processor upgrade question

if i ordered my m17x with an i5-540m could i upgrade it to an i7-940xm myself or would i need to order it with the lowest i7 processor for it to be a compatible upgrade?

 

i5's and the i7's use the same socket,

and the BIOS supports all i5's and i7's.

So no problem even if you get the lowest possible proc from DELL

and upgrade to the max with 940xm.

 

alright, thank you for the info and quick response +1 to you

 

Thats what I did. Ordered a i5 520M, swapped in an i7 920XM and an i7 940XM. Been flipping back and fourth between the two. In the next few weeks I'll be installing an i3 330M, and an i5 450M as well.

 

Out of interest, where would one aquire an i7 940XM? i live in london

 

E-Bay. Thats where I got mine. Particularly from "laptopmonkey" Numerous other members got thiers from him as well. The chip I have is a qualification sample/engineering sample. It's not an OEM release, but performs the exact same way. It's also much cheaper then OEM.

This might suit you. I ordered from Laptopmonkey, who is listed in London, but It looked as if my chip came from china. Either way, it was a good deal.
940XM Listing on Ebay

 

I can sell you my core i7 820Qm for 200€ if you want it. i live in belgium so shipping should be fearly cheap. Its one month old.

 

Make sure you flash to the latest BIOS *before* changing out the processor, especially if you go to a 940.

 

ty, ill be sure and do that +1

 

cheers boys, it does look tempting and at that price... wow. Mind you i can oc this 720QM to about 1.9Ghz, not sure what that would be in turbo etc. still the 940 has more cache and for VMWare that would be good. thanks for the link

 

another question i have is how difficult is it to swap out the processor chip, i have never done this before and am wondering will i need any type of tools to remove the chip from the board.

 

the[r]
Its dead easy no special tools,Screw driver & some Thermal cleaner & Thermal paste.If you never done before study M17xR2 Manual.

Alienware: Online Documentation

And have a look a The Moo's cpu guide.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware/401382-how-change-your-m17x-cpu-guide.html

 

Thanks for the info +1

 

YouTube - M17x Teardown Video1 of 2 **READ SAFETY PRECAUTIONS PRIOR TO REPLACING PARTS** (Official Video)

^alienware teardown, from alienware themselves

 

After watching those videos replacing the chip is simple its just getting to it all those screws and cables/cords you have to disconnect >.< lol a bit intimidating for a first timer

 

Getting to it is quite easier compare to other systems around. I was kinda worried that i might ruin something inside before doing so, but i gathered up the courage to tear it down. The first time you get worried but so far its been about 5 tear downs Putting it back is pretty simple IMO.

 

the [r], if you watch the videos closely you should be good. Just keep all screws seperate so you don't end up with three extra screws when your done. After doing it a few times, you can replace the CPU in 20 min start to finish. Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.

 

yeah if i take it slow ill be fine just seeing it done for the first time looks a bit overwhelming never having done this before

 

It's very valuable, Thanks for your effort!

 

I got my system with i7 740QM and purchased i7 920XM ES from shirley on ebay. As soon as the payment got cleared within 4-5 days received the processor at my door. it works like a charm and no issues what-so-ever... Best of luck!!!

 

I have to ask... why would you be flipping back and forth between the 920XM and the 940XM? Benchmarking for the record?

BTW, sorry if you have posted it elsewhere, but what kind of 3dmark06 scores did you get with the 920XM vs the 940XM... and how far were you able to OC the 940XM?

 

I was switching a lot for benchmarking.

I don't remember exact numbers, but both 920XMs I had were better overclockers than my 940XM. My 940XM would not perform as well underload.

Here is a good place for some benchmarks. I submitted all my top ones under the same name DR650SE. I didn't submit and 3D benchmakrs because they didn't score as high. But the CPU benches, there is plenty.

i7 940XM Benchmarks

i7 920XM Benchmarks

The 920 has most of my 3D Benches since i had better CPU scores, Just click the Tabs.

 

@DR650SE: Thanks man, I am considering a processor upgrade on my M17x and am in the data gathering phase.

 

The[r] also you'll need the 240W charger for the extreme CPUs,just a heads up in case you got the smaller one.

 

Merci mon ami, very good call-out!