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    Alienware Compatibility

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by Jasongook13, Jan 20, 2010.

  1. Jasongook13

    Jasongook13 Newbie

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    I currently purchased an Alienware Aurora M9700. I got it for $100 (really). Some kid didn't know what he had. Every works great on this system and am currently going for upgrades. The Alienware has two HDD slots and there is a 160GB and the other is empty, I want to put two 500GB that are 7200, but the only one's I can find for this specific computer are only 320GB at 7200. There are 500GB 7200 for sale but are specified for other alienware laptops. What HDD are compatible with this model. Also, If anyone has any upgrade requests that are you think I should go with, please give me your opinion.

    Currently: AMD Turion 2.0GHz Single Core
    Dual Nvidia 7900 GS without SLI cable option
    2GB DDR 400

    Thank you!!
     
    Jasongook13, Jan 20, 2010
    #1
  2. Uroboros

    Uroboros Notebook Evangelist

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    Upgrade the ram to 4 or 6 gb and see if you can get a GPU upgrade. I think that you probably have MXM 2.1 so finding a card might be a challenge. I think 3870's will work. What do you mean with no SLI cable option? The CPU might be a bottleneck and I'm not sure what the best CPU that fits your chipset is, I'm sure you can find it on google.
     
    Uroboros, Jan 21, 2010
    #2
  3. DR650SE

    DR650SE The Whiskey Barracuda

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    As far as HDDs go, any 2.5" drive will work. Here is a link to a site that may be helpful
     
    DR650SE, Jan 21, 2010
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  4. Wattos

    Wattos Notebook Deity

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    According to the specs, the max ram is already at 2Gb. You might be able to update the gfx card as mentioned. The easiest update will most likely be the HDD.

    I guess if you update the HDD (makes sure the Bios supports the size you want to buy) you can use it as a media center I guess
     
    Wattos, Jan 21, 2010
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  5. Jasongook13

    Jasongook13 Newbie

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    How would I check the HDD Bios to find what max/size I can go with?
    Will the 2GB of gaming RAM that Alienware sells make any difference than the 2GB I already have?
     
    Jasongook13, Jan 22, 2010
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  6. cookinwitdiesel

    cookinwitdiesel Retired Bencher

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    The HDD should take any SATA 2.5"

    As for the RAM, 2 GB sounds right for the max on a notebook of that era

    For the video card you are most likely going to max out at a 7950 GTX. I highly doubt the system bios will accept a 3870. It was luck that the M9750 could. Get a good WUXGA screen in that though ;)

    I have the best WUXGA screen money can buy for sale if you are interested. Good price too ;)
     
    cookinwitdiesel, Jan 22, 2010
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  7. Jasongook13

    Jasongook13 Newbie

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    I might be interested in the screen. However, I may need some education on why it would be a good idea for me to do so. I think I currently have 1440/?. Not sure exactly cuz I am on my HP at the moment. I still would like to know where (in bios setup) I can find out how big of hard drive I can go with.
     
    Jasongook13, Jan 22, 2010
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  8. Jasongook13

    Jasongook13 Newbie

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    Oh, and I took the bottom cover off the M9700; one graphics card has the SLI connector and the daughter graphics card doesn't. What the heck?
     
    Jasongook13, Jan 22, 2010
    #8