What is the upgradeability of the M17x?

I know the RAM can be upgraded later. I know I can buy a SSD later and put it in. What else? I've read on these forums that the CPU and GPU could be upgraded.

What's the technical specs on the inside of the M17x? And what parts can be swaped for better parts later in the future?


- How many SO DIMM lots?
- Can the DVD rom drive be swapped to blu-ray later?
- Can the monitor be swapped?

 

* 2 SO DIMM slots available *
* Monitor can be repaced , not swapped ATM(If you are referring to different/better model) *
* DVD/BD ROM can be interchangeable *

And you pretty much answered all your own questions.

 

Hi rigurat,
Keep in mind that attempting to disassemble the laptop to either install a different LCD or optical drive will cause a void in warranty. Both require major disassembly.

Thanks,
Gabe

 

While we're on the subject of upgradeability, who do we contact to order a part?

Dell or 1800-Alienware? Who do you ask for?

I still need a fan and SLI cable for my M17x.

 

you shouldn't contact dell or alienware in order to buy components that you can buy much more cheaper somewhere else

 

If you are unable to locate parts on various third party sites (ebay, Dell/AW part vendors, etc.), you can contact Dell Spare Parts Sales. They will be able to process an order for the parts you require. Granted, if the part needs to be replaced due to a warranty/failed hardware issue, Dell should be replacing at no cost.

Dell Spare Parts Sales are available from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CST Monday through Friday at 1-800-357-3355 option 4.

https://warrantypartsdirect.dell.com/AMER/program/T1421000.ASP

 

will it be possible to purchase the newer ati cards which are inevitably coming? Or 300gtx's?

 

Yes as soon as they come out you can swap them out if you wish since they are MXM 3.0

 

RRReeeeally? MXM 3.0 is the standard to be at theN?

 

You cannot change the graphic cards, if you want to change that you need to change the motherboard。

 

The GPUs are discrete cards - meaning they are actual cards and not integrated into the motherboard. The 9400M G is on the motherboard and is your Integrated Graphics processor.

See the service manual if you would like to know how to access the GPUs.

If you are referring to the difference between the MXM revisions, then that is another situation. Just wanted to clarify.

 

My post probably didnt make much sense but, have we confirmed the new ATI/Nvidia mobile cards will be the same form factor as MXM 3.0b?

 

I beleave it depenes on the system Batboy. Like the frist gen m17x. I had to upgrade the motherboard going from geforce 8600 to 9800gt. I would think it would be worse depending on the Rev of the Motherboard and diffent type of video cards. ATI or Geforce

 

Correct, however I believe he was asking about the M17x "All Powerful". Could be wrong those since quite a few do not specify. Even some All Powerful owners are listing their M17x's as "m17x".

 

Look point is this :

yes as of RIGHT NOW the standard is mxm 3.0 and the M17x is 3.0 but future is ever changing.

The m17x is irrelavant

yes it can be upgraded without a motherboard change ( see my video)
I can understand some people being inexperenced but DO NOT come on here and tell us we are wrong unless you can provide proof because it doesn't help anyone for you to post what ever you think. It needs to be facts

 

Wrong, at least in this case. Dell/Alienware allow users to pretty much be free with their systems. My understanding is that you can do virtually anything to it and as long as you don't cause damage to it then it's still in warranty, apart from any new parts you've installed.

Wrong again. The M17x uses a single motherboard that works with the GTX 260, GTX 280 and 4870, either single or dual. You can swap for example a single 260M for 4870 Crossfire without having to change the motherboard.

 

I'm completely clueless with the internal anatomy of laptops.

What is MXM 3.0b?

Do laptops use some sort of internal PCI(e) connection that's univeral?

 

Mxm is the pci-e of desktops

I assume you familar with desktops?

 

Yeah desktops only. Not laptops, never owned one before (not yet)

I need to know what it is I'm buying and what I can do with it in the future. It's expensive (m17x fully loaded) so I want it to be able to satisfy me for at least the next 3 years.

 

Look at my gpu guide for the m17x and you will see the gpu is removable ...

 

How many total internal PCIe inside this machine?

 

2 mini pci e

2 mxm 3.0b