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    Some questions about the M17x..bought it and on its way here!

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by Helios123, Oct 6, 2009.

  1. Helios123

    Helios123 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi,

    I am new to this forum and just joined today. Pleasure to meet you guys. :eek:

    I recently purchased the m17x and it is going to arrive in 1-2 weeks :) I have some questions about the laptop. Here are my specs:

    QX9300 Intel Core 2 Extreme 2.53ghz
    4GB 1333mhz Ram
    2x250GB SATA 7200RPM HDD
    Gtx 280M SLI

    My question is, I see here that many people using the QX9300 experience stutters. Is this correct? Is any cure found yet? Is there anybody who use the qx9300 and not experience any stutter? What do you guys think about the qx9300 is it worth it? :confused:

    If I upgrade to an SSD, do I have to do anything else or should I just swap the HDDs out? (Eg. backup windows, or anything, etc)

    Is the RAM speed (1333mhz) being utilized by my CPU or does it only read out as 1066mhz?

    Will I be able to install the Intel Core i7 on m m17x?

    Sorry for the many questions asked I'm still new :)

    Thank you! :)

    PS: Check my other thread concerning the GTX280M SLI vs Mobility Radeon HD4870 X2. Be sure to check the links , I think we have a winner. :eek:
     
    Helios123, Oct 6, 2009
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  2. lordqarlyn

    lordqarlyn Global Biz Consultant

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    Hello. Congrats on your purchase.
    The stutter seems to occur with varying degrees with people. Most experience during intense gaming. I seem to experience doing office-type tasks are moving around Windows explorer. Updating the latest BIOS and video drivers seems to mitigate the stutter.
    If you have your config in RAID, you will have to reconfigure your BIOS if you are only getting one SSD, and yeah if you have any documents, you will want to back them up so you can continue to use them. Otherwise, just reinstall Windows.
    Nope, the i7 cannot be installed in the M17x. Future refreshes may update M17x to use i7 CPUs, but for now, no.
     
    lordqarlyn, Oct 6, 2009
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  3. Helios123

    Helios123 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thank you for the reply! That was really helpful. :)

    Can you please give more details on reconfiguring BIOS if I install only one SSD? What if I install 2 SSDs?

    So what you mean some people even don't experience stutters when playing games? Are these stutters only in the quad-core range? Most importantly, are they driver-based or hardware-based problems?
     
    Helios123, Oct 6, 2009
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  4. lordqarlyn

    lordqarlyn Global Biz Consultant

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    Here is what I understand. The "quad" cores in the Q series are actually 2 dual cores lumped together. What can happen is both pairs try to access the main bus at the same time, which cannot be done. If that is the case, its poor oversight on the part of Intel. I suppose BIOS and drivers could regulate this issue.
    Surprisingly, while playing some games I get a slowdown, never the effect I've seen described. But, just playing around in Windows, I do get sudden momentary freezing.

    Configuring RAID is done in the BIOS, don't remember offhand, and don't have my system with me. Hopefully someone will help you or at least provide a link to a thread....
     
    lordqarlyn, Oct 6, 2009
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  5. Marvie100

    Marvie100 On a Mission

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    Marvie100, Oct 6, 2009
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  6. Helios123

    Helios123 Notebook Enthusiast

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    @qarlyn
    +1 rep :)

    Really? So what is the point of having core 2 quads then? If only 2 cores can access the main bus, does that mean it is actually an alternating Core 2 Duo working? So all the four cores can not work simultaneously am I correct?
    Sorry for the demanding questions :p I'm a curious person

    @Marvie

    Thank you for your help! +1 rep
     
    Helios123, Oct 6, 2009
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