Help customizing M17x

I am getting ready to purchase a new Alienware M17x and need some help customizing it. I am looking to get some of the must have upgrades and get the best value for my dollar. Any suggestions or discussion would be greatly appreciated.

I am undecided on the following

Processor

Core 2 Duo

• P8600 2.4GHz (3MB Cache, 1066MHz FSB) Included in Price
• P8700 2.53GHz (3MB Cache, 1066MHz FSB) add $50
• T9600 2.8GHz (6MB Cache, 1066MHz FSB) add $200
• T9800 2.93GHz (6MB Cache, 1066MHz FSB) add $450

Core 2 Quad

• Q9000 2.0GHz (6MB Cache, 1066MHz FSB) add $250
• Q9100 2.26GHz (12MB Cache, 1066MHz FSB) add $800

Core 2 Extreme

• QX9300 2.53GHz (12MB Cache, 1066MHz FSB) add $1,000

GPU

• GTX 260M, 1GB Included in Price
• HD 4870 add $300
• GTX 260M, 2GB – SLI® Enabled add $300
• GTX 280M, 2GB – SLI® Enabled add $600
• ATI CrossFireX™ – Dual 1GB ATI Radeon™ Mobility HD 4870 add $700

Memory
1066MHz Memory

• 4GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1066MHz Included in Price
• 6GB DDR3 at 1066MHz add $300
• 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1066MHz add $700

1333MHz Memory

• 4GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1333MHz add $50
• 6GB DDR3 at 1333MHz add $400
• 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1333MHz add $800

Hard Drive
Single Drive

• 250GB 7,200RPM w/ Free Fall Protection Included in Price
• 320GB 7,200RPM w/ Free Fall Protection add $25
• 500GB 7,200RPM w/ Free Fall Protection add $75
• 640GB 5400RPM add $130
• 128GB Solid State Drive add $200
• 256GB Solid State Drive add $400

Raid 0 Performance

• 320GB - 2x 160GB 7,200RPM - RAID 0 add $50
• 640GB - 2x 320GB 7,200RPM - RAID 0 add $100
• 1TB - 2x 500GB 7,200RPM - RAID 0 add $150
• 512GB - 2x 256GB Solid State Drive - RAID 0 add $800

Raid 1 Protection

 

we need more info then that. How much do you want to spend and what will you be using the unit for.

I would get 4870x2 p8700 1920*1200 blu ray writer.

then I would get a CPU from some where else(qx9300)

 

I'd get P8600. You can upgrade to QX9300 later for $500.
Definitely get SLI or CrossFireX. Choose one you can afford.
GPUs are more expensive to upgrade later. So, you wanna get the best you can.
and the 1200p screen is a must.

 

What is the procedure for upgrading to a QX9300 and what is the performance boost for doing so?

 

You can buy an OEM from HP for $502.
After that follow Moo's guide to CPU changing.
You will pretty much have to open up the whole system.
I upgraded my proc like two days ago.

The performance boost? I notice games run smoother. If you do video editing and stuffs, you'll notice more performance boost.

 

How will upgrading to the QX9300 effect Dell's warranty because I plan on getting the 4 year warranty.

 

It won't affect the warranty in anyway as long as you don't damage something while installing.

 

Would I have to change back to the orginal processor if I needed any warranty work? Just say I changed the processor and the GPU failed, would I need to go back to the original processor before I have Dell repair the GPU.

 

I'm not totally sure, but from what I've heard, as long as you get an OEM, it should be no problem. I'm still keeping my old proc just in case though.