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I DISSECTED MY LAPTOP!!; Now I want to "customize" the carcass!
Topic Started: Mar 20 2005, 04:14 PM (725 Views)
Ironfistman
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My Inspiron 7500 is so limited in upgrade potential that I think I want to install a bunch of something else... Hmmmm. First, I will paint and bake the Dell out of it, but what to do next? I'd like performance and speed with some capasity for storage - Can anyone throw me some possibilities that I can consider (and price out...) <_<
Beware of the mad scientist!
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Guitarmanliam
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You more than likely can't replace the motherboard as they are proprietry to most laptops and hence, will not fit in your Inspiron case. You can pick up 2.5" hard drives easily enough and they will boost your storage capacity. If you haven't maxed out the memory already, do that, it should give you a noticeable speed increase and not cost a great deal
eMachines 790 (UK)
2.6 Pentium 4
512MB 2700 DDR
Samsung SV1204H
Trigem Imperial G Board - With AGP
Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Samsung SW248F CD Burner
Samsung SD616T DVD ROM
NEC ND2500A DVD-RW
GeForce 4 MX440SE
15" Samsung TFT
External 8GB Hard Drive
Broadband Connection
Apple iPod 20GB

Dell Latitude C610
1GHz Pentium 3
512MB RAM
20GB Hard Drive
WiFi

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Ironfistman
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The cheap piece of .... Yeah, I was affraid that "that" is what I would hear. I was hoping for a good recipe that called for a chissel, epoxy and glitter!
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dsf260
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Some laptops will allow for a proc upgrade, although it isn't supported by the manufacturer. Your proc will need to be socketed and you will have to find a source for replacement procs. I'm not sure if there are any intel solutions like this, but most Athlon XP and 64 based laptops can handle some kind of upgrade (unless it was maxed out already).

You also might be able to substitute a motherboard from the same model, but one that has a better processor. It's unlikely that you will find a motherboard that fits your case with significantly different features, although you might find one that adds firewire or a better non-discrete graphic solutions.

I don't know much about the Inspiron 7500, but it may be possible to upgrade the graphics. Some Dells have the graphics on a separate daughter card that can be swapped out. You also might be able to swap out the LCD for one with better resolution, but make sure you buy one that is compatible with your motherboard, as there is no standard for how they interface in a laptop.

If you do swap out the proc somehow, just make sure that your current heatsink can handle the additional heat output. Often, laptop producers will create different heatsinks for different processors, and you might have to swap that out as well.

None of this would be supported by Dell, although it sounds like you are past that. Ebay would be your best source for parts and you might want to scour the net for a service manual for your laptop.

With all this said, make sure aren't dumping good money into an inherently limited platform. Laptops are getting so inexpensive that if you are investing over $250 you should consider spending $500 or so for a fresh system. Just as a benchmark, entry level laptops generally include a Intel Celeron M 1.5, which offers about the same performance as a Socket A XP-M 2200-2400+. AMD entry level is a bit blurred, but for $500 or so after rebates you usually can find a XP-M 2800+ (based on an Athlon 64, not an A-XP--the naming convention is totally wacko here).
T1090--Upgraded everything except floppy drive
MSI KM2M Combo-L w/ Athlon XP 2400+ Tbred-B
INWIN 523G case w/ 250w PS*GF3TI200 64MB*OrangeMicro Firewire/Network PCI card
2x WD Caviar 120GB*Lite-ON 40x12x48 CD-RW*768 MB PC133 (1 512, 1 256)
Original T1090 license of XP Home running (sort of)

Compaq Presario 910US
Upgraded to undervolted XP 2400+ (from 1500+)*512 MB*W200 Wireless (802.11B)*30GB*Combo DVD 8x/CD-RW 24x

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dsf260
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Just did some quick looking for you.

Your processor is actually on a daughtercard, called a MMC-2. It looks like the maximum you can get is a 750 PIII--at least on ebay. At at least $80 a pop, these ain't cheap, although you may be able to grab one from an under-the-radar auction. There may be faster ones floating around, but I didn't see any.

