M17 possible upgrades?

Hey guys, it's been a while.

With all the latest Alienware buzz (m11x, etc.) I've been quite eager to buy an m15x, m17x (that I've been drooling over since summer time), but due to school/tuition it's definitely not an option I can pursue.

The ol' m17 is still performing to my highest standards (had a port problem quite some time ago and was finally able to fix it), and I've even done some minor upgrades to it (windows 7, new hdd). Basically all I do is play MW2 (w/ 9.11 catalyst. if you love that game I suggest you don't use the 9.12s because they stutter your screen when you get flashed/stunned), runs it smoothly with little problems. As cool as the new m15-17x look, I still love it to death and I've been very enthusiastic to upgrading.

When I first ordered the m17, I didn't go all out and with technology in mind I knew bigger, better, faster things would soon come out. So I'm wondering...

Who has upgraded their m17 through and from Alienware?
What were your experiences/complaints?
I know I won't be able to install processors, cards myself so buying through 3rd parties and self installing won't be something I'd pursue (unless you can convince me )
What can you upgrade through Alienware? (ati 4870s? processors? screens?)
What would you suggest upgrading? (my specs are in my sig)
and do you think the in terms of price it would be worth to just buy a new system?

Personally, I'm shooting for definitely a new screen, definitely a new gpu (I really want the 4870s xfire), and an upgraded processor.

Has anyone upgraded their 3870s xfire to an 4870 xfire? (any major differences?), does Alienware even offer the 4870s?

In terms of processor, I'm a little skeptic about going the quad route. I've definitely been reading many complaints here about stuttering problems and I wouldn't imagine the horror of going through that mid game in MW2. My hopes are for a 3+ ghz core 2 duo unless again someone can convince me.


-- Last thoughts
I know these are mostly questions that I should be asking Alienware, and I will, but I've had several "unique" experiences with them over the phone so I definitely care more bout your guys opinions then theirs.

Please guys rant away, I can't wait to read everyone's opinions and definitely thanks if you do reply!

 

i'm not sure dell would do anything for you since the M17 is pre-dell. sorry

 

He could seek out other sources for parts.

I think you'll be limited to 4850s in crossfire.

Your CPU options should be open to the QX9300, which is known to overclock nicely if you get an OEM CPU.

Side note: Metal and stuff aside, I actually prefer the look of your machine to that of my M17x.

 

Damn! That was also one question I wanted to note. If dell would be able to service/upgrade the m17.

Is this confirmed ? (I'll be sure to find out soon)

 

I dont think Dell even want to listen to you through phone call

Look like you gonna need to upgrade it yourself.

But just 'em a call first.

Good luck mate

 

you can maybe buy parts from them if your lucky, but getting it service by them is a diffinate no.

 

Note that any of those upgrades (save perhaps the GPUs if Dell condones the upgrade) will void your warranty.

I don't know how much 17" WUXGA screens cost, but that would be my recommendation. More screen space = more productivity . Note it would have to be CCFL; LED/RGB LED would not work.

Regarding the processor - is your T9400 slow? What applications do you run that are CPU limited? If you are not running any CPU-limited applications then upgrading the CPU will not much for you . . .

 

I didn't get extended warranty, and my one year warranty has been long gone.

But yes I totally agree with you, I've been planning to get the WUXGA screen for a while now to increase my work productivity. Definitely let down that an LED/RGB LED screen won't work though, I really love the quality of backlit LED screens (especially as a person used to working on Macs).

The T9400 definitely maintains its own. With regular day to day apps it's more than enough: internet, music, web, etc. Handles 90% of most games flawlessly with high above average fps, Crysis being the only case of 30 fps and lower. The only time I actually had a "slow" moment was when I was working on a memory intensive book publication document (maybe even gpu intensive, not really sure) in Adobe InDesign (had many hi-res design files linked to it) that was handled a lot better on a 2.66 ghz quad core 8gb memory Mac pro , although even on the Mac pro it was still quite intensive.

However in terms of upgrading the processor, I'm not really sure why I want to upgrade lol, 3+ ghz is probably my main temptation.


--
Does anyone have any favored outside sources that they'd like to recommend?
If Dell is not able to provide the necessary upgrades I plan to get.

 

Hey dude,

Since the M17 has been EOL (end of life) for same time now your best bet would be ebay...

The 4850's are the best cards that will work in your M17.

Also, some had stuttering issues with Quad Core Extreme CPU's so i believe the X9100 was the best CPU for the M17.

Mandrake on these forums knows more.

Good luck !