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    Upgrade question

    Discussion in 'Alienware M15x' started by gearek, Aug 8, 2014.

  1. gearek

    gearek Newbie

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    Hey, I know im probably not asking anything new, but in all my google searching, I couldn't find the definitive answer.

    My m15x is getting pretty old these days, with a I7 740 and a 5850m, and 6GB of ram.

    After the research I've done it seems like my best options are the 920xm and the 7970m. Now heres my question, is it required that I use a different PSU/adapt for my laptop? I am using the stock 150w. I know some people use the 240 or the 210s from dell etc. Most of their guides are from 2011-2013 era.

    Also, what is the max speed I can put for ram into the laptop, the 1000mhz ram could use an upgrade as well.

    Thanks!
     
    gearek, Aug 8, 2014
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  2. djboz

    djboz Notebook Consultant

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    If you don't plan any major overclocking the 150w PSU will work fine with the 920xm and 7970m. Run it at stock speeds and you will not need to upgrade your PSU.
     
    djboz, Aug 9, 2014
    #2
  3. King of Interns

    King of Interns Simply a laptop enthusiast

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    Ram can only be at maximum 1333mhz in the m15x. However you can put up to 16gb inside. 2x 8gb.modules if you need that much ram.
     
    King of Interns, Aug 9, 2014
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  4. Alienware-L_Porras

    Alienware-L_Porras Company Representative

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    It would be better to have a bigger one just in case, but it should run well with the 150W one.
     
    Alienware-L_Porras, Aug 13, 2014
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  5. King of Interns

    King of Interns Simply a laptop enthusiast

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    I would recommend the 240w slimline flextronics psu. Also Iam selling a 7970m in the marketplace here at a bargain price :)

    I would also recommend installing matching size memory modules eg 2x 4gb or 2x 8gb. Should increase ram bandwidth a little.
     
    King of Interns, Aug 15, 2014
    #5
  6. fatboyslimerr

    fatboyslimerr Alienware M15x Fanatic

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    Isn't the Delta 240W PSU, whilst bulkier, much better quality and better able to exceed 240W with a greater overhead?
     
    fatboyslimerr, Aug 15, 2014
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  7. King of Interns

    King of Interns Simply a laptop enthusiast

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    Wow I didn't know there was a chunky monkey version. Yes absolutely I would choose that!!
     
    King of Interns, Aug 15, 2014
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  8. gotmilk70

    gotmilk70 Notebook Consultant

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    Isn't the Delta 240W PSU, whilst bulkier, much better quality and better able to exceed 240W with a greater overhead?

    Second that, didn't know they had that version. I will look into getting that one!

    As for the OP, You can put in up to MAX 16GB 1333Mhz ram. I would suggest getting the Crucial Ballistix Sport 1600Mhz 16GB set. That set uses Micron RAM and are solid champs! They will downclock fine and will have faster timings. I have it in my build and it's fast!
     
    gotmilk70, Aug 16, 2014
    #8
  9. thehunterooo

    thehunterooo Notebook Consultant

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    +1 on the 920xm (get an OEM chip if you can, I had a ES one and I had some problems after a while with it). The 940xm is still really expensive.
     
    thehunterooo, Aug 20, 2014
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