The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Want to upgrade

    Discussion in 'Alienware M15x' started by Fuzzball, Apr 17, 2011.

  1. Fuzzball

    Fuzzball Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    3
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    I bought an m15x of my brother-in-law...everything works fine but the cpu and gpu are weak. The systems runs on an i5-540 and a gt 240m. I was thinking about upgrading to a 5850 and leaving the cpu the same.

    Since I don't know much about computers, I have a few questions...

    I've been looking on sites and notice that there are different brands of 5850 for sale like ASUS and Gigabyte. Are these different brands all compatible with the m15x and do I need to look for certain specifications?

    Can the i5 processor handle the 5850?

    Will I need to update my power supply?

    Should I update the cpu instead?
     
    Fuzzball, Apr 17, 2011
    #1
  2. Laxxi

    Laxxi Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    375
    Messages:
    418
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    You definately need to update the GPU. That's the weakest option they ever offered in the M15x. And the power supply will be fine.

    REALLY you should upgrade the CPU aswell... Just because 7 is a bigger number than 5...

    :D

    But honestly, the GPU should be your first concern I think. No doubt one of the more experienced members can give you some more technical (perhaps more accurate) advice.
     
    Laxxi, Apr 17, 2011
    #2
  3. The Revelator

    The Revelator Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    5,395
    Messages:
    4,571
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    105
    The 5850M is far and away your best path to improved performance. The i5-540 should do fine, and there are no power issues involved. The best, greatly preferred, place to get the 5850M is from Dell. They are excellent, high quality cards, fully compatible with the M15x and include all the bells and whistles the card is capable of providing. Later, if you want still more performance, you can upgrade the CPU, but the GPU provides the most bang for the buck.
     
    The Revelator, Apr 17, 2011
    #3
  4. Fuzzball

    Fuzzball Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    3
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Cheers. Would love to upgrade both at once but finances won't allow it.
     
    Fuzzball, Apr 17, 2011
    #4
  5. itcomic

    itcomic Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    37
    Messages:
    154
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Upgrade 5850 n overclock it.
     
    itcomic, Apr 18, 2011
    #5
  6. Bendak

    Bendak Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    36
    Messages:
    589
    Likes Received:
    14
    Trophy Points:
    31
    The 5850 will make all the difference. Can't believe they even considered the GT240M on a 15" gaming laptop. It's a terrible card that's even weaker than the GT335M inside the M11x.
     
    Bendak, Apr 18, 2011
    #6
  7. Mexic00ls

    Mexic00ls Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    563
    Messages:
    857
    Likes Received:
    23
    Trophy Points:
    31
    Huh sure!!!!!! Lol

    U could try dell or check this forum's market place for a gpu pulled from an m15x, im sure you'll find one there
     
    Mexic00ls, Apr 18, 2011
    #7
  8. Laxxi

    Laxxi Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    375
    Messages:
    418
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Ooooooooooooooooops. Can't believe that one slipped through the net...

    :eek:
     
    Laxxi, Apr 18, 2011
    #8