots are not located together. One is accessible by removing the bottom cover, as on most laptops. But the other memory slot is located UNDER they keyboard- it's a pain to access, in my experience! If you're only planning to remove one of your 1GB modules and replace it with a 2GB module, forget about the one under the keyboard and just swap out the one accessible from the bottom cover. Just thought I'd let you know in case you were trying to figure out where the other RAM slot is hiding.

 

Yes, the Inspiron 1720 is a Santa Rosa GM965 chipset, the 1721 uses an AMD chipset; not sure what the exact AMD chipset model is however.

That is a good RAM, however if you can find something of a lower latency, and priced cheaper or exactly the same as that of the standard, it's an added bonus. However this isn't necessary as the performance difference I have tested is just merely nanoseconds.

You haven't gotten the T9300 processor, huh.

 

Not 'yet', meaning I'm looking for the best deal out there I think...
So I think I'll get this RAM then - I want to place it under where the keyboard goes not only so I have a valid excuse for cleaning the keyboard (lol), but its a good opportunity to have a look at my CPU so we can get to know one another

 

Keyboard on the 1720 is actually pretty easy to remove.

 

I got it, I installed it - it works

However, I was outbid on Ebay for the T9300 :'(

P.S - What advice does anyone have regarding screws on the laptop which don't come out and refuse to lol, any good screwdriver kits I should/could get? lol

Regards,
Simon