I didn't notice much of a difference in motherboards, but you will be able to judge it better than me.

There are definitely some SXGA+ screens out there, which could be a nice addition.

However, unless you are really strapped for cash, you get a good deal on parts or you want to work on a project for the hell of it, you should probably spend your money on a new system. The PIII will be adequate for office tasks, but the advance of technology has more or less left this system behind.
T1090--Upgraded everything except floppy drive
MSI KM2M Combo-L w/ Athlon XP 2400+ Tbred-B
INWIN 523G case w/ 250w PS*GF3TI200 64MB*OrangeMicro Firewire/Network PCI card
2x WD Caviar 120GB*Lite-ON 40x12x48 CD-RW*768 MB PC133 (1 512, 1 256)
Original T1090 license of XP Home running (sort of)

Compaq Presario 910US
Upgraded to undervolted XP 2400+ (from 1500+)*512 MB*W200 Wireless (802.11B)*30GB*Combo DVD 8x/CD-RW 24x

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dsf260
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One more thought--you will probably need to upgrade to the latest BIOS for a 750 proc to work. It should be available from dell, but you will need to upgrade the BIOS before you swap the proc.

I read some of your earlier posts, and it sounds like you were looking for a kick to 750 for some specialized software, so this might get you there economically. No guarantee it will work, but I would seriously consider it if that was the only upgrade I needed/wanted.

It also looks like Intel made processors available in this format up to 850mhz--although it may be very tricky to identify them. They could be run at lower voltages (for power saivngs) at 600 mhz and may be advertised as such. It is unclear how to convert a low voltage 600 to an higher voltage 850 even though they are the same chip and package--it may be very simple, it might be complex, either way, I don't know if it can be done. And just because it is on Intel's spec sheet doesn't mean it was produced in quantity--there are plenty of mythical processors out there that exist in small batches (Celeron FCPGA2 900, P4 2.8 400mhz for example).

T1090--Upgraded everything except floppy drive
MSI KM2M Combo-L w/ Athlon XP 2400+ Tbred-B
INWIN 523G case w/ 250w PS*GF3TI200 64MB*OrangeMicro Firewire/Network PCI card
2x WD Caviar 120GB*Lite-ON 40x12x48 CD-RW*768 MB PC133 (1 512, 1 256)
Original T1090 license of XP Home running (sort of)

Compaq Presario 910US
Upgraded to undervolted XP 2400+ (from 1500+)*512 MB*W200 Wireless (802.11B)*30GB*Combo DVD 8x/CD-RW 24x

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Ironfistman
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Great answer(s) I put the dirt bag back together last night and now it wont power up! It initiates, the pee-wee fan comes on and then it turns itself off - ;)
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Ironfistman
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The Inspiron 7500 was a lowly little pawn shop find - which, it turns out had a virus. So after paying a Computer store-front somebody to retrieve a corrupt document that I needed - He was unsuccessful - he completely wiped the Hard Drive (all 20 GB!) Anyway, it went to the doctor with Win2000 Profesional and came out with Win XP Home. After paying someone more than $150 + Win XP I decided to learn more about DIY!

The reason I would upgrade/Customize is that it would be easier for me to conceal the fact that I have been spending money on "frivolities".

You tossed me some excellent possibilities

Quote:
 
I didn't notice much of a difference in motherboards, but you will be able to judge it better than me.


When I bought the Dell they threw in a nice carrying case that had belonged to an Inspiron 8000 that was being donated to a Church - I could not convince the sales clerk that I too would be a worthy cause to donate it too - pirate

Anyhow, lo and behold when I arrived home it has all kinds of software including the Dell factory install/drivers for the Inspiron 8000! From what I can tell by the exploded view of the I8000 the layout is different than my 7500 - but that is where sheer will comes in!
Quote:
 
Your processor is actually on a daughtercard, called a MMC-2. It looks like the maximum you can get is a 750 PIII--at least on ebay.


The daughtercard sucks - it is a severe inconvenience (so is the fact that my laptop isn't functioning since I reassembled it.) Doesn't MMC stand for Mickey Mouse Club? I gave up the dream of boosting it's processor by much - I realized that I could open my AutoCAD on my soup'd-up Anaheim - 2 (After I successfully comvert it to Win XP!)

