M15X - Need advice from the experts.

Hi everyone,

I have an M15X and I'd like to upgrade it if possible. What are the best specs I could get? Current configuration below.

CURRENTLY HAS

i7 X 940 2.13 Ghz. - What can this be upgraded to that would not take a master technical effort?

8.00 GB Ram - what can this go up to with current processor? How much could I put in with a new processor?

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260M - what is the max you can put in now? 1070M? 980M?

Has a 500 GB drive - Can I replace this with an SSD drive? If so, how big?

Thanks in advance for the help. This is more for fun, cost isn't too important, I'm more curious how far we can I upgrade this machine.

 

i7-940XM is the best CPU available for this computer. Overclock it with ThrottleStop to at least 25x multiplier on all cores for everyday gaming. Overclocking the CPU is the *key* to making this machine not starve a top in graphics card.

16GB (2x 8GB) is the max it can take as far as we know. There are 16GB DIMMs out there, but they are expensive. The BIOS will not report that 16GB is installed, but the machine will boot and run with 16GB. The operating system will recognize 16GB and use it as well.

GTX 970M is really the top card that can go in the M15x. The 980M will fit, but will run way too hot and will throttle. No point in running a 980M. 1070M will not fit and it requires a different video connection that is not present in these machines. Another option is the Quadro M4000M. I have one in my machine and it runs about the same as the 970M. The 970M has 6GB VRAM and the M4000M has 4GB VRAM. There is more support for the 970M in the form of VBIOS updates. You will have to modify the INF file to install the drivers for the card. It sounds daunting however it isn't too bad.

The 500GB HDD can be replaced with any size SSD you wish. Note that the interface is SATA II so you will never get the full potential of the SSD. That being said it makes HUGE difference in the way the machine feels.

After you have done these changes you will find the 150w power supply will trip out due to the load. Buy a Dell Slim 240w power supply, turn off the A/C adapter warning in the BIOS and it will work perfectly with no modifications.

Cheers!

 

Thank you for the great response! Where can I buy the 970m? I've searched and can only find whole computers with it already in them. For the 8 gb DIMM chips, will the Apple ones work from Crucial?

Will this work even though or is for an M17?

6GB Nvidia GeForce GTX 970M Upgrade Kit for Alienware 17 (R4)

Thanks again for the help.

 

You are welcome.

Rjtech has the 970M in stock for $460. Get the Non G-sync version.
http://rjtech.com/shop/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=30307

Or try to snipe one on ebay.

Or contact @woodzstack to see if he has any left.

Or check the NBR Marketplace for a used one.

I wouldn't bet money on the Apple ones working. They might. Just get any DDR3 RAM that is cheap. It will clock down to the the required speed. There are threads on these forums that deal with the specifics of the RAM issue.

It will if it isn't a G-sync version. If it is, no dice.

 

this is what your link pointed to :

add the screws for 5$ too...




I give that and thermal pads and any extra help, and warranty is a limited warranty for life of the card, with 90 days guarantee money back instead with me.
Shipping is fast and cheap too, as i use a 40% discounted cost service, and pass the savings on to my customers - and it's fast.

I can beat that price hands down, on a new card. @Karmix if you finish your profile on NBR and start a conversation with me, I would be happy to offer my services, and we can go over them when we chat.
Welcome to NBR btw,

 

I knew I could draw you out!

 

Haven't seen you in ages, I think... how are you ?

 

Good! I have moved to a desktop. Still have my P170SM-A that I use when I travel. Looks like you have been BUSY!

 

Yeah that's an understatement, turns out there's a need for my services.

 

That is a good problem to have.

 

Can't complain