Hello. I have an Acer Aspire laptop/notebook, model number 3623WXCi.
Due to work reasons involving heavy use of CAD software, I would like
to upgrade from the factory default Intel Celeron M with 256MB DDR2
configuration to an Intel Pentium M mobile processor with at least a
512MB of memory configuration, if it is all possible.
However I?m currently on a budget but I would like to upgrade to a
better performance laptop, I was wondering if
? It would actually cost more (in terms of risk involved during
upgrade & price) to upgrading the laptop as a whole, and
? it would be possible in the first place to upgrade the laptop in the
first place, given that Intel Celeron M and Intel Pentium M might
share the same CPU socket / motherboard configuration, and
? if so, what are the processor(s) best matched with the factory
default motherboard,
? and be able to guide me with a clear and concise step-by-step
process of installing the new processor (I have no problem with
installing the memory myself)
? and last but not least, put yourself in my shoes.
What would your best recommended, cost-effective option be, and why? ;)
Thanks for your help! I consider myself with an advanced knowledge
with computer systems, so the answer would best suit people with sound
knowledge with computers. Generous tip will be offered for anyone who
can give me the best, cost effective option.
Cheers and have a great day! |
Request for Question Clarification by
keystroke-ga
on
01 Aug 2006 04:07 PDT
I am currently on old with the Acer presalesteam, to ensure that you
get the absolute best service today I am directly contacting and
speaking to Acer directly, no one is going to have better knowledge
than they do about the products.
My initial thoughts on the situation is that most Acer laptops come
with the processor built into the motherboard. I have just spoken with
an Acer presales consultant who has just confirmed this and has
advised me to speak directly to the Acer technical team.
If the situation turns out that the CPU is built directly into the
motherboard this may mean in order to get everything to fit you will
need the following items.
A new motherboard and CPU combo, new memory, a new laptop case to
house the new motherboard and memory, a new TFT screen that comes with
the laptop case.
If you are buying these parts as individual items the prices will be
inflated when compared to buying a new laptop with all these items
already built into the laptop. This leads me onto my next line of
thought. It may be cheaper for you to buy the laptop rather than buy
almost everything and try to fit the items yourself. I have tried to
install items into a laptop (not including memory and hard drives and
CD drives) and I have admit that the process is not as easyand
straight forward as I had hoped.
This point then leads me onto thinking that the graphical power of
your laptop could also be a hindrance to the CAD work you are doing. A
new graphics card may be a wise move along with the memory and CPU.
The processor you are hoping to move to is an already outdated model.
Intel have released something called the Core Duo which is a much more
energy efficient CPU than the Pentium M processor that has dual cores
which will provide you with a much better experience when using CAD on
your laptop. Prices of Dual core laptops are not overly high, to use
Dell as an example.
http://www.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/entnb_e1505?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs
This website shows you the E1505 Dell laptop with a Dual core CPU and
a single Core CPU. The prices range from $669 with 512MB of ram and a
single core CPU to $869 with a dual core and 1 gig of ram (I would
advise this for CAD work).
The single Core machine comes with 1 year warranty, the dual core
comes with 2 years of warranty. Replacing the motherboard in your
system may invalidate the warranty if you have any left and if things
go wrong you may not be covered.
By purchasing a dual core 1 gigabyte of memory machine you will not
only be covering yourself with another 2 year of hardware warranty but
you will be future proofing your machine for a lot longer than you
would if you were to only make the small step of upgrading the machine
to the next processor up. In the long run this will save you money.
You can think of it like this.
today you have a 40GIG hard drive, you need to save 45 gig of data,
now you have two options, do you A go for an 80gig drive and spend 50
dollars, to find out that in 3 months you need to save 85 gig of data,
or do you spend 100 dollars and get the 160 gig drive to find out you
don't need spend any more on your computer for another 2 years?
The advise I have always been given and I have told my clients is,
ALWAYS go for as fast and new as you can. It is ok making little stop
gaps but they will never be good enough for you.
I feel that by upgrading your current laptop to the next base up you
will not be doing yourself the justice you need for CAD work and you
will be almost purchasing a new laptop without the warranty or case.
After I have spoken to the Acer technical support department directly
I will write out what they have told me including Acer laptop model
numbers that will server your purposes.
--Keystroke-ga
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