How to change your M17x CPU Guide

No, at least not if you prefer high image quality. I'd wait for the AMD/ATi 5xxx mobile series or perhaps the mobile Fermi series. That might tide you over for three years of gaming.
The GTX280 SLI setup is already struggling in some games with highest details and the architecture is outdated (it's the G92b architecture, same as GeForce 9800 and 8800 cards, not the GT200 architecture used on GTX 280 desktop cards). If you wanted to buy a laptop now, you'd likely be better off with a AMD/ATi 4870 Crossfire setup. But if you can wait, I'd suggest to wait for the new cards to be available.
Same for the CPUs, actually, some newer high-end mobile Core i7s might be a good idea, too. But of course, only if you don't need a laptop urgently.
Of course, you might be able to upgrade to a better video card later, but it'll certainly be expensive, if it will even be possible on the M17x.

That's just my opinion, of course.

 

Most of what you just said is not acurate....the GTX 280m in SLI is plenty for all modern games (even crysis - just not maxed out) and will be fine for years to come. And they are G92b, NOT G98b (not sure there ever was a G98 core)

And the CPU is no where near being a bottleneck and will be more than sufficient for 3 years.

 

Hey guys has anyone had success in installing a q9200?

I saw this listing http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/INTEL-CORE-QU...aptopMotherboards_CPUs_CA?hash=item20ae9abc05

and was wondering whether it would work in my m17x or need some sort of bios flash.

 

Yes they work

 

thanks, seems like a pretty good deal then.

Any rough idea on OC'ing? Thanks for help

 

3.0 ghz ish all varies

 

Ok cool. Cheers for your help

 

So whats the better deal, this of ebay or an oem qx9300 for twice the money from HP?

 

this unless your into benchmarking

 

Saw this on Ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/New-Intel-Qua...43QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCPUs?hash=item3ca87e0103

But Shirley say it's no good in Dell/AW.

Any idea what that means?

 

there are members here with them in their laptops and they work but I like her cannot guarantee anything

 

In The Moo we trust.

I just might pull the trigger.
This is getting silly, i've got 2 SSD's and maybe soon a new processor.

Now i just need the laptop.. :-D

 

great work man, keep it up

 

Thank you.....

 

What would be safe territory for OC'ing a q9000 for continual gaming use?

 

Every chip is differant, OC the FSB and try it, if you blue screen or freeze go lower until you find something that works. I have a p8600 that I can't get stable above about 2.7GHz from 2.4 stock, and I've seen others be stable at 3.1GHz. I just didn't get as lucky. Just keep trying it. Probably at least 2.3GHz for the Q9000 I would think

 

Ok thanks mate will do!

 

Honestly as high as you can get it

 

I hit 3.3

 

Most people don't have the laptop sitting on an AC unit Moo

 

on a P8600 or a Q9000?

 

He has a P8600.

 

yup p8600

i pushed it to 1333 in the bios then i think 354 or 360 out side of bios in NST. But its completely unstable ..... i should try mandrakes trick and running it cooler

 

The "trick" is really to help prevent BSODs because of the proc.

 

.... ill try tonight after i meet witcher

i have to drive 100 miles there 100 miles back 50 miles to my brothers then 50 miles home then build a computer and then drive 20 miles to the fiances to give it to her !

 

maybe meet witcher half way somewhere? that is a lot of driving!

Stay safe

 

we are meeting halfway its 250 miles drive total for us

 

wowzers!

You all really want to meet up!

 

im bored and have the day off ....

Plus I like to say its for NBR

 

wanted to ask one question - what about static protection? should i ground myself or just wear anti static gloves during these operations?

 

I could only get it to 3.2. I will give NST a try.

 

ground yourself, no gloves. You could always get an anti-static pad.

 

how should i ground myself? and what is anti-static pad looks like?

 

It better to ground yourself with a grounding wrist strap which you connect to metal. A grounding pad is similar but you just keep your feet on it.

Edit: Here' one at newegg but it doesn't actually show the pic of the pad. LINK

 

Great guide Moo, got the QX in without a hitch following your guide on my other laptop as I followed the instructions. +1

 

Where can I buy a Intel Core 2 Quad QX9300 - cheap

 

HP Parts store $502.55 + S/H, cheap as it's going to get

Part number: 507946-001

 

has anyone tore apart an r2 yet? is it any different. and would upgrading my 720 to an 920 void my warranty if i done it myself?? or got a dell person to do it

they are selling for 600 aud wich i think is very good considering its 1600 aud from dell :<

will it void warranty on the entire system or just the cpu?

