Alienware M17x r2 SSD 920xm or GPU upgrade

Hi guys,

This is my first ever post, although I have been visiting these forums for a very long time and have always found your advice and friendliness extremely helpful.

Anyway, the post says most of it. I have an Alienware M17x R2, which I purchased last year. I use it only for games, as I have a basic laptop for work. It has a 720qm processor, a Vertex 90GB SSD for booting and a 5870 GPU. My secondary drive is a 500GB HDD. I have found the laptop excellent for my needs up until quite recently, as I have generally played older games and don't play fps.

However, I now have several Steam games, including Skyrim, Shogun 2 and Civ V. I have two problems. The first is that Steam currently runs on the primary SSD, which isn't big enough (I know I don't have to load all my games at once, but as it takes several hours to DL each game as you know, and I prefer to have my favourites loaded). I can use Steam Mover to shift them to the HDD, but then they seem slow. And that leads me to the second problem: they are quite choppy on higher settings. And, as I only play games on the laptop, I would prefer to get to those higher settings, especially since HD textures are available.

I don't want to be unrealistic: I know it's on older laptop with an old GPU. Even still, performance is fantastic given these restrictions. But I am wondering whether it is time for an upgrade.

I have three options: CPU, GPU or secondary SSD (256GB). A secondary SSD would allow my to put Steam on it, but would it help performance? Would a 920XM work instead? Or better to replace the GPU? (I don't want Crossfire). I can only afford one upgrade at the moment; CPU and SSD come in around £200, GPU probably more.

Sorry for the long post, but I just wondered what everyone thought. Any advice would be very gratefully received! Thank you very much for your patience.

 

First: no SSD will make your games less choppy. Sure, you need more capacity - but that is another issue.

Second: your platform/cpu is slow - forget about upgrading the cpu (for a maximum 33% increase) - time for a current system with a 250% performance increase.

See:
PassMark CPU Lookup

See:
PassMark CPU Lookup

See:
PassMark - Intel Core i7-3610QM @ 2.30GHz - Price performance comparison


Third; are you running Win7x64 SP1 with 8GB RAM (or more)? If not, that would be worth trying.

Fourth: are you willing to test Win8x64 RP (with 8GB RAM or more...)? That will give you a huge boost in playability (assuming you can run your games, of course).

See:
Download Windows 8 Release Preview



Fifth; can't really comment on the GPU question you have (I don't game...), but I've never seen any (cpu/gpu) upgrade worth (for more than a few months...) the money, time and (sometimes) frustration required to get to the next (mostly sideways...) level of performance.


What I can state with certainty: sell your system for as much as you can (maybe in parts you will get a higher total price?) and put that and the £200 you are willing to spend towards a new system/platform with Ivy Bridge.

Don't worry if you can't have an SSD in the new system (for now...) it will still be faster in gaming than your current system (get a proper gaming gpu, of course) even with a HDD. And, it will be worth putting an SSD later, as you get the funds together.

If you can't get a new system right now: I would be selling the (too small) SSD, maxing out the RAM capacity and possibly trying Win8 RP to wring as much performance as you can out of your current system.



But, upgrade the cpu/gpu? Never (platform/cpu is too old - launched late 2009...)!!!

Upgrade the RAM, upgrade the O/S, upgrade the HDD/SSD: but after all those are done - and the performance is still lacking in any way - time to upgrade to a current (or at least a newer) platform.

Good luck.

 

tilleroftheearth

Thank you for a very thorough and thought-provoking (and enlightening - man! I'm behind the game) reply.

I knew the machine was dated when I bought it (though perhaps not to that extent) - I got (what I thought to be) a good deal at the time. I *am* running Windows 7/64-bit and have 8GB RAM.

I might try Windows 8 - that seems an interesting and viable option.

I understand a bigger SSD won't improve performance, but it would improve capacity in the short term, and that may be the way to go - and put up with the choppiness - for now.

Other than that, I have to do the 'search for a new machine' process. I'm out of ideas on that one. I got the Alienware R2 because of the RGB-LED screen and 16:10 ratio, which no other system seemed to have, and I love it. I absolutely could not afford a new Alienware, so would have to try something else, but display is really important to me.

