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    alienware upgrade options

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by Kai Xin, Feb 13, 2011.

  1. Kai Xin

    Kai Xin Notebook Enthusiast

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    Want to know if i buy alienware m11 15 or 17x. Will i be able to upgrade cpu gpu ram or change hdd to ssd in the future? w.o voiding warranty?

    If yes, where can i get cpu gpu ssd upgrade?
    If no, so that means i will be stuck w the hardware that came with alienware?

    Is binarygfx available in m15 m17? Does binarygfx turns discrete gpu power consumption to zero?
    Cuz since sb intel comes w integrated gpu. Means lower power comsumption while doing simple tasks eg websurfing...non gaming mode
     
    Kai Xin, Feb 13, 2011
    #1
  2. Villosa

    Villosa Notebook Deity

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    All three can have the HDD swapped out for SSDs no problems. It will not void your warranty.

    You can't upgrade the CPU in the M11x but can in the M15x and M17x.

    The M15x and M17x-R2 do not have switchable GPUs so no, you cannot turn off your GPUs for the IGP. Only the M17x-R1 has that ability.
     
    Villosa, Feb 13, 2011
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  3. Voodooi

    Voodooi AFK for a while...

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    M17-R3 (when it's re-released) will have the switching option and a battery life of up to 6~ hours, if you don't mind waiting a month or two.
     
    Voodooi, Feb 14, 2011
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  4. BatBoy

    BatBoy Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Yes.

    The CPU/RAM/Drive can all be changed out.

    The GPU will have to be supported by the BIOS of course so you will only be able to consider replacement GPUs which the system has available to it (as listed on the configuration options).

    Warranty will not be an issue however understand that the warranty will not cover aftermarket parts. Meaning, if you buy memory/CPU/GPU/Drives from anyone other than Dell, if it breaks you are on your own. The system is still covered, just not aftermarket parts. Also, any damage caused during the install of the aftermarket part wouldn't be covered.

    As others mentioned, the M11x CPU/GPU cannot be changed out.
     
    BatBoy, Feb 14, 2011
    #4