changing CPU

well i was wondering if it was possible for me to change out my current T8300 on my m17x with a X9000. i am getting it for $400 and i thought that was a good deal and well i just wanted to know if i do change the CPu do i have to install any drivers or anything like that? (sorry i know newb question but new to this)

 

If you check out the guide in my signature, there's links to the m17x faq site. I'm sure you will find the instructions and possible answers there.

I'd gues you'll need a new BIOS to work the processor but it should fit as long as it's the same type that Alienware fit themselves.

Failing that you could PN Armando?

Just my 2p

OB

 

be sure to inform AW of your plans or you'll void your warranty.

 

aright will do

 

EDIT: sorry (I have crappy internet)

 

omary, I can't recommend doing the procedure yourself unless you've done CPU replacements before. though, laptops are a bit different.

just please be sure to use thermal grease! I know too many unfortunate processors that have been replaced by amateurs... "what's this white stuff for?"... ugh.

you'll probably have to take out the entire heatpipe for the northbridge too, and you'll have to reseat the contact on that too (with thermal grease). Shouldn't be complex, it's just risky, do let AW know.

fyi, the X9000 should be auto-detected by the bios and it will adjust the clocks of the computer for you so that it's moving at the correct pace (2.8Ghz). no drivers or reconfiguration of the system is required.

I'd say that when it's done, check your device manager under windows to see if it detects the new CPU, if not, delete (uninstall) the CPU entry, reboot and check again; this should clear the settings in the OS for what CPU is in there... once you see the X9000, you're good to go.

the CPU might run a little hot for a few days after the change... this is because the thermal grease (or thermal paste, same stuff), has to "set" in order to work at full capacity. this is normal and there is nothing to worry about.

 

well mystik Ive got my thermal paste (AS5) and cleaning solution (arctic clean) from the many cpu changes I have made for my own and many other desktops. The main problem was i have never done it for a notebook before and i thought since they allow us to change the HDD, RAM they would allow that much ill make a request to the tech support that handled my m17x and make sure she knows and hopefully everything goes smoothly and my warranty will not be voided. thanks for all the tips and hopefully i wont have to change the bios because i really never liked doing that.

 

Best idea is call alienware and see if you can buy the cpu from alienware and send the laptop in for replacement.

 

Dont risk it, that laptop is worth a alot of $$$ , better tell Alienware to do it for you.

 

I am overseas so its actually easier for me to do it myself... and well the cpu would cost me about $1000 from Alienware and i got it from a friend in China for $400 brand new in box (im in pakistan bordering china pretty good deals here) and well im pretty confident in my skills thats why i am asking ive worked on everything from PSPs to Xbox 360s, High end 6-7k Desktops to low end desktops so i have alot of experience with alot of things with replacing and working with little parts but was just wondering about notebook dont have alot of experience in notebooks

 

it shouldn't be that bad to do. If you remove the service cover. You should be able to get to everything you need. This will void your warranty though.

 

This is why i was saying i was going to talk to the service rep that dealt with my m17x and she was pretty good with everything and ill see if she can do anything about this and help with my situation... I know that if there is a problem and i have to send it to them they wont fix any after market parts such as if you changed the ram / HDDs so im guessing its the same with the CPU and well if i need the help i would have to send it back with my normal T8300

 

yeah just make sure when you put the heatsink in you screw it in according to the numbers. There is a 1,2,3,4 in every corner so screw them down according to those.

 

hmmm will do thanks for the tip