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    How to change the RAM inside M17x?

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by Philthy84, Jun 11, 2010.

  1. Philthy84

    Philthy84 Notebook Consultant

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    Tried searching but couldn't seem to find anything. My question anyways is, I was wondering how hard it is to change the RAM inside the M17x? Is it fairly simple or more complicated having to open up the computer, like changing the thermal paste? I don't have my system yet, so I have no idea. Was planning to order the RAM I plan to upgrade too before my system gets here, if the install is not to difficult for a computer newbie to do.

    I'm thinking about upgrading the original 4GB of RAM I get, with the HyperX RAM I keep hearing about. What's the main advantage about this RAM over the stock one provided? And would I see a good boost in performance for my money? Thanks for the help! :eek:
     
    Philthy84, Jun 11, 2010
    #1
  2. Joebarchuck

    Joebarchuck Notebook Virtuoso

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    It is very easy to change the RAM in the M17X.
     
    Joebarchuck, Jun 11, 2010
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  3. DR650SE

    DR650SE The Whiskey Barracuda

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    Easiest thing in the world. I think it's three screws. Remove baseplate, (2 screws) removed RAM cover, (1 screw) and pop out the RAM, insert new RAM, replace covers and your done.
     
    DR650SE, Jun 11, 2010
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  4. Philthy84

    Philthy84 Notebook Consultant

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    Thanks for the clearing things up for me guys. I'm not really comfortable opening the main compartment of the notebook. But if all I have to do is unscrew some screws and insert new RAM, I'm game for that.

    Now what benefits does the HyperX RAM I keep hearing about, have over the orginal RAM included in the computer?
     
    Philthy84, Jun 11, 2010
    #4
  5. ID4

    ID4 Notebook Guru

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    I tried upgrading to 8gb the other day, but all i got was a black screen.

    Do I need to do some software changes before installing the ram?
     
    ID4, Jun 22, 2010
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  6. Joebarchuck

    Joebarchuck Notebook Virtuoso

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    RAM does not require any software. Maybe you did not insert it correctly. Many novice people changing the RAM are scared to put it in place correctly and it is just loose.

    Check that you made the RAM "snap" into the slot...
     
    Joebarchuck, Jun 22, 2010
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  7. _XIII_

    _XIII_ Notebook Consultant

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    _XIII_, Jun 22, 2010
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  8. ID4

    ID4 Notebook Guru

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    Nevermind, I figured it out, one of the ram units was corrupt.

    thanks for the help anyway :)
     
    ID4, Jun 22, 2010
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  9. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Question:

    Do you need an static wrist band etc to change Ram? - what steps should I take if I want to change Ram safely?
     
    steviejones133, Aug 10, 2010
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  10. wacdag

    wacdag Notebook Consultant

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    you don't necessarly need a static wrist band, as long as you ground yourself when handling the old and new ram modules. I personally have not any problems with static by not using a wrist band.
     
    wacdag, Aug 10, 2010
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  11. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Ok, so how do you ground yourself without a wristband?
     
    steviejones133, Aug 10, 2010
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  12. nzgeek

    nzgeek Notebook Evangelist

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    The best thing you can do is to find a large metal object (e.g. the kitchen sink, or the legs on a metal/glass table) and keep making regular contact with it, or even better, make constant contact with it.

    I don't know how well this would work, but you could probably also use a large (12") metal pot filled with water, and touch that regularly. The water in the pot will soak up any spare electrons almost as well as normal metal will.
     
    nzgeek, Aug 10, 2010
    #12