M17x r1 upgrade solutions

I currently have an original M17x r1 with the following hardware
Intel Core 2 Duo P8700 @ 2.5GHz
8GB DDR3 1333
Dual Nvidia Geforce GTX 260m in SLI

My question at this point is, would I see any benefit to replacing the cpu given the current graphics card? I'm currently researching the topic but would prefer the more experienced minds that I've seen here.

If this is a repost then I am truly sorry but I did not see it in the search results.

 

I would most likely depend on what your using the computer for. If you're simply gaming with it, then you most likely won't see a lot of improvement. However, if you're video editing, video and sound converting, or using any program that involves heavy calculations, then you will.

Thanks,
Gabe

 

Gaming is the primary purpose for the system. I got the suggestion for quad-core when looking at the recommended system config for Witcher 2 and Battlefield 3.

Based on the research that I've done, I can upgrade to a q9200 for a little over $200 and get some more life out of the system (seeing as how I skimped on the cpu when building the system).

So I guess there are two more questions at this point:

• Will the q9200 chip work in an r1?
• Will this void my warranty?

 

You might want to check out a QX9300 since that is the best CPU you can get(unlocked multi, Extreme CPU) and I have seen them go on ebay for $150 more than what you just listed($358). SInce you are upgrading might as well go for the top.

No, this will not void your warranty, Dell just won't support the new CPU.

 

I'd go for the QX9300 if you can find it at a good price. As for GPU, best you can do so far is dual Radeon 4870s. Someone already tested a 5870 in an R1 with no success, though I'm convinced that a VBIOS mod can address this.

 

Intel® Core?2 Extreme Processor QX9300 QS 2.53 GHz | eBay here is one for $380

and the 5870 would need a system BIOS mod not a VBIOS mod. The 4870's rock though so it would not be a bad upgrade only 10-15% difference stock then the 5870's.

 

ALL Q9200s have unlocked multipliers...

 

A bit Off topic but is the 4870m the same spec as the 4870 desktop version? Seems it would get a bit confusing for consumers if they weren't.

 

no, its slower...

 

it's a little slower between a desktop 4850 and a 4870, The 6970 is based off the desktop 6870, and the 5870's are based off the desktop 5770.

 

The BIOS/VBIOS thing is debatable. I say this because lately we're seeing some GPU upgrades increase support by simply tampering with the VBIOS (for example, getting DP/HDMI to work in the 6970Ms in the M15x by flashing to the Dell VBIOS and most recently, though not final, 3d clocks to work in a GTX 470M + M15x combo). Good news is that there is research being done on both fronts (BIOS and VBIOS side) and hopefully the enthusiast/upgrade community could get somewhere in the future.

 

I wouldn't say it is debatable, but I can see your point. The 5870 will not work in the R1 due to the system BIOS not because of the VBIOS which is what I said. Now I can see VBIOS manipulation has helped with the M15x, but with the R1 people have tried to install the 5870 and it has resulted in no post which is a system BIOS issue not a VBIOS issue.

 

I would like to thank you all for your input. I have found a wealth of knowledge at this forum and will continue to use it as a consultant in the operation of my m17x from here on out.

That being said, I would just like to review your suggestions.

1. ES and QS chips have been recommended by the majority of members
2. The q9200 has an unlocked multiplier
3. The qx9300 is still the top suggestion given the $100+ price difference

Given this information, if I forsee overclocking the chip then I should get a q9200 but should I abstain then a qx9300 would be the best choice for longevity.

Do I have it straight?

 

Seems like you got it right to me.


EDIT*

Scook 9 had this to say about the q9200 vs qx9300 He is a well respected member on this forum

 

I personally own a q9200, and it can definitely go above 3ghz, but requires TS and raising the voltage. My gaming profile is 3.33. The voltage does have to be turned up more aggressively than the qx9300 from what i've seen, but it is definitely doable and reliable. The temps can get warm, but not dangerously so, ive never seen a game break into the 80's.

I was even able to run Vantage as high as 3.733, breaking 14k and landing the 2nd highest NBR R1 score.

Scook's statement appears to be assuming stock vcore settings, and he's right as far as that is concerned.

I've had the CPU for several months now and have had no issues whatsoever running games at 3.33. 3.5 is even doable, but it requires putting the vcore at 1.4v, which is right at the limit for what is recommended for daily use, plus the temps can get into the 80's.

The QX9300 can be pushed further before having to up the vcore, and will likely run cooler as a result, but the Q9200 is a perfectly good CPU, even for someone looking to overclock.