How to Install CPU's in M17x R2

Hello All,

So I just got my 920XM ES and called the tech but his timing may not work. I have searched the forums and net for tutorials on how to install the CPU in the M17x

Ohh...I could not find any that's why I have posted this...At work and brain is fried....

Does anyone know of any tutorials, picture or video? Looking for a full tutorial from start to finish, don't wanna loose any screws( I have lost enough in my mid mid age...)

 

Oh, i will be all ears on this thread, in the mean time there is a video on youtube in 2 parts on how to completely dismantle an r2

 

Hmmz close but I only want to get to the CPU then back again...LOL

 

Checkout link for The Moo's.How to change cpu guide its for the R1 but its all you need to know.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware/401382-how-change-your-m17x-cpu-guide.html

 

this is what I was refering to YouTube - M17x Teardown Video1 of 2 **READ SAFETY PRECAUTIONS PRIOR TO REPLACING PARTS** (Official Video)

 

Holy CRAP! Thats Umm not looking very easy to do...especially the last few steps in un-wiring everything, I remember when my first R1 was getting its mobo replaced it was like this and the Dell tech couldn't put it back together again!

Maybe I don't wanna do this...anyone interested in a 920XM ES?

 

It's really easy, don't panic !

If you don't feel comfortable with it, or that it's your first attempt, just take your time. (Lol, I'm speaking like a dad here).A nice rainy sunday afternoon is all you need.

Don't forget to print the M17x-R2 service manual (PDF), a X screwdriver, a plastic card (or a plastic slim tool, for the removal of the touch-sensitive panel), a few glasses for the screws, a bottle of acetone (handle with care), an anti-static tissue and a nice syringe of thermal paste.

The Internet is loaded with tutorials to help you with this kind of replacement. Youtube is perfect too.

Keep us in the loop, and don't forget to ask if you need more information.

 

Woohoo!! I did it!!! Don't get me wrong I have no worries building computers but it scared the shoot out of me touching these things, but the 920 powered up and wow I notice a little difference on menial tasks!! 820 gonna be listed soon!!

 

johnsmor

Well done .Bet your glad now you took the plunge .

 

Yeah man, you can never know too much.

 

LOL!! Yeah man, I celebrated by opening a nice Sauvignon Blanc...Who cares about work tomorrow when I have just dissected an Alien and brought it back to life!

 

First run stock...WOW over 4000 points!!! Difference!!

 

^^^^ play around with throttle stop and you will love the 920xm all over again

 

Will wait a bit for the thermal paste to set in before doing some Ocing, all I know is whatever thermal paste I got (Shin Etsu) my fans are working about half as hard, I love it!

I know wrong place but the guys viewing the market place are hounds..whats a good price for my 820QM??

 

$300-$350 it might take you some time to sell it but make sure you take good pics and list up it is OEM...if you need cash quick then sell it for $280 shipped but wait it out and see what offers you get...maybe list up on ebay where buyers tend to pay more but keep in mind fees so factor it all out and see what you think.

 

Listed as O.B.O..Dunno what pics to take it's just the processor...if need be or asked will do...

Basically will take first reasonable offer!

 

Well I think you have to have a pic with your name in it somewhere to sell here in the NBR Marketplace.

 

Man, I'd keep the OEM CPU for warranty issues incase any ever arise... plus if your 920 takes a crap, you have a back up CPU and your comp isn't out of commission... just my 2 cents.

 

Turmoil is right, if you don't need extra bucks right now. You should save it for warranty.. or just to be sure that your 920 is a good breed !

And you can use Trottlestop, it is not a O/C program it's a sort of "Extreme CPU manager". It will only make your CPU works better at stock.

OncleWeb needs a virtual statue somewhere on the Internet.

 

I've been inspired!

Just ordered my 940XM from ShirleyCPU.

Now the wait ...

 

It's not REALLY easy, but it's nbot hard either.

i replaced my CPU and as you might know it requires you to get elbow deep in M17x gizzards.

With that said, just follow the video, keep track of your screws (i didn't), keep track of your parts (i didn't) and make SURE you remember there's a flat cable connected to the strip of plastic with the touch controls. (i didn't).


Then you are good to go!

 

Thanks for the advice!

I've been elbow deep in many a PC/workstation/server but not a laptop as jam packed as this one.

I'm looking forward to the challenge.

I've watched a number of tear-downs now and I'm itching to get in there.

Just reviewing which thermal compound to use now ... tossing up between TX-4 and IC Diamond 24 carat.

 

Roger, original post was deleted cause i didnt follwo the rules reposted according to rules

 

Agreed on the post that I'd hold onto the stock CPU in case any warranty issues arise. Also, this is likely the first thing someone looking to buy your m17x will ask.

For posterity and anyone who this helps, here were a couple tips I learned that weren't in any guide I saw when installing my 920xm:

-Be careful to secure the CF bridge cable in the GPUs when reassembling. Although it's taped on to the magnesium plate, they still easily come loose (why didn't they put small clamps on them like they did for the other cable ports?).

-When removing the back touch/power panel, keep the screen open as far as possible so the two latches have space to slide out.

