Upgrades

Sorry for the dumb question I was just curious if any one knew how far of an upgrade I could do for my video cards/processor.

Here are my specs

Alienware M17X R1

Intell Mobile Core 2 DUO Socket P (478) T9300 @ 2.50 GH

Mobo - Asustek F17- Chipset Intell PM965

Video Cards (SLI) NVidia GForce 8700M GT ( 2 in SLI)

RAM - 2 Gigs DDR2

I would like to upgrade my video cards to the best ones possible and I would like to also upgrade my processor.


Any help would be appreciated.



Thanks

 

fastest CPU = QX9300 priced about $600 - $800 dollars

Best GPU option a pair of 280m or ATI 4870 = somewhere around a $1000 dollars or more depending if they are new or used.

it would be better to sell the R1 and buy a R2 IMO

 

8700M GT in M17X r1???
I didn't knew that.

 

Just out of curiosity do you think I should upgrade to a R2 because it would be cheaper. Since I would be laying down 800 for a new Processor and then another 1000 for new GPU.

I love my computer I would just like a better graphics card.

I looked at Nvidias sight and I don't see where they are selling the 280M. I just did a quick look but I will go back and do a solid search.

My laptop in amazingly fast and I have got this thing running perfect.

Thanks for the help I really do appreciate it.

 

Yeah before I would layout 1500.00 upgrading an R1, i would look into a R2,the RGB LED display alone is worth the R2

 

Yeam an R2 is definately in that price range from the outlet from some of the deals I'm seeing others get. I agree with dave on the RGB. It's an awesome display

 

I also agree on the RGB LED LCD display.

When I am doing maintenance on the wife's M17x-R1, I keep wanting to adjust the resolution, colors & brightness (despite them being correct) because there is such a difference.

 

Cool I'll check em out. I guess I could check the Alienware store on ebay huh?
How do you know if they are the R2 or R1? I would think it's in the description of the lappy but then again when I bought this I don't think it was in the description.

I'm learning a lot and again thank all of you for your input and help.

 

He said it has the PM965 chipset, that's not the R1 is it?

Anyway, the PM965 chipset supports at best dual core CPUs, X9000 is the king for that chipset.

 

I got all the info from CPUZ

 

That's what I was thinking. I think the notebook we are discussing is Area-51 M17X but not the R1 model. So, if it is then max cpu and graphics would be X9000 and 88/98m GPUs.

http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/alienware-area-51-m17x/1707-3121_7-33070235.html#productSummary

 

You know what yu're right. Sorry about that. After logging into my Hive it does stae Area 51 M17X. My fault.

 

If you are in the US & considering used, you could check out the Dell Outlet too. It looks like they currently have some M17x-R2 quad core models starting at $1409 ($1639 for the cheapest i7-720 with the 1920x1200 RGB LED LCD screen), plus there is a coupon code for 20% off any laptop/desktop from Dell Outlet's Home division that expires on September 10th.
Coupon code: 9RJ5SV0QB$$GTM

The Dell/Alienware M17x (aka M17x-R1) is based on the Core 2 Duo/Core 2 Quad processors with an nVidia chipset based motherboard.
The Dell/Alienware M17x-R2 is based off the newer iCore processors with an Intel chipset based motherboard.

Link to a new M17x-R2 from Dell's Home & Home Office division.

 

I would not spend ANY money on and Area-51 m17x at this point. Your best value will be just starting over with a new machine (R2 with the core iX cpus)

You could still try to sell the Area-51 but they don't fetch much anymore....Alienware eBay store has a bunch listed and they don't really move