JaxV

EDIT: Sorry I double posted :(

JaxV

Ok, I see one of these double posts was deleted, but the wrong one...I had already edited out the text in this one:(

I will ask again tomorrow if thats ok :)

JaxV

Hi, this is my first post and I hope no-one minds that my first post is asking for help.

I have an Acer Aspire 5101AWLMi that I would like to upgrade for gaming. It can handle some processor intensive games on very low graphic settings, but with some new games on my wish list for this month I would like to get a better performance out of it - I could upgrade my desktop which would be easier, but tbh I prefer the mobility of my laptop - and the only space for my desktop is in a drafty hallway lol. Anyway, to the point...

These are the basic specs for my laptop as is;

Processor: AMD Turion 64 MK-36 - 2GHz, 512KB L2 Cache
RAM: 1GB DDR2-533MHz
Hard Drive: 120GB
Screen: 15.4" TFT (1280 x 800) with CrystalBrite Technology
Graphics: Integrated Graphics - ATI Radeon® Xpress 1100 integrated 3D graphics
Flash Memory Card Reader (MMC, MS, MS-pro, SD, SM, XD)


I can get more detailed specs if they are needed, I am at work atm but can get them tomorrow.

So here are my questions....please excuse my noobness, I'm not as tech savvy as I would like :(

I already intend to increase the memory to the maximum 2gb, but should I be looking for a specific type to get the best gaming performance?

Processor - is it possible to replace the processor with a compatible dual core processor?

Grahpics - As far as I can tell at atm, it seems I may not be able to replace this which is a great shame. Can someone confirm this?

Storage - Would I be better off getting an external hard-drive other than replacing? Is this possible on a laptop?

Is there anything else I should be doing?

My budget for this is about £500 - I really want to spec it up as much as possible.

Thank you, Jax xx

Wisey!

I'm not an expert, but since no one else has replied...

On the vast majority of laptops it is impossible to change the graphics card. As for the CPU, it's hazy, I'm not sure about AMD proccesors but it is possible to change to a better CPU on SOME laptops, it's really what your motherboard supports.

RAM is piss esay to upgrade, just put more in and turn it on (make sure it's the same size and speed as the other RAM chip, just to make sure it works, non-matching chips don't work in certian types of RAM).

Hard drives are also simple to change, just swap them, but keep in mind you'll need an OS (Windows..) disc and driver disc to re-install your OS once you finished.

For both RAM and HDD you'll just have to un-screw and open the corrisponding flap on the bottom of your laptop. The manual will tell you which flap has what under it.

If you still REALLY want to upgrade that laptop then I suggest doing alot of research into weater or not you can change the proccesor of your laptop, and what to, and maybe consider buying something like this for an external GPU: http://www.magma.com/products/pciexp...ox1/index.html
Keep in mind that, that needs a ExpressCard/34 Slot and kinda kills portability...


My advice would be to put the £500 towards a better laptop, maybe even sell your old one (you could probably get £300 for it on ebay, don't quote me on that though).

For £730 1 month ago (now £699) I got a Dell XPS M1530 laptop with this spec:
CPU: 2.10GHz Core 2 Duo T8100
Memory: 3GB
Hard Drive: 320GB
Video: NIVIDIA GeForce 8600GT (256 Dedicated/1.5GB Total)
Sound: SigmaTel High Deinition Audio

It's pretty damn good IMO and has such stuff as a HDMI output for your HD-TV, remote control that plugs into Express slot, finger print recognition, a little button and set of lights on the battery that tells you how much charge is left and a host of other crap you don't need! Like the fact you can get it pink!... Seriously though, it looks hot in black, and not geeky, like some of the alienware and REALLY high spec Dell's.

But of course, you can always upgrade your desktop, that £500 will go a LONG way.

JaxV

Thank you for the reply :)

I think you might be right about upgrading my desktop instead - shes an old lady though - I first bought her in 1999 at 333mghz (dont remember the other original specs) and the only original part left is the motherboard lol - actually maybe I should just start again with some of the newer parts like the DVD drive and memory....and get a damn comfy chair :)

Wisey!

No problem =]

Haha, yeah, I STILL have a Gateway desktop from 1999 with 500Mhz P3. Completely stock apart from the addition of a 60GB Harddrive... Runs XP suppriseingly well though! Sounds a plan - if you have a decent monitor it'll cut the cost down alot.

Think I need a new chair too...