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    Alienware M15x - Upgrading my CPU + GPU, Questions...

    Discussion in 'Alienware M15x' started by Crazycrossing, Dec 24, 2011.

  1. Crazycrossing

    Crazycrossing Notebook Consultant

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    Hello, I'd like to upgrade my CPU and GPU in my m15x but I have a few questions before I begin.

    I got the m15x over a year ago and it has a pretty weak processor and card in there right now it has the i5 540M and Nvidia GeForce GT240M, I'd like to upgrade both components.

    1) Is there any model of the m15x that is going to restrict my upgrade process? I'm not sure what revision of the m15x I have.

    2) What are some current recommendations to bring my machine up to current standards a bit better? I'd like to be able to play Battlefield 3 at a decent frame rate (30+).

    3) Where's the cheapest vendor to buy these parts?

    Thanks
     
  2. JohnnyFlash

    JohnnyFlash Notebook Virtuoso

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    No, as long as you have the newest BIOS update, you'll be fine.

    A 6970/6990m is the best you can do at the moment. I would change that before the CPU. However, AMD just launched the 7xxx, and the mobile variants may be close behind. If you're going to do the CPU as well, then the 920XM is probably your best bet.

    Ebay.

    Something else to consider: This going to cost you a decent chunk of change. Might be a better idea to just grab a base config P150HM or M17x R3. You'd be much better off in the long run.
     
  3. Crazycrossing

    Crazycrossing Notebook Consultant

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    A08 is the newest bio correct?
     
  4. JohnnyFlash

    JohnnyFlash Notebook Virtuoso

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    A09 is the current one.
     
  5. VoodooChild

    VoodooChild Notebook Evangelist

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    I've a Dell OEM i7 940XM from my M15x if you are interested and a GTX 460M as well... Let me know what you think. Cheers
     
  6. Trueee

    Trueee Newbie

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    Hello, I have had a m15x for around a year now, I think. Anyways my question relates to, is the m15x upgradable and if so would you upgrade this system and is it worth it. Also how would I go about upgrading it.

    Thank you in advance to anyone that answers my question!
     
  7. JohnnyFlash

    JohnnyFlash Notebook Virtuoso

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    Max CPU: 920/940XM
    Max GPU: 6970m/6990m
    Max memory 2x8GB

    Is it worth it from new, no. Buy an M17x R3.
     
  8. t_man

    t_man Notebook Geek

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  9. Crazycrossing

    Crazycrossing Notebook Consultant

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  10. Jdpurvis

    Jdpurvis Notebook Evangelist

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    As with any such project, it depends on how you want to use it. GPU upgrade will improve gaming more than CPU upgrade. The ATI cards are faster for gaming, but you may want Nvidia if you do video editing because they work better with Adobe's video editing software. An m15x with upgraded CPU/GPU and 6 GB ram is a pretty fast machine, and the upgrades would cost substantially less than a new machine. However, the m17x r3, and m18x are clearly faster machines.

    Let us know what you decide - there's lots of help here if you decide to upgrade.

    Good luck,

    Joe
     
  11. csin

    csin Notebook Consultant

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    The other option is a refurbed machine from the outlet. They are substantialy cheaper than retail and come with the same warranty options.
     
  12. Elemeno

    Elemeno Newbie

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    So I want to finally upgrade my M15x laptop that I've had for almost 2 years. I definitely need a new graphics card and want to upgrade to an i7, but I want to know what exactly would be possible to upgrade. I've read about people putting in 470m into an m15x but what is really recommended for someone that has no idea how to do any of this? I'll post my specs and I hope there are some of you out there that can help!

    Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i3 CPU M330
    @2.13GHz 2.13GHz
    6.00 GB of RAM
    64 Bit Operating system
    Nvidia 240m

    Thanks for the help guys!

    Edit: I was thinking of getting a gtx 560m, what do you guys think?
     
  13. djan84

    djan84 Notebook Consultant

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  14. khetik

    khetik Notebook Deity

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    For the cpu, the best jump would be to the i7-920xm. The gpu upgrade, go for gtx 560m if you want to stick with nvidia. If you want the strongest upgrade go for either the 6970m/6990m.

    The 920xm would cost about $250-$300.
    The 6970m/6990m would be in the range of $325-$450.

    Another great upgrade would be from an hdd to an ssd, and for that a great ssd would be Crucial M4.
     
  15. khetik

    khetik Notebook Deity

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    If you are going to buy another 4gb stick, match it to the frequency/timings to the current stick you have, but brand doesnt matter. Do this if you want proper dual channel. As for thermal pads get the fujipoly .5mm or 1mm pads from frozencpu.
     
  16. Elemeno

    Elemeno Newbie

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    I heard there were some downsides to having an ssd instead of an hdd, is it true? Like there was risk involved or some crap.
     
  17. djan84

    djan84 Notebook Consultant

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    I got ssd for over 2 years now. As long as you got one with TRIM function, you will be fine. Otherwise, performance will drop overtime.
     
  18. Elemeno

    Elemeno Newbie

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    Selling that i7 and graphics card? I'm interested in both, but is the 560xm better? Let me know how much and details please!
     
  19. djan84

    djan84 Notebook Consultant

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    Comparasion is attached. Depending on the price you shall decide which one to get.
     

    Attached Files:

  20. katalin_2003

    katalin_2003 NBR Spectre Super Moderator

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    Transactions should take place in the Marketplace.
    Make sure you read the stickies first.

    Thank you
     
  21. Crazycrossing

    Crazycrossing Notebook Consultant

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    So far I've ordered the ATI 6990m and I'm waiting on it. I also ordered thermal pads, arctic remover, and the arctic mx4 thermal paste. I've read over documentation and I already did a full strip down of my computer earlier today to familiarize myself with it and clean it out before my order arrives. Since this is my first time doing this I just want to clarify some things...

    Few more questions,

    1) I've ordered thermal pads 1mm ( Here), but I see in this picture

    http://forum.notebookreview.com/att...4d1278143713-m15x-ati-5870-mod-5870padsv2.jpg

    Of a 5870 that most of them are .5mm? Can I still use the 1mm or do I have to order another pad of .5mm? Also is there a picture related for a 6990m card of where to put the fresh thermal pads?

    2) With the thermal paste is the best method to do the grain of "rice" I saw that mentioned in a video on Newegg seemed to make sense to me?

    3) I currently have a nvidia 240M right now guessing that the x bracket is going to be slightly different than the one for the 6990m that I ordered from table21(don't believe it's coming with an xbracket), any tips when doing it this way?

    4) Anything else I need to know?