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    M17x R1 upgrade?

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by Ballistic99, May 16, 2012.

  1. Ballistic99

    Ballistic99 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'm thinking about upgrading my M17x R1, but I'm basically lost... Is it really worth it? This is what I'm thinking; exchanging my old GTX260m for two 5870's. Changing the CPU (Q9000), for i5 or i7. Upgrading the RAM and put in an SSD. I'm really confused here. I don't specifically know what this will cost me, but it's surely cheaper than buying a new/used R2 or R3, right? Opinions are much appreciated.
     
    Ballistic99, May 16, 2012
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  2. DR650SE

    DR650SE The Whiskey Barracuda

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    Can't put an i5 in the R1. QX9300 is the best you can do. I vote sell it and get an R3 if your looking to upgrade. If your really attached to it, 5870s would be a nice upgrade.

    Sent from my Samsung Captivate/ICS using Tapatalk 2
     
    DR650SE, May 16, 2012
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  3. Ballistic99

    Ballistic99 Notebook Enthusiast

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    How much would my system be worth?
    Specs:
    Black Alienware R1
    Intel Quad Core Q9000
    500GB 7200RPM
    8GB 800MHz
    Single 1GB GTX260m and 9400gt m
    1440x900 LCD
    Win 7 HP
    No Warranty
     
    Ballistic99, May 16, 2012
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  4. DR650SE

    DR650SE The Whiskey Barracuda

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    I'd say $400. Maybe even $500 if your lucky

    Sent from my Samsung Captivate/ICS using Tapatalk 2
     
    DR650SE, May 16, 2012
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  5. Ballistic99

    Ballistic99 Notebook Enthusiast

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    < edit > .
     
    Ballistic99, May 16, 2012
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  6. katalin_2003

    katalin_2003 NBR Spectre Super Moderator

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    katalin_2003, May 17, 2012
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  7. ImportJunky

    ImportJunky Notebook Consultant

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    I've thought about selling mine as well. The problem is at this point it's hard to get a decent return, and they are still a very nice and capable machine.

    Granted mine is spec'ed a bit higher and has little use and in mint condition.

    If I were you, save your pennies, it's not worth letting go for $400

    Not sure how much it would cost for a QX9500, possibly pretty cheap now.

    Never really looked to see what two 5870's go for. But I would consider doing that first
     
    ImportJunky, May 17, 2012
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  8. SlateJones

    SlateJones Notebook Geek

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    qx9500??? what is that? where can i get one....
     
    SlateJones, May 18, 2012
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  9. Ballistic99

    Ballistic99 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Is there a QX9500? Couldn't find any info on it.
     
    Ballistic99, May 18, 2012
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  10. katalin_2003

    katalin_2003 NBR Spectre Super Moderator

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    That's definitely a typo. The chip you want is the QX9300 ;)
     
    katalin_2003, May 18, 2012
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  11. Ballistic99

    Ballistic99 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I see you, but... If I order a new system I'll might aswell let the old one go for $400 or less, to help with the down payment. Don't really have the need or space for two systems at home. I really don't know what to do, kinda frustrating. xD
     
    Ballistic99, May 18, 2012
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  12. ImportJunky

    ImportJunky Notebook Consultant

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    Sorry for the typo, my desktop has the 9550 and I always get them confused :p

    Never the less.. The QX9300 can run a easy 3.0 Ghz. I've had mine to 3.2 without problems.

    I also see your point that if you have a new one, why do you need the old one.

    In that case I would try to sell locally via Craigslist or alike first. Maybe able to get a few extra bucks in a selling environment that isn't diluted with high end gaming rigs.
     
    ImportJunky, May 18, 2012
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  13. SlateJones

    SlateJones Notebook Geek

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    i bet if he has an ebay account in good standing, the laptop could easily go between $500 - $700... there is still interest in r1's, just because they are upgradeable and can still hold their own on new games...
    I love mine
     
    SlateJones, May 18, 2012
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  14. Ballistic99

    Ballistic99 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Should I ask $500 for it, or try higher?

    Another thing is the GPU problem. On my system I can't update the GPU drivers or else I will get bluescreen every 2hours. This is a common problem though. I installed new bios and I stick to a modded GPU driver in orther to evade the bluescreens. This means that any GPU update wouldn't work on my computer. Would this have any affect on the price? I mean, if I list this issue in the seller describtions, it would be a huge minus, right?
     
    Ballistic99, May 19, 2012
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  15. katalin_2003

    katalin_2003 NBR Spectre Super Moderator

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    katalin_2003, May 19, 2012
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  16. Ballistic99

    Ballistic99 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Ballistic99, May 19, 2012
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  17. bluke424

    bluke424 Notebook Geek

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    bluke424, May 19, 2012
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  18. Ballistic99

    Ballistic99 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Will I be able to put 1333MHz RAM in my system?
     
    Ballistic99, May 19, 2012
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  19. katalin_2003

    katalin_2003 NBR Spectre Super Moderator

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    Yes .
     
    katalin_2003, May 19, 2012
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  20. Ballistic99

    Ballistic99 Notebook Enthusiast

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    What about 1600MHz?
     
    Ballistic99, May 19, 2012
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  21. DR650SE

    DR650SE The Whiskey Barracuda

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    No


    Sent from my Samsung Captivate/ICS using Tapatalk 2
     
    DR650SE, May 19, 2012
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  22. Ballistic99

    Ballistic99 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Will the motherboard handle an SSD with a 6Gb/s (Sata 3.0) connection?
     
    Ballistic99, May 19, 2012
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  23. DR650SE

    DR650SE The Whiskey Barracuda

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    You can put 1600mhz ram in. It'll down clock to 1333mhz. You can put a Sata 3 ssd in. It'll only run at data 2 speeds.

    Sent from my Samsung Captivate/ICS using Tapatalk 2
     
    DR650SE, May 19, 2012
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  24. Ballistic99

    Ballistic99 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Ballistic99, Jun 2, 2012
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  25. katalin_2003

    katalin_2003 NBR Spectre Super Moderator

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    Hello, Ballistic, I since then adapted another .inf for the M17x (R1) to go with the 301.42 drivers :)

    Follow these steps, disregarding the SLi part and PCIeGen 2 of course and enjoy.
     
    katalin_2003, Jun 3, 2012
    #25