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DELL INSPIRON 1520 FANS CLUB V2

alexnvidia — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 07:09:18 +0800

Hi all, im starting V2 thread because V1 has exceeded 2500 posts. This thread is in full swing status and i'll try to update the driver list from time to time. once again to all 1520 fans, thanks for supporting this thread!

Disassembly guide
============

Introduction

There are several reasons why one would want to disassemble their 1520, and the two most important ones that i could think of are
1. To clean the internal fan and heatsink that get clogged up with time and can cause severe overheating issues during gaming or high cpu load.
2. To replace the factory thermal compound (CPU, GPU) with a high performance ones, ie. like the one i use in the picture (Artic Cooling MX2 or Artic Silver 5)
3. Replace some parts (ie HDD, RAM, CPU, WiFi Card, Turbo Memory, etc) with something more powerful and updated.

Before proceeding with disassembling your 1520, i must first remind you that no one here except yourself is responsible for any damages or data loss during the process, so please, perform this at your own risk.

Tools you may require
1. 1 Philips head (medium size) screw driver
2. Discharge yourself by touching any metal contact so you won’t statically damage the electronics
3. Optional: some small boxes for you to put the myriads (yes, it’s a lot!) of screws that are about to be removed.
4. A working space big enough to put all the disassembled components
5. A flat plastic tool / small flat head screw driver
6. Thermal paste/ thermal compound
7. Anti static brush

Ok, let’s get started. First picture is pretty straight forward.
[attachmentid=682326]
You get a flat plastic tool or flat head screw driver, pop it into the small dent on the right side of the LCD hinge and the right side of the cover should pop right up. Be careful not to use too much force and do it slowly, else you might damage the wires lying underneath.

[attachmentid=682330]
Once the right side cover is popped up, simply use your hand and pull the rest of the cover open. Again, be gently, don’t use excessive force and do it slowly. The rest of the locks are plastic locks, so if you bend it too much, it will break.

[attachmentid=682333]
Highlighted with red circles are the screws/connectors you need to remove.

[attachmentid=682334]
Picture 4 shows the connector of the Bluetooth module, which can be a tad difficult to remove because of the constraint in space, and also the LCD connector, which can be removed by pulling it straight up.

[attachmentid=682339]
Now, slowly, remove the ribbon LCD cable from the plastic holders and work all the way from right to left. Notice there is a secondary connector (for webcam, mic) somewhere in the middle of the laptop. Remove that as well.

[attachmentid=682341]
Now back to the screws. Please note that there are different screw sizes, so please don’t mix them up. Organise them in a correct way so you can easily find the right screws later.

[attachmentid=682342]
When you are done with the above steps, it’s time to move to the bottom side. Secure the wires and cables and close the LCD. Turn your laptop. We are now at picture 7, which is the cover at the upper left. Removing the cover is pretty straight forward. Underneath the cover will reveal the WiFi card and if you have one installed, the intel Turbo Memory (as shown in picture). Remove the antenna cables by pulling it upwards while holding the cable close to the connector. Remember the correct colour and pattern for WiFi. Don’t mix them up with the WWAN/Cellular cables as shown in the red highlighted circle.

[attachmentid=682349]
Now move to the back (as shown in picture) to remove the screws for LCD hinge. There are 4 screws in total. Two on the left (one back, one bottom close to the hinge), and two on the right.

[attachmentid=682347]
[attachmentid=682343]
After removing the LCD, turn your laptop to the front, and slowly and carefully, remove the LCD. Do NOT pull it up with force, make sure all cables are detached before doing so.

[attachmentid=682344]
Once the LCD is removed, you can remove the keyboard. Unscrew 2 screws at the top to the keyboard. The keyboard may sit firmly behind the plastic holders at the sides. AGAIN, DO NOT use excessive force to remove the keyboard. Do it slowly because there is a ribbon connector just below the keyboard.

[attachmentid=682350]
When you are done removing the keyboard, look to the middle (a bit to the right) and you will see a connector underneath called MB something (refer pic). Remove that in advance.

Ok, it’s time to turn to the back again. Now, remove ALL screws you can possible detect/find. Double check again and again until you are sure all screws are removed. To remove the DVD drive, just use the flat head small screw driver and push it out. It should slide out from the left.

[attachmentid=682348]
The hard drive (handle with care) should slide out from the right. When you are done, turn the laptop to the front. The plastic arm rest cover should be loose enough to dismantle now. Careful not to use excessive force. If something is stuck hard, double check behind if the screw has been removed.

[attachmentid=682419]
Phew! We are half way through. Now all the electronics should be revealed as shown in the picture. Proceed to unscrew the CPU and GPU screws.

