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    Upgrading the M17x

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by Nocktis, Dec 17, 2009.

  1. Nocktis

    Nocktis Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hello all. I've been around on the forums here for a little while now and after getting my m17x I figured it was about time I registered for an account. I received my m17x about three weeks ago and so far I'm loving everything about it. I have two questions. How hard is it to upgrade things like the video card (go dual), ram, and processor? I did a few searches for a few guides on how to do these but I'm finding so many posts it's taking hours to go through them all. Secondly, I've never overclocked anything before and I've found a few guides on that. How safe is it? Is it really worth it to overclock? Last thing I want to do is damage or risk damaging my new system. Thanks for any info!

    Specs:
    Color: Black
    Processor: Intel Core2 Quad Q9000 2.0GHz (6MB Cache, 1066MHz FSB)
    Ram: 4GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1333MHz 2 x 2048MB
    Video: 1GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260M
    Hard Drives: 1TB (500GB x 2) 7,200RPM (xMB Cache) - RAID 0
    Blu-ray Reader (BR-ROM, DVD+-RW, CD-RW)
    17" LCD 1200p​
     
    Nocktis, Dec 17, 2009
    #1
  2. Mandrake

    Mandrake Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    For the GPU you have to buy through Dell or go through ebay. Regardless which way you go it will cost more to do it now rather than doing it when you purchased the system. Physically adding them isn't difficult if you've seen the guides.

    Memory is easy, 3 screws underneath to change it out.

    Processor requires disassembling most of the system. You can buy a new T9900 or QX9300 from HP rather cheap.

    Overclocking is worth it to benchmark. You should not over-clock for everyday use unless you have a specific issue you are trying to fix with it.
     
    Mandrake, Dec 17, 2009
    #2
  3. Nocktis

    Nocktis Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks for the info. Regarding the GPU: I was afraid of that. I wanted to go for the dual cards when I purchased the system just didn't have the money at the time. So far it's run anything I've thrown at it with settings maxed (going to try Crysis tonight).
     
    Nocktis, Dec 17, 2009
    #3
  4. Speedy Gonzalez

    Speedy Gonzalez Xtreme Notebook Speeder!

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    is easy like mandrake say also watch moo's cpu guide :)
     
    Speedy Gonzalez, Dec 17, 2009
    #4