-The touchpad cable is an absolute SOB to reinsert since it's glued to the bottom panel and very short. You can pull the cable out for more length (it's secured to the bottom laptop panel with a bit of adhesive. Pulling out the cable severely cut down on reassembly time and frustration.

-When replacing the touchpad panel DO NOT FORCE IT. It should go down in vertically and slide back very easily. If it doesn't you likely bent one of the small plastic notches on the back of the panel -- just bend the notch back and try again.

-Tweezers are your friend when working to reattach the little Wifi cables.

-Make sure your screwdriver is the right size to fit the phillips head. The screws in the two back metal plates can be especially troublesome if your screwdriver is to big/small and/or you can't get enough torque.

Man, I have to give the people who assemble dozens of these a day credit: they either are extremely dexterous or have the hands of a 10 year-old girl.

 

hehe! I second all that harmattan said! For me though, the real SOB was the initial power pannel! I dont have a plastic tool to pry it off and it scratched my rig a bit. And no matter what I did it just.....wouldnt....let......GO! had to use all my fingernails at once to finally work it off! it is the number one thing keeping me from going back into the beast!

 

For me the power panel bit is no longer and obstacle. I stumbled upon a nice neat trick whist opening and closing up my R1 and R2 around a combined total of 50 times to date. Its like 2nd nature to me now opening up the notebook lol. Talking on the phone, watching tele. Not even thinking about it while I'm opening it up LOL.

For me I find the best way to get the power panel strip off is to push back the screen as far back as it can go. Obviously needed in the 1st place. Then with a pry tool or something similar start from the right side flick up the right part. It can feel quite daunting at 1st like you might break it. Once it is up you will need to slide the strip slightly upwards towards the screen. once you apply some pressure that way it simply just pops out. Works like a charm now every single time. I even showed it to the tech guy which came out last time and he was like WOW cool thanks.

Cheers.

 

I am in the process to open it up to replace almost all parts including br disk,

What is the exact screwdriver size or sizes for a complete teardown please ? I printed the service manual but did not find it using my 4 eyes

Thank you !

 

Just have muliple sizes handy spiderman, I used everything from a full size screwdriver to one the size made for fixing eyeglasses.

And thanks reborn, that is exactly how a approached it, but it doesnt give you any hint that it is about to pop off. And now, the right side of the pannel is also slightly elevated and not flush with the laptop anymore. i dont think I broke any tabs, but it is there none the less. Hope it wont bug me

 

this is the most important comment, I would simply add :

If you can't take it out because the left side seems locked, and you are sure the two screws are out, lower the right side a bit and shake a little while pulling, it will unlock the left side.

 

Agreed, this was my only issue with the tear down, if I would have known to push back the screen all the way first would have made a world of difference. I think a tab may have broken when I removed the panel as the left side no longer sits flush..ohh well barely noticeable.

For re-installing the touch pad I did push back the screen and it took a matter of seconds to re-insert the cable. All in all I was very careful in everything I did. For each separate tear down point i sued little dishes for the screws and made notes of where the different screws went with little diagrams.

Biggest thing to remember when doing this though is take your time, it is not a race! I had the video playing in the background to help walk me through it and used it as a story board..cause at one point forgot how the palmrest was supposed to be re-cabled with the sticky tape and all.

 

What video's are good for teardown's and build please ?

 

The one provided on the first page of this thread is what I used.

 

I am looking to replace my CPU also.

I was a DUNCE when I bought my M17xR2 and got the i5 dual core. I now want to replace it with an i7 quad core.

Can anyone recommend where I should purchase the CPU? I would rather not use e-bay and instead stick to a site like NewEgg or something similar.

Any links would be greatly appreciated.

 

Issue is even at newegg an 820 is $600+ I got an 920XM ES off eBAY for $400(the seller in one of my previous posts pc-bestbuy-hk) and was an absolute dream dealing with him, great communication and item as described. I was very weary to of buying off ebay an ES not OEM (you may have seen other posts of mine) but everyone assured me that these ES or QS you find on ebay are quite good. I have not had any issues so far other then my noticeable improvement from the 820 which was already a fast and great processor.

 

I guess I am just always afraid that I will get scammed on E-Bay. Maybe I will give it a try. Because they do appear to be much cheaper on E-Bay than on NewEgg or other sites.

I am also still a little confused on exactly which processor to buy. I dont have to have the best of the best, but at the same time if I am going to replace it I only want to do this ONCE.

I think I would be happy with pretty much any i7 quad core. Do I they make different versions for laptops and desktops? Just want to make sure when I buy one I get one that will fit my laptop.

 

For the money get the i7 920XM ES

Here is the seller I dealt with.
New Intel Core i7-920XM 920 8M 3.2GHz 1333 PM55 HM55 on eBay.ca (item 280565970767 end time 22-Nov-10 11:49:41 EST)

 

1. Core i7-940XM from Shirley's CPU (Check)
2. ArctiClean (Check)
3. TX-4 (Check)
4. Pry Tools (Check)
5. Fujipoly 5mm, 1mm and 1.5mm Premium Thermal Pad sheets (Check)
6. PC Tool Kit (Check)
7. Wondering why I'm doing this to a perfectly good laptop (Check)
8. Balls to tear down my baby (Hmm ... still looking)