[attachmentid=682420]
[attachmentid=682422]
[attachmentid=682423]
Those screws are not removable, so don’t bother. Just loosen them up enough. There are 7 screws in total. After that, you should be able to remove the heat sink with ease. The GPU sink is removed together with the entire GPU module, so please so it carefully. With the heat sinks removed, you should be able to see just how much dust is accumulated. Brush them off accordingly, vacuum them clean if you have to. Don’t use water!

[attachmentid=682427]
[attachmentid=682426]
If you feel like it, you can also remove the fan and clean it as well. Notice that the fan is not removable unless you unscrew the entire motherboard.

[attachmentid=682424]
Clean other dust around the motherboard if you want to with a brush.

Optional (Perform this ONLY if you have thermal compound/paste ready with you, otherwise skip this step or you will damage your CPU and GPU)

[attachmentid=682425]
[attachmentid=682428]
Now with a clean tissue, wipe off the factory (dried and hard) thermal compound from both the heatsink and cpu. Be gentle with the CPU. When they are clean, apply just a dot of thermal paste onto both cpu and heatsink, and wipe them off again. This should clean the surface and remove old impurities. Leave the chipset. when the surface is clean, apply a smooth THIN layer of thermal paste on the CPU's surface as shown in the picture above.

[attachmentid=682430]
As for the GPU, you need a star head screw driver. If you do not have one, u can skip this entirely. The internal of the GPU should look the picture above. The procedures to change and reapply thermal paste are the same.

Finally, attach and screw everything back accordingly and properly. If you need to change any parts, you can do it now. The entire process should take about 2-3 hours depending on how familiar you are with the laptop, so do it with patience. The end result can be rewarding.

OC Test results by Demonic Wrath
======================
Specification: Intel C2D T7250 2.00GHz, 2GB DDR2-800, 256MB NVIDIA 8600M GT, 250GB Hitachi SATA 5400RPM, Windows Vista SP1, Forceware 180.84.
Note: OC'ed NVIDIA 8600M GT is clocked at 650/1300/550.

3DMark 2006 (1280x800; Default Settings; PhysX in Control Panel OFF):
Default: 3649 3DMarks
OC'ed: 5019 3DMarks
*Note: PhysX is turned oFF because it will cause the GPU to throttle to 2D Clocks if enabled. Not sure why this happens though.
*Note: If I have time, I'll tryout Vantage.

Dead Space (1280x800; Max Settings; Vsync OFF) Measured using FRAPS.
Default: Min 23FPS; Avg: 31FPS; Max: 40FPS
OC'ed: Min: 32FPS; Avg: 44FPS; Max: 50FPS
Maximum measured temperature: 78°C for CPU, 72°C for GPU
*Note: Vsync causes the game to capped to 30FPS. I don't think Vsync is required since it already runs below 60FPS.

Counter-Strike: Source Video Stress Test (1280x800, Max Settings, 4xAA, 16xAF)
OC'ed: 133.84 FPS
Default: 96.65 FPS
*Note: Video Stress Test is not a good measurement if compared to practical gameplay session.

Counter-Strike: Source 16 Bots (Same settings as above)
Default: Min 35FPS; Avg 57FPS; Max 68FPS
OC'ed: Min 44FPS; Avg 65FPS; Max 84FPS
Recommended Settings: 1280x800, Max Settings, 2xAA (4xAA if overclock), 16xAF
*Note: Minimum FPS happens when there are heavy actions. If you're playing in a server less than 16 players, then you can go for 4xAA without OC.

Need for Speed™ Undercover (1280x800, Everything High, No AA, No AF, Reflection On)
Default: Min 22FPS; Avg: 27FPS; Max: 34FPS
OC'ed: Min 25FPS; Avg: 30FPS; Max: 42FPS
Recommended Settings: 1280x800, Everything on High, Shadows OFF, No AA and AF, Reflection OFF)
*Note: Maximum measured temperature: 61°C for GPU

Crysis® (1280x800, Custom Config, Shadows OFF, Godray ON, No AA, No AF, Volumetric Effects OFF, Motion Blur OFF, HDR ON, Default view distance, DX9-codepath, SSAO OFF, LowSpec Texture (Not enough VRAM))
Default: Min 24FPS; Avg 32FPS
OC'ed: Min 27FPS; Avg 36FPS
*Note: It's very playable with the custom config. And definitely I think the GodRay is a better choice than enabling shadows.
*Note: Maximum observed temperature is 77°C.

Unreal Tournament III Deathmatch 7 Bots (1280x800, Sliders on 5, Hardware Physics OFF, FOV 100)
Default: Min 26FPS; Avg 36FPS
OC'ed: Min 34FPS; Avg 45FPS
Recommended Settings: 1280x800, Sliders on 4, Hardware Physics OFF, FOV 100 (Widescreen)
*Note: Since this game uses Unreal Engine 3, the setting and performance guideline can be used for Gears of War too. Remember to turn off PhysX for this game too. It will likely to take up the resources of the graphic card if enabled.

