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    Bought M17x R2 - Need Checklist for when it arrives - To do List

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by Angelwing, Jan 13, 2011.

  1. Angelwing

    Angelwing Notebook Geek

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    Hey everyone,

    I know theres threads all over on getting rid of noises etc. but some of those are from months and months ago, perhaps my release will not need that? Perhaps it will.

    What I want is just a simple list of what I will need to do to get this in game shape.

    I'm not asking for an extensive play by play if all the solutions are listed on this forum just what needs to be done so I can search for those threads.

    Example.

    1. Use x program to get rid of Dells bloatware
    2. Install this program GPUeditX to oclock your gpu to X amount which is safe.

    etc. etc.

    I got the 1200p screen, 5870's CF'd. Rest bare bones and will upgrade later (that is easy right? changing my cpu from i5 to sandy when time comes etc ( or to i7 non sandy if they arent compatible)

    I got offtrack there. Basically the 1-5 checklist of things to do before complaining about lack of performance in games.

    Thanks!
     
    Angelwing, Jan 13, 2011
    #1
  2. unreal25

    unreal25 Capt. Obvious

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    1. Start computer.
    2. Install WoW.
    3. Pwn noobs.

    That's it. :)

    J/k... I'd just update the drivers, especially graphics and VBIOS (in case it's on the newest). That will get rid of the flickering in games and improve performance. Other than that, I don't remember that it came with any bloatware other than crappy Antivirus that I removed.
     
    unreal25, Jan 13, 2011
    #2
  3. VoiceInTheWilderness

    VoiceInTheWilderness Notebook Consultant

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    Get a screen protector microfiber cloth, like maybe a Radtech. Use it whenever closing-up for the night (or day! or ever!)
     
    VoiceInTheWilderness, Jan 13, 2011
    #3
  4. LAITHKHRESHEH

    LAITHKHRESHEH Notebook Enthusiast

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    Just for clarification....
    You can't upgrade your i5 cpu to i7 or sandy bridge because all of them work on different sockets...
     
    LAITHKHRESHEH, Jan 13, 2011
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  5. Angelwing

    Angelwing Notebook Geek

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    Should I change the processor then? or I5 enough for gaming, i'm not doing xtreme adobe or graphic editing.
     
    Angelwing, Jan 13, 2011
    #5
  6. LAITHKHRESHEH

    LAITHKHRESHEH Notebook Enthusiast

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    i5 540m is a dual core cpu with high clock rate ( i think it's up to 3.3 Ghz with turbo mode) and low cache memory amount but it's powerfull cpu and can smoothly handle nowadays games which use only 2 cores , however in the future games will take advantage of quad core cpu's (like GTA 4 in the present)
    so if you care about the future and wanna keep your laptop up to 3+ years , you better take the quad core cpu (like i7) with high clock rate
    if you don't ,then i5 540m will do the job .
    Games depend on GPU more than CPU.....
    My advice is to take i7 740QM or 840QM and then if you wanna upgrade your cpu you'll be able to choose i7 940XM which it's extreme cpu and all of them work on the same socket PGA988
     
    LAITHKHRESHEH, Jan 13, 2011
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  7. unreal25

    unreal25 Capt. Obvious

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    I'd stay with i5. GTA4 is a bad port and not really optimized for PC anyway.
     
    unreal25, Jan 13, 2011
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  8. faiz23

    faiz23 Macbook FTW

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    I would choose what ever you can afford but don't worry most i5 and i7 chips that are Arrandale or Clarksfield like i5 520, i7 640, 740, 840 or 920xm will work. Replacing the processor is not really hard if you take your time and read the guides. Just use what you have for now and order the upgraded processor when you feel the need. You will notice a big impact with SSD as a boot disk. I have included a post with lots of good links to read up on. Keep in mind your extended warranty will not cover the cpu you upgrade to but does not void your warranty on the rest of the unit if you upgrade either. You can safely upgrade the cpu and other parts just make sure to keep stock parts if you need to send the laptop in for a system exchange or depot repair.

    http://forum.notebookreview.com/7007690-post2.html
     
    faiz23, Jan 13, 2011
    #8