Do the m18x r2 and m17x r4 have the same upgrade options?

I looked through the forum and it seems that both models support
a CPU @3.8GHZ
and
GTX 1070m.

Is the only difference between the two that one has a bigger screen while the other supports 3D?

 

Regarding CPUs they support the same, but with the GPU-support they differ a bit: the m18x would run the 1070 only in Optimus mode and 60 Hz Screen, while the m17x would only do discrete with the 120 Hz Screen, iirc.

 

I think I even read somewhere that the 1080 might fit into the m17x r4, but properly not work properly.
I guess one can say the m18x r2 "wins" so to say by a little?

 

No, Optimus costs ~10-15% performance loss. I personally also prefer the m17x due to the easier access to all the main and important components.

Yes the 1080 hasn't been fit yet to run 100% properly, due to vBIOS flaws and power supply problems.

 

thank you.
So it really seems that you only pay more for the m18x r2 due to the screen being bigger. This is a little annyoing.

But on the other hand you lose the option of 3D, using a 1070 if I understood that correctly. Except of course you run a second 3D supporting GPU, which I do not think is possible.

SO basically:
CPU:3940XM (for both)
GPU: GTX 1070 (for both but runs better in the m17x r4)
Screen:18 > 17(but 120hz and 3D compatible)

Maybe I should sell the m18x r2 and only use m17x r4. On the other hand is the big screen quite nice... hmm

 

3d option's only possible up to 880m in the m17x r4, and running a second GPU's not possible.

 

thank you for clarifying that matter. It still bothers me little , that the m18x r2 is at a hardware disadvantage. If I only use the m17xr4 for 3D matters it might justify keeping the m18x despite the throttled GPU use.
Maybe a future GPU release is compatible with the m18x given it an advantage, but then it would be compatible with the m17x as well though.

 

Reaching the CPU and GPU in the m18x is a pain in the a*s every time, imo, compared to the m17x.

 

OK, I convinced myself to keep the m18x r2 as a power machine and m17x r3 (it wasn't a r4 after I checked again) for fancy 3D action.

Properly going for the following:

m18 xr2:
CPU: 3940xm (especially after finding out about the 4.5-4.7Ghz overcklocking possibilities from the other thread)
GPU: Gtx 1060 (since a throttled 1070 will likely just give me the same as a 1060 , for a higher price)

m17x r3:
CPU: 2920 xm (the r3 motherboard should support the second generation and since this one is unlocked some nice overcklocking should be possible, unless there other, more powerful options, I am not aware of)

GPU: GTX 880m (based on your information ,thanks, keeping the stereoscopic 3d aspect and gaining more power and seeing a video on youtube showing the possibility of putting it into a r3 :
)


I hope my thought process makes sense, If I did something wrong please shout, would be shame investing that kind of money just to find out it does not work.

 

1070 beats the 1060 in every aspect as it's bout 30 (-35%) more powerful.

Ok, as you have a m17x r3, that changes the game a little bit.
In the r3, 3d is limited to 680m as far as I know. Every card beyond that will need an unlocked BIOS and also need a deactivation of the internal sound chip (IDT), as there are compatibility issues. Also note that the 880m is a heavily overclocked 780m, which thus is known for overheating and throttling.

There also is the 2960xm CPU.

 

With the power difference that big(1060 ->1070) it really makes sense to go for that one. Thank you for pointing that one out. I had the feeling the throttle of the 1070 in a m18x r2 wouldn't
be worth the trouble.
And also reminding me of the 2960xm ,thanks.

I have no problem flashing the BIos, but If 3D isn't possible, then I would go past my initial goal.

Also I would like to avoid overheating (GPU) if possible and even though the 780m is more powerful than the 680m , including the cost and hassle of replacing the motherboard, to a r4 one, I just go or that one.

So 1060 is replaced for 1070
880m for the 680m ( even though I would still like to wait and look for others experience regarding r3 3D use, since you weren't sure about it)
and maybe 2960 xm for the m17x r3

Thansk a lot for your time. my only concern is how far I can go GPU wise, while keeping the 3D aspect or I just try to find a cheap r4 motherboard. (But would would it be really worth investing in it to jump to the 880m?)

 

120HZ is still possible, its just that the 3D aspect of it is lost with GPU upgrades, it was a marketing failure to get people to buy into 3d glasses.

 

thanks. I know 3D seems not as successfull as vr, but 3D really clicked for me and I would like to keep it as a feature when upgrading.

Now that i think about it, wouldnt the m18x r2 upgrade I have in mind make it vr readyß Or is the throttled gtx 1070 not enough?

 

Afaik a 750 ti can run VR if you push it hard enough, so a throttled 1070 should be more than enough, given you're running it on a external display

 

thank you very much. Now I only need to find the proper components for a favourably price.

 

M18x R2 has no power limits, M17x has hard 55W power limit I believe, so you will not be able to hit the same CPU speeds as m18x

 

Good to know thank you

 

Hey M18x-oldie,
Could you please tell me step by step to upgrade from 680m to 980m?I have same machine with 120hz 3D display and Window 10. From my own search, I'm gonna need windows set up in UEFI with fast and secure boot disabled.
Thanks
Duck

 

Install the latest unlocked BIOS. Install windows in UEFI mode with fast boot enabled and secure boot disabled.

Go to BIOS, make sure the GPU configuration is set to PEG (for 120Hz display) or SG (for 60hz display).

Turn off computer, swap to 980M.

 

Thanks so much ssj92. I just ordered 1 980m from woodzstark.

Is the upgrade path same for Alienware 17 r1 ranger?

 

So I got all components, but had found out , that I do not have a triple heat sink.

This is the one I should get, right?
https://www.ebay.de/itm/Dell-Alienw...065759?hash=item3b2a4268df:g:JfIAAOSwwPRcWyDk

CPU heat sinks are also available in a triple version? Then I should properly get one for teh CPU, too.