Command & Conquers 3: Kane's Wrath (1280x800, Settings on High, Shaders Ultra High, Shadows Ultra High, No AA, No AF)
Default: Min 24FPS; Avg 27FPS; Max 30FPS
OC'ed: Min 29FPS; Avg 30FPS; Max 30FPS
*Note: This game has a frame limit of 30FPS. Therefore, the max FPS is 30FPS only.

Fallout 3 (1280x800, Custom Config, Lowest view distance, Shadows ON, HDR On, 2xAA)
Default: Min 31FPS; Avg 39FPS
OC'ed: Not tested
*Note: I don't have the game with me now. So, I forgot the custom config settings.

Latest Nvidia Driver for all Windows
============================
nvidia's 186.81 driver

here's the link for win7
http://us.download.nvidia.com/Windows/186....tional_whql.exe

and for vista users
http://us.download.nvidia.com/Windows/186....tional_whql.exe

and lastly, for xp users
http://us.download.nvidia.com/Windows/186....tional_whql.exe

DELL INSPIRON 1520 FANS CLUB V1

alexnvidia — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 07:28:19 +0800

Hi to all, im starting this topic as im seeing increasing number of Inspiron 1520 users here. This thread is dedicated to dell's latest inspiron 1520. feel free to discuss anything here.

Announcement:
Sadly, the all rounder Inspiron 1520 has been discontinued permanently in Malaysia on the 22nd July 2008 marking it's one year presence and end of product life cycle. We had seen this coming since the debut of XPS M1530, Inspiron 1525, and the sudden disappearance from UK and USA Dell sites several months ago, and now the inevitable has reached our shores. Although 1520 is short lived and didn't earn the respect it should have in the first place, the 1520 will always be remembered as the laptop that achieves more than its designers could ever imagine by proud owners who truly appreciates the power and beauty of this machine. Here's a last tribute to the laptop that brought gaming to the budget conscious consumers, entertainment and high performance productivity for the masses and finally the driving force behind this very thread where all proud owners could find refuge in. Huzzah Inspiron 1520!

*UPDATE*: Now with 3DMark06 Score List!

Pride of 1520 owners! 3DMark06 score board. (ranking based on numerical results) [Updated : 20 AUG 2008]

Non OC pack (name - score - driver)
<=============================>
1. elwwmatrix - 3662 - Driver 175.70
2. hihihehe - 3660 - Driver 175.97
3. alifbata_abc - 3564 - Driver 175.70

OC pack (name - score - driver - OC[core/memory])
<==================================>
1.Demonic Wrath - 5009 - Driver 177.79 - 680/570
2. alexnvidia - 4901 - Driver 177.73 - 650/550
3. hihihehe - 4464 - Driver 174.31 - 600/500

screen capture of the highest scoring member (from each pack) will be attached on the first page. may the force be with u.
================================================================

*i have started a new section here, post your results and you'll be added on the score list.*

to standardize the test, please follow the basic settings requirement.

1. resolution has to be set to 1280x800
2. all other settings default (u can click on default button to reset to factory default settings in 3DMark06)
3. result screen capture, preferably, should look like the one posted by elwwmatrix and myself**.
4. optional: state the forceware driver version if you want.
5. OC is allowed as long as the OC speed is mentioned.
6. More info on 3DMark06 can be obtained from www.futuremark.com

**refer to attachment below for sample screen capture

================================================================

Colours colours colours...one of the selling points of 1520 (Updated 23 AUG 2008)

Member - Colour
===========
1. hao - Alphine White
2. Kezman - Midnight Blue
3. coolermistress - Jet Black
4. tankahhoe - Jet Black
5. tslim2531 - Alpine White
6. Raymann Lucas- Ruby Red
7. vin89 - Ruby Red
8. ember™ - Jet Black
9. orenji_renji - Jet Black
10. Lance8431 - Midnight Blue
11. dzi921 - Ruby Red
12. terngno_mania - Espresso Brown
13. alifbata_abc - Jet Black
14. sooi - Midnight Blue
15. Johan - Expresso Brown
16. Darkmage12 - Flamingo Pink
17. alexnvidia - Midnight Blue
18. lck - Midnight Blue
19. StratOS - Jet Black
20. azfareen garcia - Midnight Blue
21. HouHouSek - Jet Black
22. danieltan - Jet Black
23. junster - Jet Black
24. IcEMoCHa - Jet Black
25. owikh84 - Spring Green
26. GaaraOfTheDesert - Spring Green
27. djfoo000 - Alpine White
28. ccl9n - Espresso Brown
29. SiAo.NeRd - Alpine White
30. priest - Jet Black
31. KeV - Midnight Blue
32. hihihehe - Midnight Blue
33. maxi_mus29 - Espresso Brown
34. elwwmatrix - Midnight Blue
35. weiwen - Alpine White
36. alex1987 - Midnight Blue
37. gliew_87 - Alpine White
38. wilsonjay - Midnight Blue
39. Demonic Wrath - Jet Black
40. hoahmaru56 - Alpine White

*New* Section (backed by popular requests) for 1720 & 1525 members to join (beta) [Updated 1 AUG 2008]

1720 Member - Colour
==============
1. Andy0625 - Flamingo Pink

1525 Member - Colour
==============
1. seedohbehlei - Alpine White
2. s373n - Chill

PM me and i will add your name into the proud owner list.

