How to validate Upgrade components bought from sources that not AW

Lots of debate is always created on what can be upgraded, how, what and what does not void warranty. The strong point about AW's laptop market is their increasing upgradability.

To my knowledge, on the current state of laptops (like the M15x that I own) you are allowed to substitute HDD and RAM without voiding the Warranty. I'm assuming you can also substitue Wireless cards, BD/DVD drives, Intel Turbo Memory, etc... without voiding warranty.
I assume that substituting CPU and GPU can't be done if these components are not bought directly from AW.

Whatever the case might be, here's what people should do when upgrading components:

 

So, here's my first question to AW's representantives on the Forum:

Is the following kit validated for the M15x?

Crucial 2-2GB 200 PIN S0DIMM 256MX64 DDR2 PC2-5300 DUAL DIE
Kit No: CT2KIT25664AC667.000

 

milcs,

Unfortunately, this is not validated by our engineers.

Please keep in mind that while specifications may match what the system can support, validated items are tested by our System Engineers to guarantee compatibility. For full information on validated items for your specific system models, we strongly recommend contacting our Technical Support teams prior to purchasing your upgrades:

US/Canada Technical Support
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Phone: 866-287-6727
Email: [email protected]

International/UK Technical Support
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Email Technical Support : [email protected]

UK Freephone*: 0800-279 9751
Austria Freephone*: 0800 677 194
Belgium Freephone*: 0800 49 785
France Freephone*: 08 05 11 37 01
Germany Freephone*: 0800 100 5079
Netherlands Freephone*: 0800 023 3499
Spain Freephone*: 800 099 942
Switzerland Freephone*: 0800 000 971
International: 00353 906 456 501

 

Hi,
Just for my records, is any crucial memory Alienware approved???

Gabe

 

So... which memory is validated? I was under the impression Crucial and Corsair were amongst the highest performing and highest quality memory you could get.

 

Validated memory is a load of crap, unless you’re getting like A-DATA or PQI memory. It's just as absurd for a laptop as it is for a desktop. If you've ever built your own computer I'm sure you're familiar with the QVL list for memory. I've never looked at the lists and I haven't ever had any problems. I'm not sure yet what mfg AW uses for their memory but if you want to be safe stick with whoever they use.

 

I think Alienware trying to save there Rears.

 

Given the number of third party solutions, we understand how appealing it may be to purchase a component in hopes of adding additional performance. We are enthusiasts at heart, and challenge ourselves everyday in providing the best configuration possible. Having said this, the use of a third party solution(s) may compromise our engineering tolerances. In short: this may lead to sub-par performance, an overall poor experience with the system, and support.

Please keep in mind there are many factors to consider, and not everyone may find the same solution or value added by installing additional memory. Before considering the purchase of any component, be it third party or Alienware, we recommend calling Alienware first.

Note: In the event the system requires servicing, the original configuration is required unless components are upgraded through Alienware. For additional information please refer to Alienware KB: 109

 

I'm feeling a bit confused here.

I have emails from CS stating that putting 3rd party software (RAM and HDD) does not void any warranty (but that these products won't be covered by the warranty... as it's obvious).

On the other hand, now this "validated components" was just thrown out here without much of an explanation.

Nevertheless, to avoid problems and complications... could Alienware kindly provide us with the list of components that are used by AW itself (the manufactureres for RAM and HDDs that Alienware uses on the M15x), so that users might upgrade their laptops?

That's all we are asking. A list with the "validated components" used on the M15x so that users can upgrade their laptops themselves.

 

Agreed AtolSammeek -/

Instead of going through overclockers.uk I went through Crucial and the actual description of the item reads (even though it was a little bit more expensive - guess it was a peace of mind thing - even if it does/or doesn't work out) "Upgrade for a Alienware AREA-51 m15x System 2-2 gb 200PIN DDR2 SODIMM Unbuff PC2-6400 Kit of 2 CT25664AC800.16FE"

As I haven't received my laptop yet - I cannot confirm if this works, but if "some" (HDD - RAM - etc) of the parts on the m15x actually had even "close to competitive prices on it" none of us would even be looking at third party options now would we?

 

I've got some update from AW's reps in UK. A big thank you to them.

Here is part of the email I've received. I hope it will help people on deciding about upgrades:

"With regard to a possible upgrade, Alienware validated components may be supported by phone support. This does not void the system warranty, unless physical damage takes place or the original configuration fails to function. Third party components that are not validated by Alienware will not be supported by phone support and may void the system warranty. When sending your system back for repairs, the original configuration is required. All third party hardware must be removed prior to sending the system back to our depot.



In order to assist your inquiry on the validated parts, below is memory and HD description and MFG Part number for the 4GB module:



Memory

Y9540 C-DIE QIMONDA 2GB DDR2 PC5300 SO-DIMM

HYS64T256020EDL-3S-C



Hard Drive

MOBL-HD320GB72SATASG

SEAGATE 320GB 7200RPM 16MB SATA HDD"

 

That why I tested my hardware in a differnt system. So I am saving my rear end.

