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    M17X R3 - Upgrade or new

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by uthall, Sep 13, 2015.

  1. uthall

    uthall Notebook Consultant

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    Hi,

    I have a M17X R3 from around mid 2011.

    Its the 3D 460M model, with 8GB RAM, 1.5TB HDD and the 2720 CPU.

    I'm thinking of selling and buying a new unit.If I was to sell, any ideas on what it is worth these days?

    OR am I better off just upgrading the GPU to maybe a 780M?

    Thanks
     
    uthall, Sep 13, 2015
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  2. Rengsey R. H. Jr.

    Rengsey R. H. Jr. I Never Slept

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    Its better off to upgrade your video card to 780m. :) Unless you want to go Dual GPU setup, get the m18x-R2.
     
    Rengsey R. H. Jr., Sep 13, 2015
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  3. Rengsey R. H. Jr.

    Rengsey R. H. Jr. I Never Slept

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    Its better off to upgrade your video card to 780m. :) Unless you want to go Dual GPU setup, get the m18x-R2.
     
    Rengsey R. H. Jr., Sep 13, 2015
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  4. uthall

    uthall Notebook Consultant

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    Yea, I was sorta thinking of how cool the dual GPU setup on the M18x would be.

    If I upgrade, it looks like the 780m costs at $700 plus used, which seems a lot to spend on boosting an already 4 year old system.

    I mostly play strategy games such as Rome 2, and the 780m benchmarks at 34fps on ultra which is OK. That's on par with the desktop GTX 660.
     
    uthall, Sep 13, 2015
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  5. Alienware-L_Porras

    Alienware-L_Porras Company Representative

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    I'd go for the machine upgrade. You could get some good $$$ on eBay if the machine is working perfectly.
     
    Alienware-L_Porras, Sep 16, 2015
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  6. uthall

    uthall Notebook Consultant

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    Any idea on value, maybe $1,000?
     
    uthall, Sep 16, 2015
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  7. DaveFromGameaVision

    DaveFromGameaVision Notebook Consultant

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    You won't get $1000 for that system, more like $500 best case scenario. A used 780M should go for ~$350 USD, that would be a substantial upgrade. Your CPU is probably fine if you're just looking to play games although you could always look for an overclockable model.
     
    DaveFromGameaVision, Sep 16, 2015
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  8. Alienware-L_Porras

    Alienware-L_Porras Company Representative

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    I've seen them go for more than that. 600-700 sounds better.
     
    Alienware-L_Porras, Sep 16, 2015
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  9. uthall

    uthall Notebook Consultant

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    Hmmm......probably makes more sense to just upgrade to the 780m.

    I read that the 780 sacrifices 3D, but the 680m doesn't

    Does that make the 680m a better option without sacrificing too much performance?
     
    uthall, Sep 16, 2015
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  10. DaveFromGameaVision

    DaveFromGameaVision Notebook Consultant

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    The 680M is still a big jump from the 460M.

    It will be ~25% slower that the 780M at stock settings as it has less cores and is clocked lower. It's likely it will overclock to help make up the difference but the same could be said for the 780M. I can't say if the 3D will work.
     
    DaveFromGameaVision, Sep 16, 2015
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  11. uthall

    uthall Notebook Consultant

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    Most 780s seem about $450 USD on ebay, and they're "used"

    Is "used" an issue?
     
    uthall, Sep 17, 2015
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  12. DaveFromGameaVision

    DaveFromGameaVision Notebook Consultant

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    Watch the marketplace on here, they usually go for about $350 from what I've seen. Used isn't a problem as long as the card works, if you manage to find a new one it won't be worth the price.
     
    DaveFromGameaVision, Sep 17, 2015
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  13. uthall

    uthall Notebook Consultant

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    Cool, will do.

    I take it the 880m is not recommended from what iv e read in her?

    Although upgrademonkey seems to be selling the 880m for an R3?
     
    uthall, Sep 17, 2015
    #13