Here's one for the technically minded. I recently treated myself to a Dell Inspiron 9400 notebook. It has very good dedicated graphics, a 7,200rpm hd, 2gigs of ram. The processor is an Intel Core 2 Duo 1.6 T5200 (2meg cache). I 've since got my hands on a 2.0 T7200 cpu (4meg cache). I know that the bigger processor will work ok in the machine but I'm wondering if I'll see any real difference in performance using Cubase..I don't use the machine for any other processes...no internet, gaming or whatever. Its running fine as it is, so maybe its a case of 'if it aint broke don't fix it'. Anyone got any ideas while I make up my mind?....LL
On May 24, 3:32 pm, lancelightning wrote: > Here's one for the technically minded. I recently treated myself to a > Dell Inspiron 9400 notebook. It has very good dedicated graphics, a > 7,200rpm hd, 2gigs of ram. The processor is an Intel Core 2 Duo 1.6 > T5200 (2meg cache). I 've since got my hands on a 2.0 T7200 cpu (4meg > cache). I know that the bigger processor will work ok in the machine > but I'm wondering if I'll see any real difference in performance using > Cubase..I don't use the machine for any other processes...no internet, > gaming or whatever. Its running fine as it is, so maybe its a case of > 'if it aint broke don't fix it'. Anyone got any ideas while I make up > my mind?....LL You said it - if it ain't broke!
On Sat, 24 May 2008 21:32:25 +0100, lancelightning wrote: >Here's one for the technically minded. I recently treated myself to a >Dell Inspiron 9400 notebook. It has very good dedicated graphics, a >7,200rpm hd, 2gigs of ram. The processor is an Intel Core 2 Duo 1.6 >T5200 (2meg cache). I 've since got my hands on a 2.0 T7200 cpu (4meg >cache). I know that the bigger processor will work ok in the machine >but I'm wondering if I'll see any real difference in performance using >Cubase..I don't use the machine for any other processes...no internet, >gaming or whatever. Its running fine as it is, so maybe its a case of >'if it aint broke don't fix it'. Anyone got any ideas while I make up >my mind?....LL If it slots in easily, why not try?
On Sat, 24 May 2008 21:32:25 +0100, lancelightning wrote: >Here's one for the technically minded. I recently treated myself to a >Dell Inspiron 9400 notebook. It has very good dedicated graphics, a >7,200rpm hd, 2gigs of ram. The processor is an Intel Core 2 Duo 1.6 >T5200 (2meg cache). I 've since got my hands on a 2.0 T7200 cpu (4meg >cache). I know that the bigger processor will work ok in the machine >but I'm wondering if I'll see any real difference in performance using >Cubase..I don't use the machine for any other processes...no internet, >gaming or whatever. Its running fine as it is, so maybe its a case of >'if it aint broke don't fix it'. Anyone got any ideas while I make up >my mind?....LL How difficult is it to open the notebook up? You're going to have someone do the job? I have an older Acer that had a 1.2gHz Intel, found the upgrade (1.6gHz) new online for $20 and thought it wouldn't be that big a deal to install. No way... this was a few months ago. I think the keyboard lifts out but so far I haven't been able to find the info online. 400mhz + 2GB added cache should improve things a bit. Ap
On Sun, 25 May 2008 09:26:16 +0100, Laurence Payne <> wrote: >On Sat, 24 May 2008 21:32:25 +0100, lancelightning wrote: > >>Here's one for the technically minded. I recently treated myself to a >>Dell Inspiron 9400 notebook. It has very good dedicated graphics, a >>7,200rpm hd, 2gigs of ram. The processor is an Intel Core 2 Duo 1.6 >>T5200 (2meg cache). I 've since got my hands on a 2.0 T7200 cpu (4meg >>cache). I know that the bigger processor will work ok in the machine >>but I'm wondering if I'll see any real difference in performance using >>Cubase..I don't use the machine for any other processes...no internet, >>gaming or whatever. Its running fine as it is, so maybe its a case of >>'if it aint broke don't fix it'. Anyone got any ideas while I make up >>my mind?....LL > > >If it slots in easily, why not try? It isn't a huge job. A lot of unscrewing and what have you, but no surgery req'd. I'm a bit hesitant to mess with things when they're working ok, but as you say, why not try? I'll have to wait till I have a few hours free, I'm in the right mood, and definitely not after several beakers of red zinfandel!!...I'll report back.....LL
