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    Upgrading M14x

    Discussion in 'Alienware 14 and M14x' started by FNG47, Sep 30, 2011.

  1. FNG47

    FNG47 Newbie

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    Hello. I am new here and I have a couple questions about upgradeability. I am interested in purchasing an M14x and was thinking of purchasing the bare bones setup. From there upgrade the RAM, processor, and possibly the GPU. I would like to know if the three are as easily upgradeable as plug-n-play.

    I also wanted to ask owners what is the average run time that they get on a full 8-cell charge. Also if there are higher capacity batteries out there, or if everyone is just making their own.

    Thank you
     
    FNG47, Sep 30, 2011
    #1
  2. justinmpierson

    justinmpierson Notebook Enthusiast

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    Ram is an easy upgrade...

    Dell 4-8 1333 = $120 retail $50-70
    Dell 4-8 1600 = $200 retail $75-100

    Here is the disassemblyguide: http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...-m14x-disassembly-teardown-upgrade-guide.html

    The CPU can be upgraded, but it looks like the GPU cannot, however its a pretty major overhaul.

    The i7 2760QM is a $225-250 upgrade from the i5 on dell but retail its around $400...

    I get 3-4 hours battery just browsing and toying around. I can get around 2 hours video/dvd/light gaming. I don't think there is any upgrades for the battery since its internal.
     
    justinmpierson, Sep 30, 2011
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  3. Gearsguy

    Gearsguy Notebook Deity

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    Itll be cheaper to upgrade your CPU through dell than retail imo. Ram and HDD are easy like justin said, and is definitely recommended as Dells upgrades for those are pretty overpriced. GPU is upgradable techinicly, but like no way worth the effort (it requires replacing the entire motherboard). I setup my 'Balanced' preset to underclock the CPU to 1.5ghz and can get about 5 hours with FX off, screen dimmed to one notch above lowest, and wifi on
     
    Gearsguy, Sep 30, 2011
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  4. ZACK02

    ZACK02 Notebook Consultant

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    Well, I don't know if this happens cuz is new my lappy but I can get 5+ hours of browisng, facebook and twitter, FX off and brightness on min...
     
    ZACK02, Sep 30, 2011
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