Upgrading and warranty...

Hi guys,

So my M17x is on the way now and I tried to save a little money by just getting the 4GB of RAM and 320GB HDD thinking I would upgrade myself and get the parts on amazon or ebuyer.

I didn't think of checking if that would void my warranty though. Have you guys upgraded as soon as you got your rigs?

Still can't get over the fact I paid £1500 for a laptop that comes with just 4GB and 320GB HDD (!) but hey, its an Alienware I guess...

Thanks!!

 

yup...ssd crucial m4

 

Switching HD and upgrading RAM isn't a problem, you don't even need to open the system to reach those parts.
And unless you've done some obvious damage, like stabbing a screwdriver on the motherboard or punching the screen, on site tech support will hardly care about your tampering with the system.

 

The M17x-R3 Users Manual includes illustrated procedures for user replacement or installation of memory and HDD/SSD's. I installed an SSD and replaced the DRAM within hours of delivery.

 

Thanks guys thats great!

Regarding the RAM, do you know the specs (latency etc...) of the original RAM the M17x comes with so I can make sure I match it with some good quality RAM.

Should be cheap since I'm using 1333mhz RAM as the 2670qm can't take advantage of the 1600mhz RAM although its compatible and it does support it.

I actually think its a bit cheeky from Dell to offer the 1600mhz RAM with those CPU's....

Thanks again!

 

Notwithstanding the official Intel specs, you can use HyperX 1600 (or other XMP-enabled 1600 DRAM) with the 2670qm or 2630qm by setting memory to XMP-2 in the BIOS.

 

mine came with 2x2gig Hyundai ddr3-1333 sticks cas 9

I just added another 8 gigs to get 12

I'm thinking about some nice hyperx ddr3 1600's or faster. Maybe i'll treat myself to something for Christmas

 

yup, me too.

I immediately installed a Crucial M4, and another 8 gigs of ram on delivery of my alienware

 

This is true unless you want more than 8gigs of ram. this requires you to get to Ram slots 3-4 which are under the keyboard and require slighly more work

Harddrives and access to ram slots 1-2 just require the back panel to come off

 

Yes but combined with a 2630qm or 2670qm is it of any use? I'm not that informed but these CPU's cant take advantage of the extra speed clock of the 1600mhz.

TBH, it seems like 1333mhz vs 1600mhz only appears to have very small impact on overall performance, especially gaming.

Maybe I'm just saying that because I've got 1333 DDR3 hehe!!

 

Hey guys, does this look good enough?

Corsair CMSO4GX3M1A1333C9 4GB DDR3 Laptop Memory: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

I don't want the upgraded RAM to be less efficient than what comes with the M17x.

Thanks for your help again, you guys are great here!

 

Does anyone have the CAS latency specs of the Ram that comes in the M17x R3 please?

is it just a standard CL9 ( 9-9-9-24 )?

Cheers guys!

 

9-9-9-24 latency

 

On a side note make sure you keep any of the old parts, HD, ram, or such. If you need a remote view from a tech they sometimes can give you a hard time. They may say well its your new ssd or after market ram causing the problem. Point is it's nice to have the factory parts to prove where the problem really is.
Just some advice.