On Sun, 25 May 2008 11:44:36 GMT, (Aphelion) wrote: >On Sat, 24 May 2008 21:32:25 +0100, lancelightning wrote: > >>Here's one for the technically minded. I recently treated myself to a >>Dell Inspiron 9400 notebook. It has very good dedicated graphics, a >>7,200rpm hd, 2gigs of ram. The processor is an Intel Core 2 Duo 1.6 >>T5200 (2meg cache). I 've since got my hands on a 2.0 T7200 cpu (4meg >>cache). I know that the bigger processor will work ok in the machine >>but I'm wondering if I'll see any real difference in performance using >>Cubase..I don't use the machine for any other processes...no internet, >>gaming or whatever. Its running fine as it is, so maybe its a case of >>'if it aint broke don't fix it'. Anyone got any ideas while I make up >>my mind?....LL > >How difficult is it to open the notebook up? > >You're going to have someone do the job? > >I have an older Acer that had a 1.2gHz Intel, found the upgrade >(1.6gHz) new online for $20 and thought it wouldn't be that big a deal >to install. No way... this was a few months ago. I think the keyboard >lifts out but so far I haven't been able to find the info online. > >400mhz + 2GB added cache should improve things a bit. > >Ap As I just replied to LP, the job isn't all that difficult..Just a lot of messing about unscrewing and taking stuff apart. I'll be doing it myself...if indeed I decide to take the plunge.There's plenty of info on Dell's site, so I have no excuses there. I'm just not sure if its worth the hassle. I'll probably go for it when I'm in the right frame of mind...I'll let you know what happens. Fingers crossed it isn't a disaster!.....LL
"Aphelion" <> wrote in message news:... > On Sat, 24 May 2008 21:32:25 +0100, lancelightning wrote: > >>Here's one for the technically minded. I recently treated myself to a >>Dell Inspiron 9400 notebook. It has very good dedicated graphics, a >>7,200rpm hd, 2gigs of ram. The processor is an Intel Core 2 Duo 1.6 >>T5200 (2meg cache). I 've since got my hands on a 2.0 T7200 cpu (4meg >>cache). I know that the bigger processor will work ok in the machine >>but I'm wondering if I'll see any real difference in performance using >>Cubase..I don't use the machine for any other processes...no internet, >>gaming or whatever. Its running fine as it is, so maybe its a case of >>'if it aint broke don't fix it'. Anyone got any ideas while I make up >>my mind?....LL > > How difficult is it to open the notebook up? > > You're going to have someone do the job? > > I have an older Acer that had a 1.2gHz Intel, found the upgrade > (1.6gHz) new online for $20 and thought it wouldn't be that big a deal > to install. No way... this was a few months ago. I think the keyboard > lifts out but so far I haven't been able to find the info online. > > 400mhz + 2GB added cache should improve things a bit. > > Ap What model Acer do you have? I had to undertake a minor repair to replace one of the on-board speakers on my Acer Travelmate 8104 WLMi and after quite a bit of searching I did manage to find a service manual in PDF format on-line which marked out all the visible and hidden case screws, plastic clips along the split lines in the case etc... and also how to get the keyboard out. My Acer is one of the ones with the curved keyboard and 15.4" widescreen and DVD-RW on the right-hand side. Purchased in May 2005 when the Travelmate 8100 series was still pretty new. I would have worked it out in time myself, but the manual helped a lot. If the manual I have would be of any help I can email it to you or at least try to find the source on-line so you can download it or maybe the right one for your laptop. Nick
