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January, 2025

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Upgrading my IBM Thinkpad T520

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j.benziger
Posts: 689 - Karma: 8,026
I know very little about upgrading a computer to better enhance the editing workflow and overall performance of the computer. So I thought I would reach out to NS to see what you guys could give me in terms of feedback on upgrading small things on my computer.
My Computer Specs
Intel (R) Core (TM) i5-2520M CPU @ 2.50 GHz
2x4GB of Ram
64 bit Windows 7
500 GB Hard Drive
Editing system: Premiere Pro CC

Like I said I would love any feedback whatsoever to make my computer better, without buying a whole new computer.
Oct 7 2013 9:27PM
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mt.hemel
Posts: 115 - Karma: 1,150
You could upgrade to an i7 cpu. Maybe a 4770k so you could overclock it.
Oct 8 2013 2:12PM
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123+ski
Posts: 2832 - Karma: 581
You can add an ssd, maybe more ram, but short of buying a new one, that is about it. You can't upgrade to a 4770k for multiple reasons. First, it is a desktop processor (with a new socket type), and while they can be switched, you have a laptop, and as far as I know, there is no option to upgrade the processor after you have purchased it. Desktop processors also need a cooler on them, a big one or liquid cooling for over clocking, and they draw more power.
Oct 8 2013 3:32PM
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eheath
Posts: 61780 - Karma: 124,904
Pump that RAM up to 16gb and maybe install an SSD as a boot drive. Thats about all you can do.
Oct 8 2013 7:17PM
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j.benziger
Posts: 689 - Karma: 8,026
Is installing a new SSD a very hard thing to do? Because if I have to ask this question I probably shouldn't be doing my self am I right?
Oct 13 2013 11:03PM
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123+ski
Posts: 2832 - Karma: 581
I've never done an SSD sawp (hopefully will soon on my mbp), but I have replaced a hard drive/pulled and swapped them a few times. The only thing that makes it harder than doing the ram is a few more screws. Now, most also come with great software to transfer your data
Oct 13 2013 11:39PM
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Mitchell.
Posts: 1650 - Karma: 630
its very simple. Everything is in this video, except for the fact that you have to copy your old data back to the new drive.




Oct 13 2013 11:44PM
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j.benziger
Posts: 689 - Karma: 8,026
This is great thank you soo much, but I have one more question if you get a 128 gb SSD like in the video where will all your normal applications go now that you have taken out your 500gb Hardrive?
Oct 14 2013 10:19AM
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Mitchell.
Posts: 1650 - Karma: 630
Well I run Mac, but I keep my OS (say 10gbs) and my applications on the SSD). I like to keep about 20gb free. Everything else can stay on your old hard drive and you can purchase an external kit, that you keep your old hard drive in and it becomes a USB external haha, those are about 20. Also you do have the option to remove your optical disk drive in your thinkpad and add an ssd there for dual hard drives
Oct 14 2013 11:05AM
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