I love my setups but I dont want them to blem any problems on my self.

 

You know speaking as someone shopping for a new laptop ATM and strongly considering a M15X, the real problem is not what memory people can purchase but that the price for this upgrade is so ridiculously overpriced that people can save 150$+ even when you consider the cost of the 1GB you end up replacing and never using.

Raise the base price on the system if you have to but keep the price on the individual components competitive so people don't have to do this in the first place.

It's a major factor that's keeping me from pulling the plug on ordering a m15x right now. Well one of them anyways...

 

I saved a little more than 300 bucks by just upgrading the RAM and the hdd by myself (plus I can put the 1gb RAM in my old e1505 and the hdd in my ps3 )

 

anyone upgrade the dvd/cd drive to blu-ray...maybe this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136137

 

You cannot put a 5.25" desktop drive in a notebook.

 

Dang Greg you beat me to it.


The only way you can use the 5.25 desktop drive is build external case and have it run with usb plug

 

just numbers...no names...

 

i wonder, how similar are the SB cages for optical drives and hard drives?

 

is corsair ram validated?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145172

4gigs of above ram: $86

4 gigs of alienware ram: $350

 

so what is the validated memory?

 

you'll have to call AW and inquire about a specific model number. not that this actually matters... any matching RAM will work in the m15x

 

this pseudo validating is just a way to make AW get more money! I won't use those validate crap. I known what I want in MY notebook.
They have no moral whatsoever in telling what we can put or not. ram can cause heat issues??!? ? they send notebooks with stickers on the GPU cooler!

 

maybe you should take a break from posting on the forums since you cant seem to be helpful.

 

Just wondering besides the AW reps are there other members that work for a computer company that can can understand why AW and other computer company's state what they do the validation process? I know HP and Dell both say the same thing about the validation thing on 3rd party componits. I do work for a computer company and can tell you it is not just away for AW and other manufacvters to make money. I buy memory for a computer company and can tell you what is being stated is not BS. It is real. When you buy the memory from the manufacture it costs more because of all the pilots and quals to make sure there are no issues. Yes you can go to a 3rd part to get your componits you just need to call them to make sure that they have already tested for the system. Personally I don't think that is all that hard.And the fact that if you do that it will be covered is cool. It takes around a year to develope an new system, as they try to check all componits they can. Rarely does a Computer manufacture sole sorce any one item so as not to effect the incoming supply line. So that they don't have back orders. I hope this makes sence to you all.

 

thankyou, i didnt really think it would matter, but what do I know.
just didnt want to get the 1gb installed then not find ram to put into it

 

how are you going you help?

 

How are they making money if you call and they tell you what you can use and then you go buy it elsware? Then it is still covered under warrenty. Sorry but that makes no sence. But I guess to each their own.

 

good point kegleg lol they dont make any money

 

It's true that some memory with the right spec MIGHT NOT work as good as thoroughly tested ones.

An example is macbooks need certain rams even though the spec are exactly the same.

I would say most ram that has the right spec SHOULD work in M17, but may not be have optimal performance and compatibility, which is hard to check/benchmark.

I just buy the cheapest ram and if it works, then it's good for me. But that's just me.

 

the ocz ram is good ....i wonder why optimal performance lol

 

Do you recon I can get an intel quad core to be validated by them?
That way I can get an average CPU to start off with, then when I have more cash, upgrade to a high spec Quad.

 

"oh, I'll just buy ram from this X brand because it's the only validated for this notebook" X brand that has an exclusivity deal with alienware.
yes. they make money. they are a very large company with exclusive deals with other major companies. They even have exclusivity of some notebooks.
I bet they get lot's of money with the "validate" thing. Now I can't buy the ram I want?!? ? heat issues? they are joking with us. Now I can't buy the ram I want? Now I can't buy a HDD or SSD just because they don't "validate" even if it works perfectly? of course they invented this for some reason. and the reasons they give us it's just an excuse.

 

It's not necessarily about the money. Some of the hardware out there (believe it or not) do have compatibility issues with the m15x. Aftermarket RAM, for instance, may experience compatibility issues with the m15x (such as sleep issues-- see pages 3 through 5) depending on what brand of RAM you get.

Validating the hardware you plan on buying for your m15x will ensure that your m15x will function properly with it when it's installed. Of course, it's really up to you if you want to call them to validate the hardware or not. Just keep in mind that you risk having your warranty voided should something go wrong during (or after) installing hardware that is not validated.

If it works fine without having the hardware validated, then great. Just remember to hold on to your original hardware in case you ever need to have your notebook repaired for anything.

If they were telling you to validate the hardware just for the money, they wouldn't have said this:

 

Oceanus,Good post.