Links to some sites where Acer notebook service manuals can be found (Was: Re: CPU's) Acer Travelmate 8100 series manual: http://www.mediafire.com/?7vccgcxxbvt Acer Ferrari 4000 manual: http://www.mediafire.com/?0gz3gn3bdyc I don't think this was where I got mine, but it amounts to the same thing You could try here as there are quite a few Acer service manuals listed: http://www.eserviceinfo.com/equipment_mfg/acer_43.html - I followed the links from www.laptoprepair101.com and I have a feeling that this may be where I sourced the manual for my TM 8104 - it was a year or more ago, so I forget exactly where I downloaded it from You can buy most manuals from here: http://www.notebookmanuals.net/?gclid=CIzp7-yNxJMCFQpgQgodPi-FDQ for around $4.50 if all else fails HTH Nick
On Sun, 25 May 2008 13:47:39 +0100, lancelightning wrote: >On Sun, 25 May 2008 11:44:36 GMT, (Aphelion) >wrote: > >>On Sat, 24 May 2008 21:32:25 +0100, lancelightning wrote: >> >>>Here's one for the technically minded. I recently treated myself to a >>>Dell Inspiron 9400 notebook. It has very good dedicated graphics, a >>>7,200rpm hd, 2gigs of ram. The processor is an Intel Core 2 Duo 1.6 >>>T5200 (2meg cache). I 've since got my hands on a 2.0 T7200 cpu (4meg >>>cache). I know that the bigger processor will work ok in the machine >>>but I'm wondering if I'll see any real difference in performance using >>>Cubase..I don't use the machine for any other processes...no internet, >>>gaming or whatever. Its running fine as it is, so maybe its a case of >>>'if it aint broke don't fix it'. Anyone got any ideas while I make up >>>my mind?....LL >> Yabadabadoooo!!! Feelin smug!! I did it...A zillion screws and a few connectors to undo - a tad of 'arctic silver'..that's the cpu thermal paste and not some exotic narcotic!!... and the job's done. A bit scary but its showing up fine and everything seems to work as it should. I'll put it through its paces over the next few days...I'll be interested to see how it performs. Lets hope it doesn't blow up!! LL
On Mon, 26 May 2008 12:46:57 +0100, "nickm" <> wrote: Nick, Hey, thanks for posting those links, I'm going to head off and do some searching. It's an Aspire 3610, woefully underpowerd but runs XP Sp3 nicely and can record 8 simultaneous tracks with ease. Ap >> I have an older Acer that had a 1.2gHz Intel, found the upgrade >> (1.6gHz) new online for $20 and thought it wouldn't be that big a deal >> to install. No way... this was a few months ago. I think the keyboard >> lifts out but so far I haven't been able to find the info online. >> >> 400mhz + 2GB added cache should improve things a bit. >> >> Ap > >What model Acer do you have? I had to undertake a minor repair to replace >one of the on-board speakers on my Acer Travelmate 8104 WLMi and after quite >a bit of searching I did manage to find a service manual in PDF format >on-line which marked out all the visible and hidden case screws, plastic >clips along the split lines in the case etc... and also how to get the >keyboard out. My Acer is one of the ones with the curved keyboard and 15.4" >widescreen and DVD-RW on the right-hand side. Purchased in May 2005 when >the Travelmate 8100 series was still pretty new. I would have worked it out >in time myself, but the manual helped a lot. If the manual I have would be >of any help I can email it to you or at least try to find the source on-line >so you can download it or maybe the right one for your laptop. > >Nick >
On Mon, 26 May 2008 18:41:38 +0100, lancelightning wrote: > >Yabadabadoooo!!! Feelin smug!! I did it...A zillion screws and a few >connectors to undo - a tad of 'arctic silver'..that's the cpu thermal >paste and not some exotic narcotic!!... and the job's done. A bit >scary but its showing up fine and everything seems to work as it >should. > >I'll put it through its paces over the next few days...I'll be >interested to see how it performs. Lets hope it doesn't blow up!! You bad, you bad! Nice going LL, I just purchased the service manual for my laptop and going to try and do the same operation this week. (p.s. Thanks Nick, I ended up purchasing the service manual, it has everything I need and was only a few bucks! Ap
