Question Dell 1545 upgrades ?

[Thommashaa]

I recently found my old Dell 1545 laptop and it still works! However I need to upgrade in order to use it with Windows 11. Reading on the forum I need to upgrade the RAM to 8GB (2 x 4GB), the CPU to a T9900, and the 320GB HDD to a 1TB SSD. While not a novice I'm not a geek either. Do I update the BIOS first, then install the new CPU, then install new drivers, or install the CPU then update the BIOS?
I don't want to brick my laptop.

Also, with the new CPU can I go higher on the RAM (2 x 8GB) or does the mobo restrict me to 8GB?

Thanks for your help.

 

[BFG-9000]

While the T9900 is quite a bit faster than whatever original CPU your 1545 came with and is known to work in the 1545, it's no more compatible with Win 11.

You can install Win 11 unsupported, on either CPU, and security updates will end November 2025 with 23H2 going out of support as neither CPU will support 24H2 or newer versions of Windows 11. You really ought to be looking at trying some Linux distros if you want a still-supported OS after Windows 10 goes EOL in October, because Windows 11 only gives you one month more.

GL40 chipset officially supports 4GB but many laptops using it including the 1545 reportedly work fine with 8GB. With Core 2 the memory controller is in the chipset

 

[Aeacus]

Do I update the BIOS first, then install the new CPU, then install new drivers, or install the CPU then update the BIOS?

Usually, it is better to update BIOS before going with new CPU. Since when BIOS update includes support for new CPU and you put new CPU in 1st, then you won't be able to POST and update BIOS afterwards (lack of support).

However I need to upgrade in order to use it with Windows 11.

Doesn't happen.

Any CPU that you can put into Dell 1545 doesn't support Win11,
supported CPUs: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/w...ed/windows-11-22h2-supported-intel-processors

Also, DDR2 in your system isn't supported by Win11 either. And your MoBo lacks Secure Boot and TMP 2.0 as well. Both required for Win11.

If you crack the Win11 installation and spoof it, you may be able to install it. But you'll run into hardware incompatibility issues at some point.

Better to install any GNU/Linux distro to it to keep the laptop going. E.g Lubuntu is nice lightweight distro for weaker PCs (i have it on my Asus Eee PC 701).
Or buy a new, modern, compatible laptop.