How far Can I Upgrade the Dell Latitude D800 Processor? Also, Questions about Upgrading the Hard Drive

CPU max is a Pentium M 2.1 GHz (the Pentium  M765).  The newer Pentium M using a 533 MHz bus won't work - the system is 400 MHz bus only. 

The system will take up to 2G of PC2700 DRAM.  You'll find it expensive per gig if you buy it new -- it's been obsolete for quite some time now.

The hard drive is EIDE, and not many of these have been made in recent years.  WD is the only manufacturer still making EIDE drives -- everyone else has ceased making them.  As with the RAM, they'll be expensive new.  There aren't many EIDE SSDs - and even if you install one, the relatively low data transfer rate of an EIDE interface will limit its performance.

While this system might be capable of running Windows 7, it won't be particularly speedy - and with XP going end of life in about six weeks (4/9/2014), there'll be no further security updates for XP, making it a sitting duck on the Internet.

All in all, it's time for a new system.

Thanks for the quick reply and information. I do have another question though. you said that there's a possibility of this system running Windows 7. When you say that does that mean that there's a 50/50 chance that it will work? And can Windows Vista be run on this laptop?

In 2G of RAM, maybe - minus of course the Aero interface.  Unfortunately, the cost of the upgrade plus the RAM will be more than the entire system is worth - it's time to upgrade to a newer system.

I have Windows 7 Premium Home Edition on my wife's Latitude D600. It's a great computer but is no speed demon. If you're thinking about Vista....just upgrade to Windows 7. It's a much better OS and faster to boot.

This is an ancient piece of hardware:

• The processor even if upgraded will be incredibly slow, its likely a waste of money.
• The hard drive is IDE which are no longer in manufacturer. IDE drives are hence all second hand or new ones are more expensive. Its not economic looking for an expensive IDE drive upgrade.
• Windows 7 might run on it but its not worth the price of a Windows 7 license giving the hardware has a high chance to fail at any time.

You are best to look at newer D or E Latitude systems which have a similar build quality. If looking at a second hand system the Dx20 or Dx30 are good candidates (as many businesses are selling these in bulk sometimes already with Windows 7). Any Latitude E series should be substantially better.

I currently have a D800 myself and I'm running Windows 7 Pro with 1GB or RAM and while its not the fastest, it runs good.  Yes, you could spend a good amount of $$ on new parts just to upgrade but if you have a descent sized hard drive and at least 1GB of RAM you should be fine!  I even upgraded it with wifi and bluetooth which was an option for this laptop.  When I got the laptop it didn't include either one of them and I had to use a USB wifi adapter to go online which was fine but it removes the use of one USB.  So I ordered them used from eBay and paid about $15 with shipping.  I installed them, cleaned it out while I was at it and it runs just fine!  Good luck!  :emotion-21:

hi there 

I also have a dell d800 which I want to purchase a new processor for it and seen your post for the Pentium M 2.1 GHz which I have found somewhere to buy one. 

my question is if I buy one is it a simple case of installing the item or do I have to change anything in BIOS or install drivers for it? or does the computer pick this up itself?

You won't need to install any drivers and the bios should recognize any compatible CPU automatically. Some might suggest you flash your bios with the latest bios update. Also make sure you get some thermal paste to apply to the CPU. Also, clean off the old thermal paste using alcohol pads from the replacement CPU and the Heat sink.

Roderick Horton

I forgot all the components you need to upgrade/repair your laptop can be found on eBay.