"Aphelion" <> wrote in message news:... > On Mon, 26 May 2008 12:46:57 +0100, "nickm" <> wrote: > Nick, > > > Hey, thanks for posting those links, I'm going to head off and do some > searching. It's an Aspire 3610, woefully underpowerd but runs XP Sp3 > nicely and can record 8 simultaneous tracks with ease. > > Ap > Try this link: http://rs284.rapidshare.com/files/95974888/Acer_Aspire_3610_Service_Manual.rar I d/l'd the manual and it looks fine as well as being in English
On Tue, 27 May 2008 11:32:03 GMT, (Aphelion) wrote: >On Mon, 26 May 2008 18:41:38 +0100, lancelightning wrote: >> >>Yabadabadoooo!!! Feelin smug!! I did it...A zillion screws and a few >>connectors to undo - a tad of 'arctic silver'..that's the cpu thermal >>paste and not some exotic narcotic!!... and the job's done. A bit >>scary but its showing up fine and everything seems to work as it >>should. >> >>I'll put it through its paces over the next few days...I'll be >>interested to see how it performs. Lets hope it doesn't blow up!! > > >You bad, you bad! > >Nice going LL, I just purchased the service manual for my laptop and >going to try and do the same operation this week. > >(p.s. Thanks Nick, I ended up purchasing the service manual, it has >everything I need and was only a few bucks! > >Ap Good luck Ap..You can do it!...It wasn't too difficult to be honest..as long as you have a decent manual..Its just a matter of knowing what fits where, and being a bit careful with the cpu. My Dell hasn't caught fire yet!! Time to record some music...Lets hope it was all worth it. LL
On Tue, 27 May 2008 16:42:02 +0100, "nickm" <> wrote: > >"Aphelion" <> wrote in message >news:... >> On Mon, 26 May 2008 12:46:57 +0100, "nickm" <> wrote: >> Nick, >> >> >> Hey, thanks for posting those links, I'm going to head off and do some >> searching. It's an Aspire 3610, woefully underpowerd but runs XP Sp3 >> nicely and can record 8 simultaneous tracks with ease. >> >> Ap >> > >Try this link: >http://rs284.rapidshare.com/files/95974888/Acer_Aspire_3610_Service_Manual.rar > >I d/l'd the manual and it looks fine as well as being in English Yep, that's the one I got. I found out this acer can go up to the Centrino and I found a one on eBay for $19. This will be fun. Thanks again! Ap
>>Try this link: >>http://rs284.rapidshare.com/files/95974888/Acer_Aspire_3610_Service_Manual.rar >> >>I d/l'd the manual and it looks fine as well as being in English > > Yep, that's the one I got. > > I found out this acer can go up to the Centrino and I found a one on > eBay for $19. This will be fun. > > Thanks again! > > Ap > Great stuff. Just watch the cooling side of things as the new CPU may run a tad warmer, although my 2.00GHz Centrino in my Acer runs reasonably cool. The placing of the cooling vents has a lot to do with it. Good luck
>> >>Ap > >Good luck Ap..You can do it!...It wasn't too difficult to be >honest..as long as you have a decent manual..Its just a matter of >knowing what fits where, and being a bit careful with the cpu. My >Dell hasn't caught fire yet!! Time to record some music...Lets hope it >was all worth it. I've worked with computers since the C64/Amiga/AtariST days, had 'em apart, modified...etc. This is the first time I've had a recent notebook apart, and I mean apart... this one had to go down to the motherboard. What a marvel of engineering these are. The only thing a bit frightening so far was a snap on cover right at the beginning. Anyway, it's all apart and I'm about to drop the processor in. aP
>This is the first time I've had a recent notebook apart, and I mean >apart... this one had to go down to the motherboard. What a marvel of >engineering these are. The only thing a bit frightening so far was a >snap on cover right at the beginning. > >Anyway, it's all apart and I'm about to drop the processor in.. Hey, all done, it's working great. LL & Nick, thanks for the inspiration and help. Ap