================================================================

Official INSPIRON 1520 wallpapers (multicolour)

For those who wants to change their desktop background wallpaper to other inspiron colour theme, you can refer to this link

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/glo...en&toggle=false

================================================================

Windows XP on Dell Inspiron 1520 *UPDATED 14th July 2008*

Before you install XP, you must first configure a setting in BIOS else XP CD will not detect your hardisk

In BIOS:
Onboard Devices -> Flash Cache Module -> Set Off
Onboard Devices -> SATA Operation -> Set ATA

Ok, you can now proceed with installing XP

Dell Inspiron 1520 XP Drivers (Complete) -- LOOKOUT FOR A09 BIOS! Intel 45nm Penryn CPU supported and Blu-Ray!

*Best to install in sequence

For more updates, check out Dell Inspiron 1520 Drivers & Downloads official page
http://supportapj.dell.com/support/downloa...=WLH&hidlang=en

R153997 Intel 965 Mobile Chipset v.8.2.0.1014 (9/28/2007)
-The Intel® Chipset Software Installation Utility installs Windows* INF files to the target system. These files outline to the operating system how to configure the Intel® chipset components in order to ensure that the following features function properly: - Core PCI and ISAPNP Services - PCIe Support - IDE/ATA33/ATA66/ATA100 Storage Support - SATA Storage Support - USB Support - Identification of Intel® Chipset Components in the Device Manager
Download: Download now!
*Must install this first

R141246 R5C833 (06-26-2007)
-Ricoh Memory Card Drivers for Vista 32-Bit and XP/2K
Download: Download now!

R173730 GeForce 8400M/8600M *Updated* (12/14/2007)
-nVidia 101.38 WHQL Windows XP-32bits Driver for G86/G84 updated to v.156.83_xp WHQL, A06
Download: Download now!

R171789 STAC 92XX C-Major HD Audio *Updated* (12/20/2007)
-Sigmatel STAC92XX C-Major HD Audio Driver updated to v.5.10.0.5515_RC22-WHQL, A11
Download: Download now!

R149798 440x 10-100 Integrated Controller (06-26-2007)
-Broadcom 4401/B0 Ethernet Drivers
Download: Download now!

R147115 D330,HDA,MDC,v.92,modem (09-20-2007)
-Conexant D330 HDA MDC WinXP/Win2K Modem Driver V.7.59.00.50
Download: Download now!

Official Intel® PRO-Wireless 3945ABG / 4965AGN Network Connection *Updated*(11/19/2007)
-Official Intel Wireless XP driver v.11.5.0.0.
Download: Download now!

R161378 Wireless 355 Bluetooth Module (Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR) (08-08-2007)
-Dell Wireless Bluetooth 355 driver release for Windows XP32 bit OS
Download: Download now!

R173082 Laptop Integrated Webcam *Updated*(1/29/2008)
-v.Refresh 3 - 1.0 Release, A05.
Download: Download now!
*If this doesn't work, you might want to try the driver from Windows Update

R175658 Touchpad-Pointing Stick *Updated* (2/1/2008)
-Combined 32-Bit Touchpad Driver for XP/2K and Vista
Download: Download now!

A09 Inspiron 1520 System BIOS *Updated*(7/14/2008) Supports Penryn 45nm NOW!

Dell Inspiron 1520 FlashBIOS
Fixes/Enhancements
------------------
1. Update GM965 Graphics VBIOS from 1466 to 1588.
2. Update Intel CPU family name
Download: Download now!
[right][snapback]13355750[/snapback][/right]

Please PM me if you want your name to be added to the *owner list* or any updates to the winxp driver list.

Vista 32-bit Drivers (updated 7/1/2008)
===================
nVidia GeForce 8400M, GeForce 8400M GS, GeForce 8600M, Driver, Windows Vista 32-bit, Multi Language, Multi System, v.175.97 V32, A08
Nvidia Graphics Card Drivers for Vista 32bit
Download: Download now!

Non Dell specific Drivers (Updated 8/16/2008)
==================================

177.83 vista 32 driver here
Download now!

modded inf vista 32 here
Download now!

177.83 xp 32 driver here
Download now!

modded inf xp 32 here
Download now!

physX v8.08.01 engine driver here
Download now!