m17 upgrade options

Sorry if this is a dumb question....
I have an alienware m17, i would like to upgrade the processor, or the gpu, but i don't really know what parts are compatible or where to get them

my processor is a: intel core 2 duo T9400 2.53ghz
my gpu is a: ATI mobility radeon 3870m

for the processor, i'm pretty sure i can pick up a new cpu at a computer part store here in the city, because they dont vary from laptop to laptop, right? I don't know how to install it, does anyone know of a how to guide? And also what kind of cpu's are compatible with an m17?

for the gpu, should i just put in another 3870m and use sli, or be more futureproof and get a 4860, or 2 4860's? And where can i buy a gpu for a laptop? and is installing a gpu on a laptop sort of similar to a desktop? just take out the old one and put in the new one...?

Thanks in advance!!

 

CPU needs to be of Montevina make

gpu's u can use another 3870 and that would be crossfire for ATI not sli

or 1 or 2 ati 4850's

You cant just buy normal desktop GPU's however.

Whats the specs on your laptop as of now? How much do you want to spend on upgrades?

These questions will help us further assist you in upgrading

 

Thanks!
Processor: intel core 2 duo T9400 2.53ghz
Graphic card: ATI mobility radeon 3870m
RAM: 4gb
Hard drive: 160gb 7200rpm
native res: 1400x900
i think i got everything...?

all of the stuff is standard from alienware, i haven't done any upgrading.
and i don't have a set price, i just want to know my options

 

well you could upgrade the processor to this for $300:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819111006&cm_re=t9600-_-19-111-006-_-Product

Or you could look around and find someone to sell you a second 3870 and a xfire cable.

Other than that, SSD's are pricey but you could go that route.

Although by the time you upgrade both the CPU, and the GPU, might just invest on buying a new laptop

EDIT: I would personally not go a quad core GPU route as a lot of M17 users have issues with them (including myself) plus by the time you buy a higher end quad core to consider it an upgrade. again, you might as well invest in a new laptop. imo

 

where should i look for another gpu? why doesn't alienware sell them?

 

they do you need to call them

please try the search button or google. W have alot of treads covering these matters

you can get GPU's from RJtech aswell

 

Alienware or Dell might sell you them but they would be rather overpriced. Where to go about finding them. honestly no idea. maybe like ebay

 

AW charges 125 $ for the 3870

 

alright! thanks!

 

Ok well then, ~$500 for a cpu and gpu combined upgrade. not relatively to bad.

Even upgrading just to another 3870 for $125 you should see a drastic increase in performance.

 

Alienware doesn't sell gpu's for the M17 anymore, they told me they only have ones for computers that get returned on warranty...

 

If thats the case you may need to search for another vendor to sell you them. Try like ebay, maybe amazon (i unno)