It would be great if I found a way to expand the laptop to I8000 provided it will still dock in my port repl. I am going to check the connects of it at Dell....
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dsf260
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Just because the drivers are the same doesn't mean that the boards are interchangeable. Even if you are able to physically shoehorn a different mboard in there, you will have two challenges: 1) The connections for the keyboard and LCD are not standardized, and may be different from board to board and 2) cooling is highly engineered in laptops, and different boards will require differently designed cases and heatsinks.

Bottom line, don't waste your money on different motherboards. You would be much better off buying a used system if you chose to go that route.
T1090--Upgraded everything except floppy drive
MSI KM2M Combo-L w/ Athlon XP 2400+ Tbred-B
INWIN 523G case w/ 250w PS*GF3TI200 64MB*OrangeMicro Firewire/Network PCI card
2x WD Caviar 120GB*Lite-ON 40x12x48 CD-RW*768 MB PC133 (1 512, 1 256)
Original T1090 license of XP Home running (sort of)

Compaq Presario 910US
Upgraded to undervolted XP 2400+ (from 1500+)*512 MB*W200 Wireless (802.11B)*30GB*Combo DVD 8x/CD-RW 24x

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Ironfistman
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Fine Take the wind out of my sails... Wouldn't Dell mass produce the CD drivers to be compatable with the corresponding unit series? (i.e. have the Drivers waiting to toss in the box before shipping them out.)

Any thoughts about the current powering up issue w/my 7500?
Besides "Yeah. you trashed it!" :unsure:

I will probably buy it a new (new-ish) daughtercard. I re-examined my Insp. and decided about the only thing it could be is the CPU or MOBO...

Quote:
 
Celeron FCPGA2 900


I just purchased one of these for a Cognac etower I will be upgrading, well, I don't know about the FCPGA2 part. but I got it dirt cheap! (The 633id will be another topic another time.)
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dsf260
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Maybe you have a short on the case or you haven't hooked up the heat sink properly. With the fan running at startup, I would look at the heatsink first--it only takes about a second for a non-cooled PIII to shut itself off if it isn't cooled properly.

You also may not have the AC adapter or battery installed properly. Also, check to see if the processor is seated correctly.

Unfortunately, the FC-PGA2 Celeron will not work with a Cognac motherboard. The FC-PGA version will (a much more common version, btw).
T1090--Upgraded everything except floppy drive
MSI KM2M Combo-L w/ Athlon XP 2400+ Tbred-B
INWIN 523G case w/ 250w PS*GF3TI200 64MB*OrangeMicro Firewire/Network PCI card
2x WD Caviar 120GB*Lite-ON 40x12x48 CD-RW*768 MB PC133 (1 512, 1 256)
Original T1090 license of XP Home running (sort of)

Compaq Presario 910US
Upgraded to undervolted XP 2400+ (from 1500+)*512 MB*W200 Wireless (802.11B)*30GB*Combo DVD 8x/CD-RW 24x

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Ironfistman
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Quote:
 
You also may not have the AC adapter or battery installed properly. Also, check to see if the processor is seated correctly.

The corresponding front panel lights for both connectors (ac/dc) are on, I am going to reread about and reword the heatsink - that is my most likely villian - the processor (daughtercard) is a bit testy to tell if it is inserted flush... However, how would I run down a short in the case?

Quote:
 
Unfortunately, the FC-PGA2 Celeron will not work with a Cognac motherboard. The FC-PGA version will (a much more common version, btw).

Fortunately, I only paid $14 inc. s&h from ebay. It did not say in the item description, but it does state 100mhz FSB so I think it is the right one. TD25x was pretty through with his descriptions for me. Also, I was reading through some archives about some 256 RAM working in the ind. slots .... I did not know that! That info. deserves it's own Headline. I printed it out and now I am going to boost both my etowers! (and give my laptop CPR!) :lol:
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dsf260
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Don't know how exactly to run down a short, except to make sure that the motherboard isn't grounding itself on the case somehow.

