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    Question regarding m17x hard drive

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by VeeDubMeister, Aug 25, 2008.

  1. VeeDubMeister

    VeeDubMeister Notebook Enthusiast

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    Anyone know if I can upgrade the hard drive in my m17x with an "aftermarket" one or do I need to purchase the HD from Alienware? Thx in advance!
     
    VeeDubMeister, Aug 25, 2008
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  2. exiled

    exiled -_-

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    you can buy one and upgrade yourself
     
    exiled, Aug 25, 2008
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  3. Qualao

    Qualao Notebook Consultant

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    Just like the Ram upgrades that AW sells with thier systems, HDDs can be pretty pricey from them as well. I upgraded my own hdds after ordering a basic one to keep my costs down a bit.
     
    Qualao, Aug 26, 2008
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  4. Oodle-Bear

    Oodle-Bear Alienware Mug, Testpilot

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    As far as i know you can replace the HDD and RAM without voiding your waranty. Might be worth keeping the original as it came from AW in case you have problems and need to send it back...

    You thinking of the Velocoraptor...(not sure of the spelling there (",)

    OB
     
    Oodle-Bear, Aug 26, 2008
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  5. VeeDubMeister

    VeeDubMeister Notebook Enthusiast

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    I am OB! Not sure how to set it up though it says it requires a sata interface. All the computers I've ever set up have been desktops, so 1 this is my first laptop I've upgraded and 2 I've never set up a sata drive only EIDE drives.

    Also, we need to figure out how to get 64-Bit OS on this thing. I'm am extremely disappointed in alienware not providing support for 64-Bit. I hope in the future they will provide this to us. After seeing what FIND has done for the m15x, its obvious it wouldn't take a lot of work for them to make this happen. Alienware ARE YOU LISTENING OUT THERE? Other than that I love this machine (so far)!
     
    VeeDubMeister, Aug 26, 2008
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  6. exiled

    exiled -_-

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    you should make sure there is enough room to install the VelociRaptor. sure its a 2.5in drive but look at that heat sink its attached to. also doesnt the hard drive need more energy to run. i think you should check if you have enough power too.
     
    exiled, Aug 26, 2008
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  7. Marshall1975

    Marshall1975 Notebook Consultant

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    Hello

    The Raptor is useable without the heatsink as stated by Western Digital but your main problem is that, a standard drive is 9mm in height whereas the raptor even out of its casing is 15mm in height so is not going to fit a great deal of laptops.




    m9750
    2 x 7950gtx
    2 x 500gb HDD
    1920 x 1200
     
    Marshall1975, Aug 27, 2008
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  8. Oodle-Bear

    Oodle-Bear Alienware Mug, Testpilot

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    Apart from that, you've also got to consider the heat output. Running at full speed it's hoter than a 7200 drive, the m17x should be a ble to take it but, it might be necessary to use a cooling plate or something...

    Sounds loike a good idea for performance though.

    OB
     
    Oodle-Bear, Aug 27, 2008
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  9. exiled

    exiled -_-

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    i would also check with AW to see if that drive will void warranty. Thats probably the only part i would check with AW first.
     
    exiled, Aug 27, 2008
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  10. Oodle-Bear

    Oodle-Bear Alienware Mug, Testpilot

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    Hmm yeah that's a good point Exiled. I'd imagine that the m17x chassis has a temperature envelope target that they will support...

    I'd guess "Dear Cs, I melted my m17x with a fast HDD, please can i have a new one" wouldn't work very well ha ha ha

    OB
     
    Oodle-Bear, Aug 27, 2008
    #10