Looking to upgrade graphics card

Hey guys, this upgrade is long over-due for my system and I don't really know how to go about it.
Alienware mx15, Intel Core i3CPU, GeForce GT240M, 4.00GB RAM. I would like to upgrade my CPU and Graphics card if possible, does anyone have any tips/links that would get me started? I would rather not spend a lot of money on this, so what is the best "bang for your buck"? I know this is a brief post, but I have no idea where to start any help would appreciated!

 

I would say, go for the Alienware 17 with a single 780m. Don't go for the 880m. Seriously, it will cause you such a headache that you'll want to get rid. I know the stock core and memory is impressive. But it really isn't running at it's advertised specifications at this current time. The 780m setup, is 100% bang for your buck.

 

Sorry, are you talking about buying the alienware mx17 laptop all-together? Would buying a whole new system be cheaper than upgrading my mx15? Or am i miss-interpreting your response?


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What is your budget? The 920xm and 8970M can the best bang for buck but they cost together 500-600 dollars. Then again you will then have a high end system that can handle anything you throw at it.

 

I would like to spend 500$ max, that said I don't mind spending the extra 100$ to get a system that will last me the next couple years. Could you elaborate more on the 920xm and 8970m? Where would I buy these, and would they fit/work in my system? Are they easy to install? I've never changed my computer hardware before, so this is all new to me.

 

eBay is your best. They both work plug and play. All you have to so is familiarise yourself on how to open the laptop which is very easy and how to change components. Look up on YouTube at m15x teardown videos 1-3 by dell themselves.


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The best one according to our manuals is the AMD 5870, but we've seen many success stories with the 7970m on that machine.

 

If it is still available, get this 8970M: AMD HD 8970M 4GB GDDR5 for Alienware 17 18 M17XR4 M18XR2 New Kit | eBay I ordered one and I'm just waiting to receive it. It is new and comes with everything you will need. It is even cheaper than the 7970M's I have seen on ebay. Quite the deal if you can catch it. I also see the Intel Core i7-920XM for sale on ebay. Here it is: Intel Core i7 920XM Extreme Edition 2 0GHz 8MB SLBLW Socket G1 CPU 3 2GHz Turbo | eBay Quite the deal at $220. Should bring your total to $520 and would be worth every penny if it worked out. I have the same combo and just waiting for their arrival to see the results. Will post here on arrival and testing. Good luck!

 

I advise waiting until gotmilk receives his and see how it works out. If successful he will report back soon.

 

Well, the 8970M seems to be working on my M15x, however some grinding may be required. You may also get away with the grinding by replacing it with different screws. Otherwise slap on some thermal pads for the IC's and ram chips, add some thermal compound for the GPU and you should be good to go with that card!