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    Necessary parts and advice for M18x R1-R2 upgrade 980m SLI

    Discussion in 'Alienware 18 and M18x' started by Peentje, May 10, 2015.

  1. Peentje

    Peentje Notebook Guru

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    Hi to all :)
    I'm going to upgrade my M18x R1 to M18x R2. I've been doing some research on the forum, but I want to make sure that I have everything I need.

    My current setup is the R1 with the basic intel cpu and dual 6970's, outdated :)

    Here's what upgrades I'm planning on buying:
    Mobo: GRP9C
    I/O Board with Cable: YYFHR
    3-disk HD caddy: XVNKP
    Sata Interposer: M9T51
    Triple pipe CPU heatsink: 0MXJ5
    2x 330W PSU: XM3C3 + 660W mod
    CPU: 3940XM
    2x nvidia 980m
    SLI Bridge cable: GDMRG
    2x Nvidia support plate GTX: 3MHHT (do I need these with the support plates I have in my R1 with the amd cards?)
    Left GPU heatsink 100W: 5G1VJ (correct?)
    Right GPU heatsink 100W: Y48TK (correct?)
    Some thermal paste: IC Diamond?
    I'll need to buy Windows 8.1 because of the UEFI problem right? There is absolutely no way around?
    Thermal pads for mobo and graphic cards, anybody has a link what I should buy? And a video or pictures of what areas need application?
    Can someone give me some advice on what RAM to buy? I'm going for 16GB. I don't know how many slots there are, forgot to look that up. Should I take 2x8GB or 4x4GB depending on slots available.
    If I'm forgetting anything, please add it to the list...

    And are there any other modifications/mods known or for sale for better heatsinks or whatever? I may have overlooked something.

    Do I need to make some hardcore modifications to make the motherboard or other stuff fit the R1?
    Or is it all easy plug and play, sort of speak.

    Any help on the questions above is greatly appreciated. This is a serious investment and I want to make sure I have everything on hand when I start putting it all together.

    I live in Europe so it'll be a challenge to find the parts. I'm going to try and buy most of it within the EU to minimize customs fees. If anyone has some tips on that, feel free to share...

    I think I listed everything I wanted to.
    Thanks to all who are willing to help fill the blanks :)
     
    Last edited: May 10, 2015
    Peentje, May 10, 2015
    #1