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    Need to upgrade RAM from 4 to 8

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by nt1, Oct 3, 2011.

  1. nt1

    nt1 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have the M17x R2 version with the dual ati 4870 crossfired. I am getting low FPS and wondering if 8 gigs will boost it.

    What is the best RAM to get for this Alienware I have and I need instrustions on how to install RAM.

    Please Help
     
    nt1, Oct 3, 2011
    #1
  2. inap

    inap .........................

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    the ram doesn't really effect the fps. your best bet is to upgrade the graphic card. 5870's or newer.
     
    inap, Oct 3, 2011
    #2
  3. katalin_2003

    katalin_2003 NBR Spectre Super Moderator

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    More RAM won't boost your FPS, as inap said jump on a pair of 5870 or better yet 6970.

    What are your in game temperatures? Do you clean your laptop's heatsinks frequently? High temps can cause performance drops too.
     
    katalin_2003, Oct 3, 2011
    #3
  4. nt1

    nt1 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Is there any instructions on how to properly open up the laptop to clean the inside? And clean the heat sinks? I dont want to mess the warranty and do I need a electro static wrist band?
     
    nt1, Oct 4, 2011
    #4
  5. SlickDude80

    SlickDude80 Notebook Prophet

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    if you don't want to open it up, get a can of compressed air...and with computer off, do short controlled bursts of air into the vents out back. And no, you don't need an electro static wrist band. Alot of dust and crap will come out if its clogged
     
    SlickDude80, Oct 4, 2011
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  6. nt1

    nt1 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Do I get PC 10666 or PC3-10666

    What is compatible or the best?
     
    nt1, Oct 4, 2011
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  7. nt1

    nt1 Notebook Enthusiast

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    So from back blowing to the front? Wont that put dust in areas of the laptop that never had dust? Is there a better way?

    I noticed you are from Toronto LAN much? BF3? hehe im from TO too.

    What do you think what should I get?

    http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicati...0_1225_47516_47516,Detail;30_1198_27871_27871
     
    nt1, Oct 4, 2011
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  8. SlickDude80

    SlickDude80 Notebook Prophet

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    SlickDude80, Oct 4, 2011
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  9. SlickDude80

    SlickDude80 Notebook Prophet

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    it sounds counter-inutitive, but it works. Dust will come out the back.

    The better way is to take the back off and remove the fans. But i'm not sure with the R2, you may have to take the keyboard out to get access...maybe someone here with the R2 can chime in
     
    SlickDude80, Oct 4, 2011
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  10. SlickDude80

    SlickDude80 Notebook Prophet

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    SlickDude80, Oct 4, 2011
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  11. SlickDude80

    SlickDude80 Notebook Prophet

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    and by the way...you're getting low fps because your vid cards are getting old...adding ram won't speed it up at all. So upgrade cause you want to upgrade...but don't expect miracles
     
    SlickDude80, Oct 4, 2011
    #11
  12. katalin_2003

    katalin_2003 NBR Spectre Super Moderator

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    Here you go, these videos will help:
    M17x Teardown Video1 of 2 **READ SAFETY PRECAUTIONS PRIOR TO REPLACING PARTS** (Official Video) - YouTube

    M17x Teardown Part 2 of 2 **READ SAFETY PRECAUTIONS PRIOR TO REPLACING PARTS** (Official Video) - YouTube

    Blowing the dust without taking it apart not only is the lazy man's job but will only push the crap inside, so you'll have to open it eventually.

    Take your time and be patient.

    Cheers
     
    katalin_2003, Oct 4, 2011
    #12
  13. nt1

    nt1 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Where can I buy these mobile graphic cards?

    Thanks for all your helps :)
     
    nt1, Oct 4, 2011
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  14. inap

    inap .........................

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    inap, Oct 4, 2011
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  15. SlickDude80

    SlickDude80 Notebook Prophet

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    hehe...check the link that inap provided. I've also seen them on ebay and kijiji.
     
    SlickDude80, Oct 4, 2011
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  16. CosmicRedM17

    CosmicRedM17 Newbie

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    CosmicRedM17, Oct 4, 2011
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  17. SlickDude80

    SlickDude80 Notebook Prophet

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    Here watch this video...it shows you how to get to the ram. It takes a little work to get to 3-4 but its worth it :D

    Alienware M17X R3 Swapping RAM - Easy guide on changing RAM on the M17X R3 - YouTube

    EDIT: I assumed that you had an R3 but it appears R2 only has 2 ram slots :(
     
    SlickDude80, Oct 4, 2011
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  18. nt1

    nt1 Notebook Enthusiast

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    So the MX R2 only has 2 slots whereas the R3 has 4 slots?
     
    nt1, Oct 5, 2011
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  19. SlickDude80

    SlickDude80 Notebook Prophet

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    edit: looks liek there are only 2 ram slots in the R2?
     
    SlickDude80, Oct 5, 2011
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  20. katalin_2003

    katalin_2003 NBR Spectre Super Moderator

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    Yes, only 2 memory slots i the M17x and M17x R2, and 4 slots in the M17x R3.
     
    katalin_2003, Oct 5, 2011
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  21. nt1

    nt1 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Is it best to get 8gig sticks now a days or 2x4 gig sticks for gaming like BF3?
     
    nt1, Oct 6, 2011
    #21
  22. SlickDude80

    SlickDude80 Notebook Prophet

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    Get 2 sticks of ram if you want to go dual channel, so 2x4 is the way to go
     
    SlickDude80, Oct 6, 2011
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  23. katalin_2003

    katalin_2003 NBR Spectre Super Moderator

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    8Gb is enough and will also be for BF4 lol, you won't get better FPS by going16Gb.
     
    katalin_2003, Oct 6, 2011
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  24. nt1

    nt1 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks guys I guess I will get 2 4 giggers.

    Now for the gfx cards I want to replace the 4870s I have. Does anyone else know where I can order them and will they be cheap by Christmas time?

    Ohh and will nvidia work? SInce I was using ATI before?
     
    nt1, Oct 6, 2011
    #24