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    M18x Memory Discussion Thread

    Discussion in 'Alienware 18 and M18x' started by Seblock, May 3, 2011.

  1. CleanSweep

    CleanSweep Notebook Geek

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    IMO 1600 CL9 is better. I know "if money was no object", but it is cheaper too. There is no reason to get 1866 CL9. Maybe the 1600 CL can be decreased to CL7 if you are lucky? That would be tops. At least decrease to 8-8-8-24.
     
    CleanSweep, May 10, 2011
    #101
  2. Seblock

    Seblock Notebook Consultant

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    The faster speed, the larger bottleneck IMO. Otherwise, they would have stopped increasing the memory speed already. This is for the case of bottomless pocket.
     
    Seblock, May 10, 2011
    #102
  3. hizzaah

    hizzaah Notebook Virtuoso

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    so i'd be better off using 2x4gb + 2x2gb (stock ram) over 3x4gb + 1x2gb ?

    (my predicament is that i already have 3x4gb sticks and i dont think i can get dell to do the stock 4gb as 1x4gb especially since i'm going through aafes)
     
    hizzaah, May 12, 2011
    #103
  4. Seblock

    Seblock Notebook Consultant

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    Using 3x4GB + 1x2GB will disable DUAL CHANNEL so yea ;)
    Keep in mind that in order to enable DUAL CHANNEL, you must install same kind of memory sticks on proper slots (either 1 & 3 or 2 & 4). Good luck ;)
     
    Seblock, May 12, 2011
    #104
  5. hizzaah

    hizzaah Notebook Virtuoso

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    gotcha. just so i know which slots are 1/3 and 2/4. are they paired for dual channel, or do i have to alternate?
     
    hizzaah, May 12, 2011
    #105
  6. Seblock

    Seblock Notebook Consultant

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    They are paired for Dual Channel. You can check user manual document for the order. ;)
     
    Seblock, May 12, 2011
    #106
  7. stormingblizzard

    stormingblizzard Notebook Enthusiast

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    stormingblizzard, May 13, 2011
    #107
  8. 5150Joker

    5150Joker Tech|Inferno

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    5150Joker, May 13, 2011
    #108
  9. hizzaah

    hizzaah Notebook Virtuoso

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    hizzaah, May 13, 2011
    #109
  10. Seblock

    Seblock Notebook Consultant

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    Hmm... I would say this, the larger amount of data your system deals with, the more noticeable difference is. Softwares are taking larger and larger disk space nowadays. Plus that I only paid $128 for my 8GB 1866Mhz kit instead of $113 for the 8GB 1600MHz that Newegg offered me. So... why not? :D
     
    Seblock, May 13, 2011
    #110
  11. joecait

    joecait Notebook Deity

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    Does 1866MHz use more power/generate more heat than 1600 which in turn the same for 1333?
     
    joecait, May 13, 2011
    #111
  12. The1TruJok3r

    The1TruJok3r Notebook Consultant

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    Yes faster memory will use more power and will produce more heat but the amount will be almost unnoticeable and in general won't be a factor from 1600 to 18+ but the gains you see will also be just that...almost noticeable.
     
    The1TruJok3r, May 14, 2011
    #112
  13. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Here's he data sheet that Kingston have for this new 1866 plug n play stuff....

    http://www.valueram.com/datasheets/KHX1866C11S3P1K2_8G.pdf

    Shows timings as:

    PnP JEDEC TIMING PARAMETERS:
    • DDR3-1866 CL11-11-11 @1.5V
    • DDR3-1600 CL10-10-10 @1.5V
    • DDR3-1333 CL8-8-8 @1.5V

    And this is the HyperX 1600 (Blue Heatspreader ones)

    http://www.valueram.com/datasheets/KHX1600C9S3K2_8GX.pdf

    9-9-9 @ 1600mhz 1.5v

    Surely, the lower CAS of the "older" modules is better for performance @ 1600mhz when comparing the two. Also, running at 1866mhz, CAS is 11 which is even slower! - my understanding is that the lower the latency, the quicker the ram actually "reads" the module in terms of the delay time between the moment a memory controller tells the memory module to access a particular memory column on a RAM memory module, and the moment the data from given array location is available on the module's output pins.

    Therefore, lower CAS is better, right?

    http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/290737-12-1600mhz-1866mhz-cl11

    The new "stuff" is just gonna run hotter and in a notebook, that aint a good thing really is it! - there's enough heat in these beasties as it is LOL
     
    steviejones133, May 15, 2011
    #113
  14. T2050

    T2050 Notebook Deity

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    I just flashed my stock 1333MHz memory Alienware provided with my laptop with the SPD from a HyperX module, and all 16GB runs at 1600MHz CL9 with XMP profile set to number 2. Chips are Hynix.
    I am guessing that the HyperX 1600 XMP uses the simular chips, or it possible the new HyperX 1866 uses Micron.

    Does the M18x use the same mobo as the M17x R3, or are they different?
     
