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Thinking of a hardware upgrade

Discussion in 'Technology' started by fastback33, Sep 13, 2011.

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  1. fastback33

    fastback33 Formula 3

    Mar 8, 2004
    1,851
    #1 fastback33, Sep 13, 2011
    Last edited: Sep 13, 2011
    This time im thinking I want to upgrade my laptop. I figured I'd ask the Fchat computer gods for help again. I'm currently running a Pavilion dv6135nr
    Which was okay about two years ago when I was running CAD only, but recently I've put a student version of SW on and have noticed that my graphics suck, processing speed has slowed, and I have eaten up just about all of the memory that is available. It has 2GB RAM, intel core 2 T5500 @ 1.66ghz and 1.67 ghz, which is ancient by todays standards and a graphics card I have no idea how crummy.... Oh and 32-bit Windows 7

    I don't really have a big budget for a new computer, which is why I'm thinking of upgrading some of the hardware. I know that RAM is pretty straight forward swap, but I haven't been able to find anything that is bigger than 2 gigs, i'm looking for at least 4, a better processor and I want to try and go all out on a graphics card. Try to keep it below 300-500 (i have no idea how far that will get me). Also, im not sure if my GPU is soldered or not so something to look into...

    EDIT: Oh yeah, would it just be cheaper to save for a new laptop? I've looked at the low end of the market and even some of those seem to blow my current system out of the water for $500.
     
  2. EnzymaticRacer

    EnzymaticRacer F1 Veteran

    Feb 27, 2005
    5,367
    #2 EnzymaticRacer, Sep 13, 2011
    This.

    Attempting to upgrade your old laptop and get any significant boost in performance will likely be a losing endeavor.

    if I was in the market for a new laptop, I'd try to save up atleast $800 minimum.
     
  3. fastback33

    fastback33 Formula 3

    Mar 8, 2004
    1,851
    #3 fastback33, Sep 13, 2011
    Bummer... I was hoping this could be a cheaper alternative then shelling out 1000 bucks.

    Just out of curiosity why wouldn't putting a new GPU, Processor, and adding more RAM work?
     
  4. EnzymaticRacer

    EnzymaticRacer F1 Veteran

    Feb 27, 2005
    5,367
    #4 EnzymaticRacer, Sep 14, 2011
    Upgrading a laptop with new bits is far more complicated than doing it on a desktop, especially considering that you have one of the HP mass produced ones.

    Normally, those laptops have many of the components built in to the motherboard. For instance, searching for that exact model in the HP website shows that the graphics card is an integrated intel solution. You physically cannot change out the video card, and it will likely be impossible to add an updated graphics card.

    Due to the limited space in laptops, many of the components are made to very specific dimensions, which can change from manufacturer to manufacturer. This makes it very difficult to find a new card that would be compatible w/ your particular model.

    Ram is the one exception to this. Upgrading the ram would give you a boost, but I can't tell you how much more your particular motherboard will support, and you are running a 32bit OS, which can only utilize a maximum of 4 gigs anyway. The speed boost with the new RAM is likely to be marginal at best though
     
  5. fastback33

    fastback33 Formula 3

    Mar 8, 2004
    1,851
    #5 fastback33, Sep 15, 2011
    Gotcha! Thanks for the info. :)
     
  6. Asian1118

    Asian1118 F1 Rookie

    Mar 23, 2005
    3,834
    Shelby twp
    Full Name:
    James
    #6 Asian1118, Sep 20, 2011
    Looks like you mobo will only support 2gb:
    http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=Pavilion%20dv6135nr

    I did a quick refresh of a vaio laptop the other day. I was able to put 4GB of RAM in but I also installed a momentus xt hard drive and a clean install of windows. The performance gains were pretty good for the money spend.

    However in your case, running 2D cad does not take much power. When you get into SW you are relying heavily on the GPU the intel on board will not come close to matching up with that.

    If you were able to upgrade the RAM I would recommend trying something but as it is I would say its a lost cause.
     

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