CPU, Graphics card, and RAM upgrades in Inspiron 15 i15RV-954BLK Laptop

mewhois

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Apr 3, 2014
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I have an Inspiron 15 i15RV-954BLK laptop with an i5 processor, 4GB of RAM, and an HD 4000 graphics card. I can play games like Minecraft and operate recording software with relative ease. However, with games like Skyrim, Batman: Arkham City, and Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition. I can not operate both without extreme lag and framerate drop. In addition, Mortal Kombat, even when set on low quality, is laggy and slow, even when operating alone. I have looked into various remedies to this problem but still am not sure what to do. Will a simple RAM upgrade solve this? Is it even possible to upgrade my laptop? Help!
 
Solution
The GPU in most cases is not replaceable unless you de-solder toe current one out of the socket and solder in a new one which requires vast knowledge in computers and is never recommended unless you know what you're doing. You can however, replace the RAM and CPU. The RAM is easily replaceable...but offers only some improvement. If you can go from one speed to the next speed and go from 4GB to 8GB you'll notice quite a big difference, but only if both are met. 8GB will offer a more multitasking friendly environment and allow Minecraft and some other games to run a little bit better, but that's about it. As for the CPU it requires some know-how in terms of getting around your PC and taking it apart...you'll have to remove the motherboard...
Your laptop doesn't have a discrete GPU (it's built into the CPU) so there's probably no way to upgrade it (I doubt the manufacturer left empty space inside the laptop). And yes, I'm sure it's the GPU that is to blame. If you wan't to upgrade, you'll have to get a new PC.
 

bkoop

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Apr 1, 2012
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You say your laptop has HD 4000, but I checked here, Intel

http://ark.intel.com/products/75191/Intel-Pentium-Processor-2127U-2M-Cache-1_90-GHz

and here

http://www.amazon.com/Dell-Inspiron-15-6-Inch-Laptop-i15RV-954BLK/dp/B00HRLSSKO

That processor does not have HD 4000 graphics.

It does have HD graphics, but that is a few steps down from HD 4000 graphics.

You say you have an i5 processor, but Newegg lists that exact model with an Intel Pentium 2127U (1.90GHz) and not an i5 processor.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834300379
 

attk mast3r

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Oct 6, 2012
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10,710
The GPU in most cases is not replaceable unless you de-solder toe current one out of the socket and solder in a new one which requires vast knowledge in computers and is never recommended unless you know what you're doing. You can however, replace the RAM and CPU. The RAM is easily replaceable...but offers only some improvement. If you can go from one speed to the next speed and go from 4GB to 8GB you'll notice quite a big difference, but only if both are met. 8GB will offer a more multitasking friendly environment and allow Minecraft and some other games to run a little bit better, but that's about it. As for the CPU it requires some know-how in terms of getting around your PC and taking it apart...you'll have to remove the motherboard (where everything is connected) in order to be able to remove the heat-sink and remove as well as replace the CPU from the socket. If you could somehow manage to get the motherboard out without damaging it (and providing it is out of warranty as this WILL void your warranty) then I would say go for it...but you're better off not doing that as you won't get that much performance improvement. I replaced my computer's i3 with an i5 and got maybe 25% speed max and that is about it. If you wanted to replace the CPU you'd have to make sure it is compatible as well as making sure the cooling system can adequately cool the CPU.

In all honestly...you're probably better just getting a new laptop if you want better performance unless you're really wanting to replace the CPU and are willing to risk breaking something...you could get much better performance upgrading to an i5 as you'd have boost clock speeds and more Cache, but battery life would suffer and since the Pentium processor is ULV (ultra low voltage, runs slower for battery life and to run cooler) you may experience some cooling issues if you don't use the right thermal compound and or it wasn't applied correctly.
 
Solution