e1705/9400 - need some upgrading advice

I can't speak to the FX-1600, but a C2D processor will work. I had a T2250 in my laptop and put a T7200 in it and it worked fine.

The fastest CPU you can install is the T9600

Of course the T7400, T7200 are cheaper alternatives.

As far as the GPU goes

http://www.notebookforums.com/thread230162.html

The FX1600 will work with the lastest BIOS.

But there is also a possibility that you may need to change the inverter.

and back at you

Sorry eoy4 I have some bad news. Yes you can use a 64bit Core 2 Duo. But it must be socket M. So T7600 is in "M" T9600 is out "P". Your hardware/chipset 945PM is 32bit limited as far as running 64bit OS not, and the most RAM your system can ever use around 3GB's.

If the card you want to upgrade to or very similar was offered in your system as an option you are in good shape for upgrade.

. There is no performance loss with 1+2 memory configuration

. Never heard of 1.5gig module; it is simply technically not possible

cheers ...

This can give you some good input about what/how dual channel and ram configuration works.

cheers ...

Yes I would go with the 2 x 2 Gb sticks

Looks like you have a good handle on this.

As far as GPU goes I have no comment other than the general I said before. I do know some of those DeLL's could do exactly what you are trying. Go from ATI to the 7950m GTX. One of the Inspiron's was the same as another model. There are video's and guys showing how to do. One thing was the 7950 GTX had a larger heatsink. Look into that.

On the model you have and 64bit and some coming with Core 2's? With that chipset DeLL sold 64bit CPU's but the chipset limited it to 32bit. That was the 945 you have. It made many mad that DeLL sold a 64bit CPU on a system that was not 64bit. DeLL and Intel rushing to market. So no you cannot buy a different MoBo the ones that had Core 2's have the same limitation you do. Napa platform. Santa Rosa and the 965 chipset where the first 64bit platform.

You know no socket M on an Intel chipset can run 64bit back to Napa and Santa Rosa.

On RAM they do not make 1.5GB. Getting 3GB vs 4GB as said does not really matter. Dual vs Single channel is 10% on a bandwidth bench w/Intel chipset. Odd match ups on Intel run in what is called asymmetric dual channel Intel has called this Flex Mode also. What it means is what matches runs as Dual channel what remains runs single. On a benchmark it is proportional. So in a 3GB config 1x1GB+1x2GB, 2GB run in "Dual" and 1GB in single. But keep in mind that what is more frequently accessed migrates toward the front ie: Dual Channel 1st 2GB's. So in a bench only 3% difference vs 2x2GB. 10% or 3% does not in anyway translate to application performance. In other words those who say it does not matter have a valid point.

Here is a link to something I wrote on the subject. If TOS does not like external links I apologize, I would also be happy to transfer ideas here. I know they own right of use but does not prevent my use as the creator.

Back at the time I was doing some upgrades, it seemed the conventional wisdom was to just skip the T7600 and go with a T7200 or T7400 and save some money - the difference in performance between these chips is negligible, but by stepping into the T7XXX series you pick up the same benefits regardless of which one you choose. I went with a T7200 and am perfectly happy with my choice.

I agree with above. Get the best you can for the dollar? No joke? You can.

After all is said and done? Could you not do better buying new?