Dumb Question, Which M17x Do I Have?

Hey, I've had several Alienware in the past, and just purchased an M17X from a friend. It looks like it will need a new MB. How can I tell if it's R1 or R2? It's a dual core, ship date 8/2009 if that helps.
Thanks

 

Then its an R1.

Core 2 Duo and either NV 260/280 or AMD 4870 = M17xR1

I-series and AMD 4870/5870 = M17xR2

 

Thank you very much for the fast response. The service tag info says it has the p8700 processor, so definitely R1? I'm about to pull the trigger on a MB on ebay.

 

Yes.
10char

 

Also be sure to check the links in the general info sticky - tear down video, documentation, driver links, etc.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...-information-read-before-posting-updated.html

 

Thank you, all I needed to know.

 

Thanks, I will definitely be checking out the stickies.
As it turns out, this may not be as simple as I thought, figuring out which MB.
The service tag references an F415N number.
There are a couple of sellers selling specifically F415N MBs.
There is another seller referencing M17X R1 MBs. (new)
The problem is they do not look the same, and there is a huge difference in price.

 

its definitely the R1.

 

Dell Alienware M17x Laptop Motherboard (System Mainboard) - F415N

there is also the audio board -

NEW Alienware M17X Mulitmedia USB Audio Board F421N - eBay (item 320654560992 end time Mar-10-11 09:27:32 PST)

As an alternative to guessing and looking via google, you might try calling support or warranty parts direct and ask them about the specific part#s and a price quote.

 

Thanks for the info.
It sucks because the one listed as an m17X R1 is an unbelievable price, a couple hundred dollars cheaper. However, it looks nothing like the one with the P/N that is on my configuration.
I cant imagine they used multiple boards that have specific fitment to the chassis, but maybe they do. Or the guy claiming to be selling the R1 MB is incorrect.
I was on the phone with customer support today for quite some time, and made no headway. I guess I can try calling them again, but if it's not in the script on their flash cards, they are somehow lacking specifics.

 

When did alienware release the r1? And r2?

 

Definitely not R2.
There is no dumb questions, only dumb answers