"Aphelion" <> wrote in message news:... > >>This is the first time I've had a recent notebook apart, and I mean >>apart... this one had to go down to the motherboard. What a marvel of >>engineering these are. The only thing a bit frightening so far was a >>snap on cover right at the beginning. >> >>Anyway, it's all apart and I'm about to drop the processor in.. > > Hey, all done, it's working great. > > LL & Nick, thanks for the inspiration and help. > > Ap Excellent. Well done Notebooks are quite a feat of electronic engineering. I love the way the 'motherboard' is split and how it folds up on itself in most notebooks. Slightly off topic, I guess the little Asus EEE PC is even more refined in terms of how everything fits than a standard notebook and I'd like to have a look inside one first hand. It's quite a challenge finding all the case screws on most notebooks - even with the manual LOL. So, have you noticed any improvements in performance and apart from the experience was the exercise worth the effort? I would imagine that there will be a noticeable boost. I have upgraded the hard drives in all my notebooks to 7200rpm models (I just buy a 2.5" USB caddy for the old ones and use them as external drives) and I must admit that did make quite a significant improvement in general responsiveness - particularly on my older Toshiba Nick
On Fri, 30 May 2008 15:33:31 +0100, "nickm" <> wrote: > >"Aphelion" <> wrote in message >news:... >> >>>This is the first time I've had a recent notebook apart, and I mean >>>apart... this one had to go down to the motherboard. What a marvel of >>>engineering these are. The only thing a bit frightening so far was a >>>snap on cover right at the beginning. >>> >>>Anyway, it's all apart and I'm about to drop the processor in.. >> >> Hey, all done, it's working great. >> >> LL & Nick, thanks for the inspiration and help. >> >> Ap > >Excellent. Well done Notebooks are quite a feat of electronic >engineering. > >So, have you noticed any improvements in performance and apart from the >experience was the exercise worth the effort? I would imagine that there >will be a noticeable boost. This notebook was a real cheapie $585 almost 3 years ago, it had a 1.2gHz Celeron "M" I upgraded the RAM to 1.5GB and now the processor to a 1.6 pentium "M" (Centrino), it has double the cache so there's a nice little boost. Take a look at this DCP latency tester. http://www.thesycon.de/deu/latency_check.shtml Any device driver that causes a yellow or red spike will interfere with real-time streaming of audio ot video. Besides "wireless" one of the other culprits is: "Microsoft ACPI_Compliant Control Method Battery" (Under Device Manager/Battery) I've made a hardware "Audio" profile that I can choose at bootup. This laptop is solid at recording 8-tracks at once and can play at least 20 (that's all I've ever used) off the internal drive. That was before the processor upgrade. Ap
> > This notebook was a real cheapie $585 almost 3 years ago, it had a > 1.2gHz Celeron "M" I upgraded the RAM to 1.5GB and now the processor > to a 1.6 pentium "M" (Centrino), it has double the cache so there's a > nice little boost. > > Take a look at this DCP latency tester. > > http://www.thesycon.de/deu/latency_check.shtml > > Any device driver that causes a yellow or red spike will interfere > with real-time streaming of audio ot video. > > Besides "wireless" one of the other culprits is: > > "Microsoft ACPI_Compliant Control Method Battery" > (Under Device Manager/Battery) > > I've made a hardware "Audio" profile that I can choose at bootup. > > This laptop is solid at recording 8-tracks at once and can play at > least 20 (that's all I've ever used) off the internal drive. That was > before the processor upgrade. > Yes I heard about the Thesycon DCP Latency checker. Martin Walker who writes in Sound on Sound was writing about it last month in his PC Notes column. Looks like a useful tool. Yes you will have noticed a good little performance boost going from a Celeron to a proper Pentium M CPU for all the reasons you mention. You did good
