The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    M17 CPU upgrade suggestions requested.

    Discussion in 'Alienware Area-51/Aurora and Legacy Systems' started by Xtremepayne, Mar 2, 2011.

  1. Xtremepayne

    Xtremepayne Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    11
    Messages:
    36
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    I have been wanting to upgrade the CPU in this laptop since I got it. I bought it with the default customizing with exception to the video cards. Those I went with 3870x2
    So I am asking for everyone's help on getting the best dual core cpu and best price. I have read that the quads have issues with stutter do I have decided to stay away from those.
    So what can you all suggest? Links helpful.
     
    Xtremepayne, Mar 2, 2011
    #1
  2. unclewebb

    unclewebb ThrottleStop Author

    Reputations:
    7,815
    Messages:
    6,414
    Likes Received:
    6,732
    Trophy Points:
    681
    The best dual cores are the Extreme X9000 if you have a 200 MHz bus speed and the X9100 if you have a 266 MHz FSB. Either one can be significantly overclocked with ThrottleStop up to 3400 MHz to 3800 MHz if you can keep them cool.

    Here are some examples:

    http://forum.notebookreview.com/6565661-post20.html
     
    unclewebb, Mar 2, 2011
    #2
  3. Marvie100

    Marvie100 On a Mission

    Reputations:
    394
    Messages:
    1,221
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Marvie100, Mar 3, 2011
    #3
  4. EviLCorsaiR

    EviLCorsaiR Asura

    Reputations:
    970
    Messages:
    2,674
    Likes Received:
    144
    Trophy Points:
    81
    X9100 for sure. The laptop can take quad core processors but many M17's have horrible audio and frame stuttering issues with a quad core (although it's very random).
     
    EviLCorsaiR, Mar 3, 2011
    #4
  5. M17_User

    M17_User Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    13
    Messages:
    39
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Beware of ordering from out of country too, there's been some bad processors sent before. Best to deal in country.

    I've honestly gotten my stuttering down to non existant with my Q9000 though with no voltage tweaks. It happens rarely now and the only thing I need to do is pull the battery cord or cycle the keyboard lights.
     
    M17_User, Mar 3, 2011
    #5
  6. EviLCorsaiR

    EviLCorsaiR Asura

    Reputations:
    970
    Messages:
    2,674
    Likes Received:
    144
    Trophy Points:
    81
    It's the same for me, if mine stutters I just pull out the power cord and plug it back in, which fixes it instantly.

    However, it's a very random issue like I said. For some people, the stuttering (with any quad core, Q9000 included) has made games completely unplayable.

    And that's why I'm advising the X9100. It's not worth the risk for the quad cores.
     
    EviLCorsaiR, Mar 4, 2011
    #6