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    Getting a new M17xR2 - couple of questions

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

  1. GoodToGo

    GoodToGo Notebook Consultant

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    Howdy folks, been looking at this forum for a while now and finally jumped on a refurbed outlet M17x R2. Following are the specs:

    Alienware M17x R2 Laptop Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium
    Unit Price: $1,711.13
    Alienware M17x R2 Laptop
    Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium
    Processor: Intel Core i5-520M Processor (2.4GHz, 4 Threads,3M cache, turbo Boost up to 2.93GHz)
    17 inch UltraSharp WUXGA (1920x1200) RGB LED Display
    Space Black
    500 GB SATA Hard Drive (7200 RPM)
    500 GB SATA Hard Drive (7200 RPM) 2nd Drive
    Intel 6300 Wireless-N (2x2) Half Mini-Card
    Crossfire 1GB ATI Radeon Mobility HD 5870
    Software
    9 Cell Primary Battery
    Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth Module
    8 GB Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM at 1333MHz (2 DIMMs)
    8X DVD +/- RW w/dbl layer write capability
    RAID 0
    Alien M17x R2: 1 Yr Ltd Warranty, In-Home Service after Remote Diagnosis

    1) What should be the first thing to do? Update bios or update video drivers?
    2) I am thinking about replacing the CPU. Is this ok? Also should I still follow Moo's guide?
    3) Do I need to clean install?

    Thanks in advance!
     
    GoodToGo, Jan 13, 2011
    #1
  2. 5150Joker

    5150Joker Tech|Inferno

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    1. If it's an older M17x-R2 then you may need to update the graphics drivers (dell 8.763) first and then the vbios.

    2. The linked 920xm is a good choice.

    3. No you don't need a clean install but if you're okay with it, go for it. Dell ships very little bloatware with Alienware.


    Good choice with the M17x-R2, its still Alienware's best notebook.
     
    5150Joker, Jan 13, 2011
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  3. GoodToGo

    GoodToGo Notebook Consultant

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    Hey man, thanks as always for your reply.

    I was interested in adding a blu-ray drive as well. Have no idea which one will go in though.

    Also for the CPU, is Moo's guide still good?
     
    GoodToGo, Jan 13, 2011
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