    T2050, May 15, 2011
    #114
  15. Räy

    Räy Guest

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    Both the m17x and m18x use the same hm67 motherboard.
     
    Räy, May 15, 2011
    #115
  16. TheMatrixHacker

    TheMatrixHacker Notebook Evangelist

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    I just got off the phone with dell. I see they have their own ram. You said you boosted your mhz, can you let me know if it continues to run stable ?
     
    TheMatrixHacker, May 15, 2011
    #116
  17. T2050

    T2050 Notebook Deity

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    Yep it running stable as for a few days now at 1600MHz CL9. Past ever test I have thrown at it.
     
    T2050, May 17, 2011
    #117
  18. TheMatrixHacker

    TheMatrixHacker Notebook Evangelist

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    Thanks for the reply.. I may be doing the same thing then.
     
    TheMatrixHacker, May 17, 2011
    #118
  19. sticky

    sticky Notebook Consultant

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    Was going to order from newegg but now they have it at $148.99: Newegg.com - Kingston HyperX 8GB (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1866 HyperX Plug n Play Laptop Memory Model KHX1866C11S3P1K2/8G

    Not sure who to buy it from and can't decide between 1866 or 1600.
     
    sticky, May 17, 2011
    #119
  20. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    steviejones133, May 17, 2011
    #120
  21. sticky

    sticky Notebook Consultant

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    Thanks, guess it doesn't make enough (if any) of a difference to warrant the cost.
     
    sticky, May 17, 2011
    #121
  22. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    If it were peanuts, then id say go for it but isnt it like $50 more than the 1600 stuff in the states? - thats like a 33% markup and I bet it doesnt improve perofrmance by 33% !
     
    steviejones133, May 17, 2011
    #122
  23. sticky

    sticky Notebook Consultant

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    It is about a $50 difference but so far nobody has even shown much of any performance benefit.
     
    sticky, May 17, 2011
    #123
  24. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    $50 is too much for 233mhz faster and higher latency...CL11 at 1866mhz so I read....

    The 1600 stuff runs at CL9 ...heck...the 1866 stuff runs at CL11 at that speed and at 1600 - CL10....wheres the benefit in that????
     
    steviejones133, May 17, 2011
    #124
  25. Seblock

    Seblock Notebook Consultant

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    Hope you will know where to buy once you see this price. This is where I got my 16GB 1866 shipped from ;) all I wanna say is... what is NEWEGG? never heard about them ;)

    Kingston KHX1866C11S3P1K2/8G HyperX Plug n Play 8GB 4GBx2 204-Pin DDR3 1866MHz Dual Channel Laptop Memory Unbuffered Non-ECC CL11-Best Computer Online Store Houston Buy Discount Prices Texas-Directron.com
     
    Seblock, May 17, 2011
    #125
  26. sticky

    sticky Notebook Consultant

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    Why is the 1866 not running at 1866?
     
    sticky, May 17, 2011
    #126
  27. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    I didnt say that, maybe just the way I typed it ..what I meant is that the 1866 sticks will run at CL10 @ 1600mhz according to the kingston datasheets

    Now if their own 1600 sticks run 1600 @ CL9 (again according to their data sheets).....all I was getting at was that its higher latency for same speed...
     
    steviejones133, May 18, 2011
    #127
  28. ShaqDiesel

    ShaqDiesel Notebook Geek

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    Does anyone know if you are able to OC the 1333Mhz memory at all, I'm not familiar with memory overclocking so i don't want to play around with the bios and screw something up.
     
    ShaqDiesel, May 18, 2011
    #128
  29. Alkaline

    Alkaline Notebook Consultant

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    Ok

    I just got mytx18x, I ordered with the crossfire 6970s but only went with the stock 4 GB Ram.... So Now the main question is...

    HOW do I upgrade the RAM? Does anyone have info how to take the the laptop apart so I can install the 4x4GB ram sticks I have?

    Thanks :)
     
    Alkaline, May 19, 2011
    #129
  30. MaynardLD50

    MaynardLD50 Notebook Consultant

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    MaynardLD50, May 19, 2011
    #130
  31. The Revelator

    The Revelator Notebook Prophet

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    You'll find the Service Manual useful as well. Documentation
     
    The Revelator, May 19, 2011
    #131
  32. T2050

    T2050 Notebook Deity

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    Flash the stock RAM SPD with a HyperX XMP module SPD. Select XMP Profile 2, the it will run at 1600MHz.
     
    T2050, May 20, 2011
    #132
  33. TheMatrixHacker

    TheMatrixHacker Notebook Evangelist

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    So awhile back someone was talking about flashing the memory to improve performance. Can someone elaborate, or point me in the right direction. After googling it all I can find is "Flash Memory".
     
    TheMatrixHacker, May 20, 2011
    #133
  34. SargeOsis

    SargeOsis Notebook Geek

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    Has anybody attempted to replace/add memory in the slots under the keyboard? Is that something a a novice, for laptops, could reasonably accomplish without damaging things?
     
