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    Would this be a good idea?

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by somedude000123, Feb 22, 2015.

  1. somedude000123

    somedude000123 Newbie

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    Hello everyone I was planning to buy an Alienware 17 from the Dell site here:

    http://www.dell.com/us/p/alienware-17/pd?oc=dkcwg06

    I see that it only comes with a gtx 860m card and I was wondering if I wanted to upgrade it to a gtx 980m, would I need new drivers and had dell released new drivers for this laptop? Also would I need to buy a new heatsink to use this card?

    Also if i wanted to sell the 860m card in the laptop, how much could I get for it on ebay?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 23, 2015
    somedude000123, Feb 22, 2015
    #1
  2. GodlikeRU

    GodlikeRU Notebook Deity

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    GPU and CPU in 2015 Alienware are soldered to the motherboard, you won't be able to upgrade anything.
     
    GodlikeRU, Feb 22, 2015
    #2
  3. Flaick

    Flaick Notebook Evangelist

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    This is Aw 17 R1 model, so you can upgrade GPU (it weight 4,1Kg so is the R1 2013). I have this model with GTX 860m. But i don't know if you can upgrade to 980. I think the price is expensive for a pc equipped with 860m.
     
    Flaick, Feb 22, 2015
    #3
  4. TomJGX

    TomJGX I HATE BGA!

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    It isn't worth it to get this particular model.. The CPU is junk.. You'll have to spend $800 on top of this to get a 4810MQ+980M that's after selling your 860M and using the money from that... Forget it and spend 2K and get the Clevo P770ZM with 980M :D
     
    TomJGX, Feb 22, 2015
    #4
    Mr. Fox likes this.
  5. somedude000123

    somedude000123 Newbie

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    Well, an upgrade to the i7 4710mq is available on the Alienware website for $100 more, so then I would only need to upgrade to a gtx 980m. Would I need special drivers or a new bios to use it?
     
    somedude000123, Feb 22, 2015
    #5
  6. Game7a1

    Game7a1 ?

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    I would look to see if the GTX 980m or GTX 970m can work with the 17 R1 with the 120 Hz panel. I know it can work with the 60 Hz panel, but I haven't heard the same for the 120 Hz.
    Oh, and if you plan on getting this 17 R1, don't forget to use any coupons that can work with the laptop.
     
    Game7a1, Feb 22, 2015
    #6
  7. ssj92

    ssj92 Neutron Star

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    970m works fine on 120hhz display. Sold my 970m to an AW17 owner here with a 120hz display, works fine.
     
    ssj92, Feb 22, 2015
    #7
  8. Mr. Fox

    Mr. Fox BGA Filth-Hating Elitist

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    This... correct.
     
    Mr. Fox, Feb 22, 2015
    #8