Upgrading Dell E1505 laptop

So I want to upgrade the following (if possible)
- Hard drive
- Video card
- RAM
- OS (Windows Vista -> Windows 7)

Hard drive and OS: Now, as far as the hard drive goes, I just need more storage. My current hard drive is only 80Gb. I'd like to get ~500GB or more if possible. I'd also like to go ahead and install Windows 7 while I'm at it. I'm currently a student who has a legitimate copy of Windows Vista on my computer, what would be my best/cheapest option to upgrade the OS as well as the hard drive?

Video Card: I currently have a ATI Mobility Radeon X1400. From glancing over the sticky, it seems as though I can upgrade it, but I didn't really notice how. Also, if I can, is it even worth it? I also have the Express card slot, but I'm not sure if there are viable options for that yet. I noticed the guide was written in 2006, so are there currently any good options as far as the express card slot goes, or would I have to change the actual video card on the motherboard?

RAM: I found a guide on how to change the RAM, but I'm not sure how much my motherboard allows. How do I find that out?

Thanks.

 

For RAM, I would download CPUz and see what type you need, buy two identical sticks and install them in your unplugged and batteries removed computer. Test the new sticks overnight with MemTest or even better try this:
http://downloads.guru3d.com/IntelBurnTest-v1.6-download-2047.html

and if it passes, sell your old RAM.

Why two identical sticks? Less potential problems with incompatibilities. Enable Dual Channel mode optimally (see CPUz if your chipset supports Dual Channel Mode under the memory tab). If you don't sell your old RAM, then you have instant backup and or troubleshooting access to the original RAM.

For the HD, either the Scorpio Blue 500GB or the Hitachi 7K500 (see these threads for more info). Either will increase the performance of your current HD (by a lot, I would image), but the 7K500 is currently the better deal at $79.99 (and should be faster too - just ordered mine today).

Video Card upgrade on a notebook - sorry, I have never attempted that (yet).

I definitely agree to get Win 7 and if you're able to put 4GB of RAM or more, then I would suggest Win 7 x64 over the 32bit version. Of course, make sure all your programs and hardware/device drivers will work under x64.

Even without the Video card upgrade, your computer should be ready for another two or three years of good computing if you can do all of the suggestions above. (Win 7 x64, Scorpio Blue, 4+GB RAM).

As a student, make sure you inquire about getting Win 7 for $30 or thereabouts. (Sorry, don't know more details).

Good Luck!

 

Thanks for the response, any one know anything about the video card?

 

The x1400 is the best card for the E1505. It wouldn't be worth the trouble.

As for the HDD upgrade, definitely check Newegg. Great prices and large selection. Be sure the HDD you choose is 2.5" SATA.

 

Thanks. Yeah, I did some more research last night and it seems like there are external video cards just starting to be released now, but they're very expensive at the moment (~$300, which is more than I want to spend on it).

I also looked at HDDs, would getting a faster speed improve performance any? Say getting a 7200 rpm drive as oppose to a 5400 rpm?

Also, I don't think I can upgrade my RAM, I found somewhere that said the E1505 can only handle 2gb of ram, but someone correct me if I'm wrong.

 

A 7200rpm will improve access times slightly, but don't expect a whole new experience.

For that I'd recommend getting an SSD.

 

From the dell service manuals.

Memory module connector
two SODIMM connectors
Memory module capacities
256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB
Memory type
1.8-V SODIMM DDR-2
Minimum memory
256 MB
Maximum memory
2 GB

 

Lame. I was really hoping I could do some hefty upgrades to this thing. Like I said, it's never really had any problems so I have no justification for buying a new one, but I would have liked some improved performance, but I guess I'll just have to wait.

Thanks guys.

 

Billabong7329,

don't give up too easily man! Since the notebook will accept 2GB sticks, just try them and see if the MoBo recognizes them (as 4GB RAM). Just saying, you never know?

 

Sorry, it's definitely 2GB max RAM.

 

If I had two spare sticks, I'd try. But I'm not going to go through the hassle of purchasing them, realizing they won't work, and then returning it.

 

So, I got my E1505 literally about a week or two before the E1520 came out ( or whatever came out after the 1505). Is there anyway possible that the latter E1505 models would be able to handle more? Is there anyway I can check something on my computer to find out?

 

The chipset is limited to 2GB and I'm afraid you have to live with it. But with 2GB you'll get very reasonable performance in either Vista or W7.

 

It will turn on with 4gb installed, but it will only see 2Gb. That is at least what mine does.
Havent found any way around it yet. I installed a 64bit operating system, and it still sees 2gb.

K-TRON