    SargeOsis, May 20, 2011
    #134
  35. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    I would reckon so Sarge, simply a case of removing the control panel and then 5 screws that hold the keyboard in place at the top and unclipping one or two ribbon cables that are attatched to the keyboard and the ram slots should be accessible. Although I havent thoroughly reviewed the service manual, theres probably a couple of screws from the underside holding the control panel on but once undone, the panel should pry/pop up and free to reveal the keyboard screws.

    Be careful with the screws not to drop 'em into the system as I read that its easily done! - you dont want a loose screw rattling around inside......good set of precision magnetic tip screwdrivers (did I just say screwdrivers lolol.....hope no ones listening) and your set.

    As long as your gentle and patient removing the control panel (probably the bit that people fear the most afaik) you should be fine! - This is one of the first jobs on my list when my baby lands......remove the stock 4gb Dell sticks and put in my 16gb hyperx 1600.....I know people may say "overkill" but id rather get it in now while ram is cheap-ish that wait....

    The fact that Dell want £500 gbp for the same 1600mhz 16gb memory at point of build and the fact that £140 got me the same but better Kingston sticks was a complete no-brainer!
     
    steviejones133, May 20, 2011
    #135
  36. SargeOsis

    SargeOsis Notebook Geek

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    Yeah I did 16 gb too. And what your describing is exactly how it's supposed to be done. It just looks scary.
     
    SargeOsis, May 20, 2011
    #136
  37. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Scary maybe but theres no other way of getting them in there so its gotta be done! lol - I just plan on taking my sweet time, getting som PLASTIC pry tool to get the control panel off and then should be plain sailing. Im also gonna make sure I use ESD wristband etc....it may not be a pre-requisite but id rahter be safe than sorry and again, for a few pennies, its a no brainer.
     
    steviejones133, May 20, 2011
    #137
  38. ronkuba

    ronkuba Notebook Consultant

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    Did it yesterday ,very easy. Just take your time. Takes a little force to get the control panel to release from the LCD hinges.
     
    ronkuba, May 20, 2011
    #138
  39. defac

    defac Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'm a fairly novice laptop "modifier" and I just installed 16gb of the kingston ram. It was fairly easy. I couldn't find my good screwdriver so I had to one of my small thin screwdrivers.

    Removing the control panel was easier than I thought. If you look at it, you can see at the top to the side of the hinges are actual places you can use your fingers to lift the control panel. It came off nice and smooth.
     
    defac, May 21, 2011
    #139
  40. AchillesWrath

    AchillesWrath Notebook Guru

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    Whats the difference between the Kingston HyperX 1600MHz (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin and the Kinston Hyper X 1600MHz (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin Plug n Play on Newegg, besides the price ?
     
    AchillesWrath, May 22, 2011
    #140
  41. sticky

    sticky Notebook Consultant

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    Ok, the manual basically shows how to reach the first set of memory modules, how do I get to the second? I installed 8 gigs so far, need to get the other 8 in there but where?
     
    sticky, May 24, 2011
    #141
  42. sticky

    sticky Notebook Consultant

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    The Alienware manual sucks :(
     
    sticky, May 24, 2011
    #142
  43. sticky

    sticky Notebook Consultant

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    Which 5 screws are you referring to at the top? The ones deep in you need a longer screwdriver to reach?
     
    sticky, May 24, 2011
    #143
  44. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Once the control panel is removed, you will see 5 screws at the top of the keyboard holding it in place. View the service manual for complete "destructions" on how to tear your system to bits LOL....however, for the time being....to change or add system memory under the keyboard.......TADA....as if by magic!....(service manual is online, you wont get teardown instructions in the leather bound wallet....just use that to keep your door open or maybe as a paperweight lol)


    Removing M18x Keyboard
     
    steviejones133, May 24, 2011
    #144
  45. JCrichton

    JCrichton Notebook Evangelist

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    Yes. You need to remove the bottom to get to the top. It's all there in the manual. Seriously.
     
    JCrichton, May 24, 2011
    #145
  46. sticky

    sticky Notebook Consultant

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    sticky, May 24, 2011
    #146
  47. sticky

    sticky Notebook Consultant

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    Wish I saw this earlier :) Thanks.
     
    sticky, May 24, 2011
    #147
  48. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Haha - you couldnt 'cos I only just posted it !!! ;)
     
    steviejones133, May 24, 2011
    #148
  49. Zero989

    Zero989 Notebook Virtuoso

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    just thought id let anyone know that my 4gb modules are rated for 1500+ mhz @ 10-10-10-28 1.5v
     
    Zero989, May 24, 2011
    #149
  50. azza21

    azza21 Notebook Geek

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    Has anyone seen 1600mhz CL7 8gb or 16gb on the market? All the laptop memory i have found has been CL9 at 1600mhz, nothing lower, which for me means there is no point in getting 1600mhz memory, may as well stick with 1333 at CL7 in terms of performance.
     
    azza21, May 25, 2011
    #150
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