Your issue is not uncommon for laptops. Since they usually rest on a flat surface, this causes the overheating. I suggest investing in a fan cooled laptop tray, and use that when you can. Your laptop will run much cooler and you will experience less crashing.
Dell does not use crap for parts. Is Micron a crappy product? I don't think so. I just ordered and installed 2 GB DDR2 memory sticks, and they were Micron. My machine runs perfectly.
I just had a great discussion on technology deals. Have you considered Fry's. I think they have the best deals around if price is your main consideration. :cool:
Holy moly they're not cheap are they. I got a good deal on my 22" Dell, when I got my new com from Dell. I upgraded to 22" from the included 19" for my Inspirion 531. good luck buying a 22" for under $300. It cam be done f you look hard enough. ;)
Yeah, it does in fact sound like your battery. They will only last 3 years or so. Go to your manufacturer specs/manual. It's an easy fix once you take the panel off of your box. Google around a bit for some "how to's" You can do it man!
I think I can help. I just installed a graphics card on my machine. As it turns out we share the exact same PC with one exception. My cpu is the 64 X2 4000, and not a 64 X2 5000 as yours system is. My graphics card also required an external power supply to be connected. My mobo is also...