I would, therefore, take any recommendations on a good display!

I realise I am starting to sound cake/eat it. It's just you've given me a lot to think about.

Thank you

 

I think (not sure...) that there will be very few 'current' gaming systems with a 16:10 ratio monitor going forward.

If you try Windows 8 - use a spare HDD to try your tests on (if you encounter a show stopper; simply switch to your current drive(s) and you're up and running in 5 minutes again).

If you can only use your current drives - I would recommend a 'clean install' to give Win8 the best chance of showing off what its got. (Backup your DATA!!!).

I'm not a gamer at all, but I'm sure I see that some of your game titles need all the cpu HP they can get to really shine - I think a new platform takes precedence over a specific ratio display you're 'attached' to.

The best recommendation for a good display (in addition to asking others here on the forum) is to go and look at the different ones currently available. Then you'll know if they're satisfactory or not for you.

Something else to consider: maybe your SSD needs a Secure Erase (to restore performance to like new levels...)? This might be part of the 'choppiness' issue? If the system feels sluggish/pauses/stutters while NOT gaming, this might help your gaming sessions too? To me, 90GB is WAY too small for a boot SSD - I prefer 256GB SSD's partitioned to 100GB (the rest is left 'unused'; helps greatly with keeping the performance of the SSD to like new levels).

Glad to have given you something different to think about, I hope that it helps you make the best choice possible for you.

 

5870M is still a very capable GPU, I'm still using it for my gaming needs. 7970M is possible on the M17xR2 and in Crossfire as well as 6990M Crossfire and 580M SLI, but be wary you will be dropping 700-1200 for such upgrades, and you would want to upgrade to a 920XM which is ~350. Unfortunately you have to see in your case if an upgrade in hardware is worth dropping to a WLED 1080p screen on an M18x.

 

Thanks to both of you

Tsunade_Hime - in your view, would 920XM be worth it, then? And tilleroftheearth, a bigger SSD? There might still be mileage in the Alienware.

It's not the ratio I'm attached to It's the RGB LED. I'm not sure I can match that quality -even in a M18x (not sure)

 

You're welcome, but you didn't answer if the system is stuttering/pausing/sluggish while not gaming?

Sure, a bigger capacity storage subsystem always helps to extend the life of a system - but don't forget that your core issue is laggy gaming.

If you do opt for a new SSD/HDD - I'd throw Win8 RP on it first to see if your system responds in the proper ways (for you).

 

Unless your 720QM is extremely overclocked, it will bottleneck any GPU upgrades you do.

 

Sorry, tilleroftheearth, I didn't respond to that question. No, it's not choppy outside gaming, and it's really only stuttering on the newer, more demanding games. As you've pointed out, it's an old system, so I just wondered if there was an upgrade I could do to the system I have to improve things, rather than buy a new system. Anyway, I think your Win8 suggestion is a very good one. It might raise overall performance.

Tsunade_Hime - from what you're saying, a CPU upgrade would be a necessary move before a GPU upgrade. BUT - would you think it's a worthwhile upgrade as things stand at the moment? Would I get better framerate with Skyrim, say, which is quite CPU-heavy?

Thank you to you both. I really appreciate the time you are taking to give me advice, and believe me it is very helpful.

 

Don't know why you say this. My R2 with 920xm+5870 SLI setup still runs more than fine with all the current games out there. I've never dabbled with replacing the GPU beyond the SLI 5870 it came with, but I've seen others replacing it with much more powerful GPUs, but as I've never been chasing FPS in my games, and everything's fine for my needs, I've never had to.

I went from a i7-740QM CPU in my R2 to a i7-920XM, and with Throttlestop, overclocked it with a TRL of 90/75(considered a relatively stable and normal overclock), and the performance boost is way more than 33%.. Being able to turboboost to 3.4(or 3.5Ghz) on all 4 cores at same time is a hell of a lot better than the turbo on a single core of 2.93 Ghz on my 740 CPU.

The chip cost me about $360 US at the time, and I believe it cost's just under $300 US right now as a BuyItNow on ebay, but with quite a few of the sellers, you can bargain them down to a lot closer to $200 for a chip that will compete quite ok with the current-gen chips.

