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    M17x - Just how much?

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by hr9kraeuchi, Apr 28, 2010.

  1. hr9kraeuchi

    hr9kraeuchi Notebook Geek

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    Just how much of the M17x's hardware can you customize yourself?

    • Processor?
    • Memory?
    • Hard Drive?
    • Internal Optical Drive?
    • Sound Options?
     
    hr9kraeuchi, Apr 28, 2010
    #1
  2. mfractal

    mfractal T|I

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    why not go to dell.com and see for yourself ?
     
    mfractal, Apr 28, 2010
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  3. Psyloid

    Psyloid Notebook Evangelist

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    you can also customize the screen and the color of the notebook

    edit: and the HDD too ffcourse
     
    Psyloid, Apr 28, 2010
    #3
  4. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    Sound option is the easiest to customize with an express card. ;)
     
    Mandrake, Apr 28, 2010
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  5. Psyloid

    Psyloid Notebook Evangelist

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    hmm yes, but i hate things sticking out of my notebook + you won't be able to use the built in speakers
     
    Psyloid, Apr 28, 2010
    #5
  6. hr9kraeuchi

    hr9kraeuchi Notebook Geek

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    I want to know which hardware options I need/should to choose now, and which ones I can leave at their lowest and upgrade later. "Upgrade", that's the word I'm looking for. (i.e. switch the stock SSD with an Intel SSD.)
     
    hr9kraeuchi, Apr 28, 2010
    #6
  7. pdogg93

    pdogg93 Notebook Evangelist

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    if you're going quad processor go with the i7 720, that way you can upgrade to a 920 or down the future 940. Memory, stay at 4 gig @ 1333mhz. HD, i would go for the lowest option (250 gig @ 7200 rpm) then slam an intel SSD in the spare hd bay.

    Make sure you spend the money on getting the RGB LED 1200p screen
    and dual video cards. I'd wait a bit for the dual 5870 option. CD burner/ bluray is completely up to you. I personally use my ps3 and a nice plasma, so i would never watch blu rays on a 17" screen.

    good luck. But seriously dont skimp on the dual cards, or screen. I recommend an extended warranty as well
     
    pdogg93, Apr 28, 2010
    #7
  8. hr9kraeuchi

    hr9kraeuchi Notebook Geek

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    So it seams like all the items I listed earlier can be changed out in the future if I wanted to, that's good. Are there certain brands that would be better, or does it not matter for most things?

    • Processor?
      Would an AMD perform better when paired with an ATI GPU? OR should I just stick with the Intel?
    • Memory?
      Not too sure about memory. Never really heard about who makes what and what's better.
    • Hard Drive?
      Intel over Samsung, or whatever it is they stick in these systems? I hear Intel SSD's handle degradation better
    • Internal Optical Drive?
      I like LG drives, do I pick one of them up?
    • Sound Options?
      I've never done any laptop work before. Do people even bother tampering with this?
     
    hr9kraeuchi, Apr 28, 2010
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  9. pdogg93

    pdogg93 Notebook Evangelist

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    1. Definately stick with intel processor. (i7's are the best)
    2. Memory: go with dell's default 1333memory for now (cheapest to stick with 4 gig)
    3.Intel all the way
    4. Optical drive, I would just order what you want in your configuration
    5. leave the sound. It's fine as is
     
    pdogg93, Apr 28, 2010
    #9
  10. hr9kraeuchi

    hr9kraeuchi Notebook Geek

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    Intel SSD it is, then.
     
    hr9kraeuchi, Apr 28, 2010
    #10