It does seem like a HSF or proc problem though.

Let us know how it goes.


The FC-PGA2 will have a large metal cap on it that covers 95% of the top of the chip. The FC-PGA has a small square in the middle.
T1090--Upgraded everything except floppy drive
MSI KM2M Combo-L w/ Athlon XP 2400+ Tbred-B
INWIN 523G case w/ 250w PS*GF3TI200 64MB*OrangeMicro Firewire/Network PCI card
2x WD Caviar 120GB*Lite-ON 40x12x48 CD-RW*768 MB PC133 (1 512, 1 256)
Original T1090 license of XP Home running (sort of)

Compaq Presario 910US
Upgraded to undervolted XP 2400+ (from 1500+)*512 MB*W200 Wireless (802.11B)*30GB*Combo DVD 8x/CD-RW 24x

Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Ironfistman
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Quote:
 
The FC-PGA2 will have a large metal cap on it that covers 95% of the top of the chip. The FC-PGA has a small square in the middle.

No metal cap here, but a crazy-looking cooling unit came with it! I have not had time to install it into the Cognac, but I think the fan looks like it would barely fit the width of the etower case. I will get back to you after I get to it. The Anaheim 2 is now a fantastic little gaming machine!
Beware of the mad scientist!
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dsf260
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Did you get the dell back up and running?
T1090--Upgraded everything except floppy drive
MSI KM2M Combo-L w/ Athlon XP 2400+ Tbred-B
INWIN 523G case w/ 250w PS*GF3TI200 64MB*OrangeMicro Firewire/Network PCI card
2x WD Caviar 120GB*Lite-ON 40x12x48 CD-RW*768 MB PC133 (1 512, 1 256)
Original T1090 license of XP Home running (sort of)

Compaq Presario 910US
Upgraded to undervolted XP 2400+ (from 1500+)*512 MB*W200 Wireless (802.11B)*30GB*Combo DVD 8x/CD-RW 24x

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Ironfistman
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I have been so swamped with work that i have not taken the time to open it up for further exploitation... I wanted to ask you about the blue goop on the ends of some of the screws (sort of like "thread tape") I know it is for grounding purposes and I have been wondering if I might have compromised some of it and if so where would I get more?

Also I am about to post a question about an old HP Pavil. in that forum area so look for it for me, okay!? B)
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dsf260
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The blue goop is probably lock-tite or some other product designed to keep the screws from falling out, although I guess it could serve some grounding purpose as well
T1090--Upgraded everything except floppy drive
MSI KM2M Combo-L w/ Athlon XP 2400+ Tbred-B
INWIN 523G case w/ 250w PS*GF3TI200 64MB*OrangeMicro Firewire/Network PCI card
2x WD Caviar 120GB*Lite-ON 40x12x48 CD-RW*768 MB PC133 (1 512, 1 256)
Original T1090 license of XP Home running (sort of)

Compaq Presario 910US
Upgraded to undervolted XP 2400+ (from 1500+)*512 MB*W200 Wireless (802.11B)*30GB*Combo DVD 8x/CD-RW 24x

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Ironfistman
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Somewhere on the dumpy dell.com website I read about the blue "stuff" being used to create a ground... Some screws have it - some do not. I am relatively certain that I successfully mapped my way as I was dissecting, but some of the screws did not have much blue on them when I was returning them to their suspected origins. Anyway, I was thinking about giving all of the screws a little blue stuff just in case that is the ground issue.

I have messed with the heatsink several times in hopes that it was just a little off, but still no magic! When I decide to get serious with it I will report back.
Beware of the mad scientist!
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Tazman
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AVAST YE ... DEAD MEN DON'T BITE!
This goes to prove my advice I give anyone asking about buying a laptop .... buy one that has everything you want already in it, as they are a pain in the rump (if not impossible) to upgrade.
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Ironfistman
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Yes, but they are fun to explore around in and there is always going to be something better down the road!

I have heard that aliens kidnap humans and swap our parts around to see how we operate - tinkering must be a universal way to pass time! :lol: :D :P
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