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Question

upgrading the processor on a Dell Inspiron 1720

by Oct 27, 2014 11:41PM PDT

Hi,

I would like to upgrade the processor on my Dell Inspiron 1720. Currently I have a Intel (R) Core (TM)2 Duo CPU T7100 @ 1.80 GHz. My Motherboard is part number WK802. I want to upgrade the processor to 2.5 GHz or higher if I can. I want to be able to upgrade to Windows 8.1 64 bit OS. I already upgraded the RAM to 4GB. The OS is Windows Vista 32 bit. I also want to be able to upgrade the RAM to 8GB once the OS is upgraded. Is it possible to do this with this machine?

Discussion is locked

4 Posts
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Answer
Re: upgrade
by Forum moderator Oct 28, 2014 12:06AM PDT
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Answer
people upgrade the processor
by Oct 28, 2014 1:02AM PDT

then discover they have an overheat problem. The safest upgrades are maxing the RAM, swapping in an SSD drive, or if exist adding a longer life battery. Reviews claim it doesn't support 64 bit system, so that means upgrade would have to be only 32 bit version of W8. I would wait for W10 to be issued sometime next year and just get a new one with that installed in it. I've been testing W10 evaluation copy and it's definitely better than Vista and W8 to me. It's comparable to W7, I think a bit more streamlined, unless they add more later to mess that up.

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Nod. If speed is the goal.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Oct 28, 2014 1:13AM PDT

Max RAM and SSD will get you farther down the road without so much risk as well as finding yourself without any support.
Bob

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Agreed
by joe1joey Apr 17, 2016 3:13PM PDT

SSD and RAM followed by a CPU if there are substantially faster ones with the same platform at a reasonably low price.
Memory , despite what assumptive web experts and the manual tell you is at 6GB; a 4GB and a 2 GB module. This I know through trying (2) x 4GB units (no go despite slot order)and trying (1) 2GB module and (1 ) 4GB module in any order. Bottom line:despite what the manual says, the Inspiron 1720 can handle 6 GB and responds to it as if you have a new computer. The value of having this much memory is best found in a 64 bit O.S. .
The difference between the speed of your computer with an SSD as opposed to a HDD is absolutely as revolutionary as the difference between 27kb dial up and Fios. If you do not make this upgrade, do not make any...it is the multiplier that makes the other updating more than simply incremental changes.
I realize that my suggestions are being given a good deal of time after this was originally posted, but there are still many folk still dedicated to the workhorse and eminently upgradable, yet usable 1720. I should know as mine is setting before me.
Outside of the upgrades mentioned, I've yet to act mysellf on the upgrade of the CPU because the original to my unit is a T9300 which has a running speed of 2.5 GHZ w/6MB cache. On the other hand, as it is the last area of improvement that I will make, I will likely find the best CPU for the upgrade and have it in soon after its arrival. Good luck you other 1720 fans.

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