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    m11x r1 - ram upgrade

    Discussion in 'Alienware M11x' started by avillabon, Nov 10, 2010.

  1. avillabon

    avillabon Notebook Evangelist

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    Just last week I got an m11x R1 notebook and it came with 2gb of ram. I would like to upgrade to 4gb but have two questions..

    1. What's the model of the memory I'll need?
    2. Are there any guides (preferably video) on upgrading ram for this model? I tried looking for one on youtube and on this forum with no luck so far.

    Thanks!

    Alex
     
  2. DR650SE

    DR650SE The Whiskey Barracuda

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    You will need 204Pin DDR3 RAM 1066MHz. Since RAM only runs at 800MHz, than getting anything higher will be pointless. The most common is 1066MHz, which due to the abundance, dell uses in the M11x. You may want to just get 1066MHz, but 1333MHz will be a waste. You will also need a 2x2GB kit. What you have now is most likely 2x1GB.
     
  3. avillabon

    avillabon Notebook Evangelist

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    Thanks for the info, as for a guide, are there any out there?

    Alex
     
  4. DR650SE

    DR650SE The Whiskey Barracuda

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    Not really needed. Remove base plate, spread the clips, remove RAM, insert RAM, reattach base plate, your done.
     
  5. kent1146

    kent1146 Notebook Prophet

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    If you have ever inserted RAM into any computer or laptop before, the M11x will be very similar.

    Unscrew the bottom plate, and you'll easily figure out what you need to do from there.
     
  6. avillabon

    avillabon Notebook Evangelist

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    Did it a while ago.. I guess its the same then. Thanks

    Alex
     
  7. Name User

    Name User Notebook Consultant

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    I hope everyone knows this already, but don't install it while standing on a carpeted surface in your socks, and ground yourself by touching something metal before handling the RAM :p
     
  8. avillabon

    avillabon Notebook Evangelist

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    Good call! Thanks

    Alex
     
  9. BatBoy

    BatBoy Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Also, with the 11x, be very careful with the bottom panel screws - they (threads) can strip easily.
     
  10. unreal25

    unreal25 Capt. Obvious

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    Yes, mine took exactly 1 removal to strip 1 of the screws... nice build quality right there... But the new bottom panel is coming tomorrow.
     
  11. avillabon

    avillabon Notebook Evangelist

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    what do you mean by "strip"? :confused:

    Alex
     
  12. coriolis

    coriolis Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    The screws use a phillips head, when you 'strip' it, the groves that allow you to turn the screw get scrapped off, leaving you with a stripped screw, and you can't remove the screw.

    As mentioned above, its easy, but remember that, unlike desktop ram where its simple push and lock, you have to put it in at a 45 degree angle, lock it into place, and push it down.
     
  13. avillabon

    avillabon Notebook Evangelist

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    OHHH ok ok gotcha!

    Alex
     
  14. DR650SE

    DR650SE The Whiskey Barracuda

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    Or if you tighten them to much, they can strip the female threads that they screw into resulting in a screw that won't tighten no matter how much you turn it. A little resistance is all you need.
     
  15. BatBoy

    BatBoy Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    DR is on the money here and this is what I was talking about - Do not over tighten. If you do, the whole bottom housing will need to be replaced or use loctite. :(
     
  16. coriolis

    coriolis Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    When I got my M11x from Dell Outlet, one of the heads was pretty stripped. Had to get a friend who had this blue paste-like substance to help me remove the screw. It's out for now, need to find a replacement for it.
     
  17. unreal25

    unreal25 Capt. Obvious

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    OK not sure if stripped screw if the right word (I thought it was), but this is what I was talking about too. If the bottom panel alone doesn't seem to do it, well I don't care. I want it back the way it was. :)
     
  18. avillabon

    avillabon Notebook Evangelist

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  19. unreal25

    unreal25 Capt. Obvious

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    Also keep in mind, that some of these parts are currently on the back order. Next business day service, right? I can't see I didn't see this coming - calling their service rubbish would probably be a compliment...

    The way I tighten these crap screws is with thin screwdrivers for glasses (you can't overtighten anything with those :D ) and leave it once I feel the screw wont move back. On the other hand, if the screw has been overtightened during the assembly (like it was on mine), there's really nothing you can do except ask them for a new panel.
     
  20. avillabon

    avillabon Notebook Evangelist

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    Hey guys sorry to revive this thread.. I know its been almost 2 weeks since you guys helped me out.

    The reason im posting again is because I own an m17x r1 and I was wondering if it uses the same ram as my m11x r1? If this were the case I would purchase 8gb of ram for the m17x and transfer the 4gb it currently has to the m11x.

    I came accross this deal (see link below) and I was wondering if it is compatible.. thanks!

    Newegg.com - G.SKILL 8GB (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Laptop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-8GBSQ

    Alex
     
  21. vulpine

    vulpine Notebook Enthusiast

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    Sorry for jumping in...

    I'm just about to buy my M11x, should I just buy it with the 2gb of RAM if I plan to upgrade myself?

    Secondly, if it worth upgrading a M11x to 6 / 8gb RAM - the cost between sticking 4, 6 and 8 in is marginal with the current offers floating around, just want to know if it's worth considering? Finally, what's the best make to put into the M11x?

    Thanks in advance ;)
     
  22. Superbia

    Superbia Notebook Enthusiast

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    I ordered the 2gb and upped it to 4gb one thing which has been said before, be real careful taking the screws out the back, two of mine wore down, thankfully i found some on ebay to replace them and they didn't stick in the back plate.

    Also 4gb will be more than enough, if its a little more for extra then why not but wouldnt worry if its expencive.

    Just watch out for the screws, and make sure the screw driver your using is the correct size, i ended up having to use a tiny screw driver and a pair of pliers to get one of the worn ones out, but it was worth it for the £50 i saved.