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    Possible to upgrade cpu or gpu on M17x-r2?

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by tsuekasa, Jun 5, 2010.

  1. tsuekasa

    tsuekasa Notebook Consultant

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    I have a m17x-r2 with i5 processor and dual 4870's that i got 4 months ago. Just wondering if it's possible to upgrade through alienware to an i7 or 5870's. and how much would it cost?
     
    tsuekasa, Jun 5, 2010
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  2. deltaone45

    deltaone45 Notebook Deity

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    getting the parts threw dell will cost you your first born better look off ebay.
     
    deltaone45, Jun 5, 2010
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  3. Aikimox

    Aikimox Weihenstephaner!

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    CPU: doesn't matter where you buy it from, it will work.
    GPU: you have to be careful, non-Dell cards might not work.
    Some people on these boards had issues making them work.
    Research well before spending money on the cards. Buying them through Dell will be ~1k for 2x5870 including the CF cable and Heatsinks. I'm not too sure if you can find them in good condition for less than 800$.
     
    Aikimox, Jun 5, 2010
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  4. akluin

    akluin Notebook Guru

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    you can buy them from mxm update and keep your crossfire cable and your heatsink from the 4870 and buy a I7 940xm but you have to install the A05 bios to work with 5870
     
    akluin, Jun 5, 2010
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  5. SirRogers

    SirRogers Notebook Consultant

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    I think the best option for you is to save your money that you would have spent, for a newer m17x.
    You're looking at at least $1000 in parts for the CPU + XFIRE 5870s.

    Sell your system for $1300ish (or more) + THE $1K you would have spent on the upgrades, and then invest it into a new xifre 5870 m17x. With i7 720qm and xfire 5870, it should only be around $2500.
     
    SirRogers, Jun 5, 2010
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  6. SirRogers

    SirRogers Notebook Consultant

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    actually, I guess you could sell your old xfire 4870s and i5 cpu to make up some of the cost as well if you decide to just upgrade.
     
    SirRogers, Jun 5, 2010
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