 

Think of it in this perspective to answer your question -

If you fry the system installing a CPU - your system is not going to be fixed by Dell.

If you perform the upgrade and have no issues and the CPU fries later, well - its not the original 720 so Dell is not going to cover the 920.

If all is fine and then your HDD or another component fails, its covered.

Basically, Dell is not going to cover an aftermarket part or damage to a stock component during the course of owner install. If you damage the system in the process they will not cover and it shouldn't be expected.

This applies to normal warranty work as well. Say your GPU(s) fail and die. You contact Dell and report the issue. They determine the GPU(s) need to be replaced. you can opt to have the parts sent to you for install however if you damage the system in the process they will not cover it. Why they send a tech in the first place for warranty work.


Hope this helps.

 

ahk, i see i just got told by 1 rep that if i changed even a hard drive to an ssd ive voided the warranty of my entire laptop, then i got told by another that i can swap any part i want too its MY laptop!

bit confused but that has helped me a lot, previous laptop manufacturer's told me if i even opened it up the warranty is totally void

would there be a risk installing an CPU from eBay, if so would it fry my system?

also when replacing the CPU how would you get the old thermal paste off the heat sink and north bridge?
is it worth buying better thermal compound or just getting what normally comes with the i7's? will it make a difference ?

 

For the thermal paste application q, you'll find numerous tutorials via Google on how to apply and many have detailed images/videos. Its worth researching. The same goes for compound. Everyone has a personal preference. Many here prefer OCZ Freeze. I myself favor Arctic Cooling's MX-3. Some just use ArcticSilver 5. There are many to choose from - do some homework and I think you'll be happy with your choice.

The M17x R2 does not yet have a service manual up on Dell's Support site however the M17x R1 Manual is close enough I believe. Pair this with Moo's excellent documentary video and you should be good to go.

As for eBay - I don't know. I prefer OEM CPUs. You never know what you are getting via eBay. If you do go the eBay route - be sure to use a reputable dealer.

 

there is a very very reputable CPU seller on eBay at the moment and a friend put an qx9300 in his laptop

might give him a go once i get some $$ coming my way from my refund from dell :>

 

I'd like to comment that on both the R-1 and R-2, I had a heck of a time (and probably bent some of the plastic nubs underneath) getting the palmrest/touchpad panel back into place. Did anyone else have a similar isssue?

 

@ZenithNoesis

For the palmrest you have to make sure the little pastic pieces at the bottom are aligned with the corresponding slots in the aluminum tray. Then press slightly downward as you slide it forward. Place your fingers over the plastic "hooks" when you slide it forward so they clear the aluminm tray and slide into place. If you encouter resistance your probably doing it wrong, you need to try something else. Nothing should have to be forced.

 

Going to watch Moo's video tonite probably three times and hopefully all goes well monday when my M17x goes under the knife for QX9300 swap...thanks DR650SE for the thermal paste, man that would of took some time to order and get it to iraq.

 

Thanks man, Hope you enjoy that CPU too. A shippment from new egg woulda taken almost 2 weeks. Can't beat free MPS shipping, especially when your down the road. 2 Days isn't too bad.

 

Well I'm glad to say that I have completed the CPU swap from p8600 to the QX9300. I was surprised, how fast I completed the swap, props to Moo for the guide. oh and dragon age is playing wonderfullly now.

 

good to hear

Enjoy it now

 

Yeah will be ordering a 920xm in the future and this guide is saved on my current lappy mwahahah i caint wait to install it !

 

So, i have a M17x (i believe r1) i got it the second day the M17x came out. It has the integrated nvidia 730i motherboard and the GTX 260m. I got it with windows vista x64. My school offered us windows 7 for $30, i couldnt pass up the deal so i got it. With windows 7, hybrid graphics is not supported, and only my intergrated card worked. Dell(why did they have to buy Alienware, by the way?) was absolutely no help because i so called broke warranty by installing a new OS without them.

So, I tried to find help, no one could help me, so I am turning to you guys, is there a way to get it back? I am willing to do anything, even if it requires disposal of my integrated card. I am willing to flash the new revision bios, if possible, I don't care, i just want my powerful graphics card back.

For the time being I am back using Vista and I feel like i got screwed by both companies, neither wants to work with me.

any help would be greatly appreciated

or a point in the right direction to where i should be asking.