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crookisj0kis
5 Posts
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47948
November 21st, 2009 17:00
Inspiron 1501 Upgrade
So, I have had my laptop for a few years now. However, these past few months have been a trial of my patience. I am experiencing what it is like to Multitask the computer and overload the processor, at least enough to make everything stop working.
The main issue is that I'm onlly running 2.0 GigaHertz of processing power, I know that it is not the RAM cause I have seen what 2 Internet browsers and Solitare does to the computer through the task manager performance tab. For me this is a problem cause I'm a gamer, and I'm using Vista.
Does anyone know of a compatable idea that can speed this computer to an acceptable speed, faster than dial-up speed? I was thinking about a new Processor, but I didn't know of any that were compatable.
Thereal-dbk4297
4 Apprentice
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3351 Posts
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Posted November 21st, 2009 19:00
Hello,
Sorry, but there is really not much at all you can do to upgrade that system.
But, if you could upgrade the CPU ... Add up the cost of the new CPU and the labor to install it.
Then take a look at Dell's refurbished systems and see what you can buy for very low prices. I bought my refurbished 9150 about a year ago for about $300. It is for times faster than my older Dell, and about the same cost it I could have upgraded.
Just a thought :emotion-40:
crookisj0kis
5 Posts
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Posted November 21st, 2009 22:00
Sorry I should have reworded this better. I use this computer as my every-thing computer, so with it being at the speed that it is at I wish to find something to help speed it up until I can save enough for my Gaming Machine (Alienware)
I found that frequent Defragmentation helps a lot, however, it will only go so far.
That is why I want a mid-term solution, one that could be thought of now that could last for a long time until I can save enough money.
dallascowboyswo
4 Apprentice
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2380 Posts
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Posted November 21st, 2009 22:00
Other then increasing the RAM there just is not much you can do with that computer. It has integrated graphics and thus has a bottleneck when attempting to game. As you have found out it is not a gaming machine. Your computer is whats considered a low budget computer. The best upgrade you could do would be to buy a faster computer with a better graphics card. Therefore I suggest you do your research before you make your next purchase.
crookisj0kis
5 Posts
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Posted November 22nd, 2009 14:00
Yes I know the importance of research, at the time that I got this laptop it was considered hightech. Ha ha.
Well it looks like lesson 159, buy a computer that will not eventually lead to a dead end, has been learned.
Thanks for your help, and frustration.
stjohnchen
8 Posts
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Posted January 22nd, 2010 10:00
Inspiron 1501 comes with Win Vista by default. So I have following recommendation, which I helped my friend to proof it is much faster
1. Upgrade to 2 GB or larger. Dell posted that max RAM is 2 GB, which is wrong. I upgraded to 3 GB without problem. I guess max is 4 GB (usable as 3.25 for 32-bit, and 3.75 GB for 64-bit)
2. Downgrade to Win XP 32 or 64-bit
3. Upgrade to Win 7 64-bit. Beware that VGA resolution is 1024x768 only. SD card, DVD-R, sound, WiFi, LAN all works with Win 7 default drivers
Highly recommend to copy out all data, format, and copy back. NTFS has user ID, which will prevent you from deleting (need setup security) easily
ejn63
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Posted November 21st, 2009 18:00
This isn't a gaming system and cannot be turned into one. It should be able to handle everything except gaming though, and reasonably well. Have you scanned it for malware?