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    Please need help ASAP on Upgradability

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by DamienMartin, Jan 7, 2010.

  1. DamienMartin

    DamienMartin Newbie

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    hey im going to get the new 15x laptop and i wanted to know if you can upgrade the Processor, RAM, and Graphics card after you buy it. And if you can what restrictions or problems are there? I'm kinda short on cash write now so im wondering if i have to go all out now or if i could make do with almost the base model and upgrade later if i need to?

    I need to order the computer within the next 12 hours so any help would really be appreciated thanx
     
  2. Speedy Gonzalez

    Speedy Gonzalez Xtreme Notebook Speeder!

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    you can upgrade the processor later but the gpu is up to dell if the release a bios to support dfiferent cards now i you talking upgrade from gtx240 to gtx 280 yes you can but the price for the card is going to be arround $450
     
  3. Explosivpotato

    Explosivpotato Notebook Consultant

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    Processor - yes
    RAM - Definitely
    Graphics card - Maybe

    Laptop graphics cards use an MXM connector, and they're very hard to find when compared to desktop variants. Expect a new graphics card to be above 500$ when you go to upgrade, if you can find one at all.
     
  4. Speedy Gonzalez

    Speedy Gonzalez Xtreme Notebook Speeder!

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  5. benthedogtrainer

    benthedogtrainer Notebook Evangelist

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    search the forums...you will find your answer quickly
     
  6. DamienMartin

    DamienMartin Newbie

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    oh and one more thing if i select the 4Gb of RAM then later can i just add another 4Gb card to make a total of 8??
     
  7. Explosivpotato

    Explosivpotato Notebook Consultant

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    You'd have to buy a full 8 gigs - 2 4 gig sticks - as the config it comes with will be 2x2gig sticks. 4 gig sticks are hilariously expensive right now.
     
  8. DamienMartin

    DamienMartin Newbie

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    thanx last question what if i ordered the 3 Gb RAM would i get one 3Gb block or a 1Gb and a 2Gb card
     
  9. benthedogtrainer

    benthedogtrainer Notebook Evangelist

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    1Gb and a 2Gb card
     
  10. DamienMartin

    DamienMartin Newbie

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    thank you all for your help you all rock i will definitely come back to this site and recommend it to my friends etc etc etc

    anyway i appreciate it and i promice ill search the forums next time =P
     
  11. dtwn

    dtwn C'thulhu fhtagn

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    Just to get that out, not all laptops use MXM, some brands use a proprietary connector.

    Out of curiosity, does anyone know what the m15x /m17x uses? I know the m17 uses MXM.
     
  12. Explosivpotato

    Explosivpotato Notebook Consultant

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    Both of Alienware's laptops use MXM 3.0b.
     
  13. Speedy Gonzalez

    Speedy Gonzalez Xtreme Notebook Speeder!

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    you welcome, don't forget to let us know what you buy :)