 

When you consider that you spent $360 plus the amount of what you could have sold your system (I'm guessing easily $1.5K total...) then your cpu performance increase still doesn't look like anything compared to putting that same $$$$ into a new/current system/platform.

No doubt it still fits your needs - but even an entry level IB cpu (3610QM) will double the cpu performance of what you're running (and you can currently get that kind of power for less than $800 on sale...).

Instead of disagreeing with me; I think you're proving my point?

 

Can I ask where are you getting these numbers that an entry level IB cpu will double the CPU performance of my 920XM chip? I am sincerely doubting that a 3610QM chip will double the performance of the 920xm

Are you basing all your judgements on a Passmark number?

EDIT: I've just looked into the 3610QM chip and it does seem like quite a capable chip, and seems to be able to turbo on all 4 cores to 3.1Ghz at same time. And looking at all the CPU benchmarks for the chip, it does seem fast. However, I wouldn't call it an entry-level IB CPU, as it is an i7. I would still contend that an overclocked 920xm(which is easy to do and safe with Throttlestop) would still be a very capable chip. And I bought it for 360US about 1.5 years ago, think prices have gone down since then. And if OP really wanted to keep the R2's RGD LED screen in 16:10(which I too love), then IMO the upgrade to a 920xm is still viable as there's not a lot of options out there for a RGB LED screen in 16:10, if any...

Add to that I'm sometimes hesitant to get a whole new laptop when I'm perfectly happy with mine, and take risk of getting a lemon, or screen with dead pixels, other issues, and having to return machines until I'm happy with what I get, and I would go with the 920xm upgrade all over gain. YMMV of course

 

This is interesting. So, in your view this CPU upgrade is worth it, being a fairly low-cost way of breathing new life into the machine?

Also, have you had any problems with the SLI setup? That is another option, as I am currently running only one 5870. I am now thinking to upgrade CPU first, then add a second 5870 later.

I agree that I would rather upgrade a perfectly viable laptop for most of my needs than root out another one. Plus, build quality and screen display make me very reluctant to let go of the R2. I know it may sound stupid, but the M17x R2 gives me feelings of love I've never had for another computer

 

When I mentioned 'entry level IB' I mean entry level Quad Core - for me.

I understand that there are other factors involved (screen/keyboard/etc.) when considering upgrading vs. replacing a system: however...

In my experience, if you really do need the absolute highest level of computing power (today/now), then going to a new platform is miles ahead (from a productivity stand-point) than upgrading any existing system. Especially when we're talking notebook's (and even a good percentage of the time when discussing desktops too).

The worse thing that you can do is 'fall in love' with any hardware - especially mobile hardware that is already behind the curve technology/performance-wise (vs. desktops) the moment they hit the shelves. This 'love' makes you spend/sink more money into a platform that is making you comparatively less productive every day (vs. your competitors/industry) and is costing you money that cannot be justified in the end on the bottom line (in very real black and white $$$$).

O/S, Software, RAM and HDD/SSD upgrades are the only updates worth doing to any of my systems for a long time now.

The real problem with being 'in 'upgrade' love' is that with more money sunk into an old system, the more you see the current options with blinders and that is never a good thing.

Let go of the old (no matter how good it was - once upon a time) and embrace the new (this is how to stay young and young at heart). Oh! And also a good way to have the most performance (cpu power...) for the least time/$$$ spent over time.



I used to fall in love with my systems - now I just let raw lust control my decisions.

(Love is what you give - lust is 'what's in in for me...').

 

That's such a cool answer. That made me actually laugh out loud.

You also make a good case. Although 'productivity' is not a requirement - I have a work computer for that. I just want to play games on a big, flashy, garish laptop...

So...if I were to follow your advice, I'd need to find a laptop that would play games for about £1200. That's resale value on the Alienware, plus what I could throw in. Maybe that's a question for a different forum. (And I know I could get better value from a desktop, but that isn't a viable option for me).

Well, I'm getting lots to think about. And I'm a total vacillator, so each new suggestions sounds as good as the last.

 

Glad to help a 'vacillator'.

 

In my view, yes, if all you want to do is breathe new life into the machine, the CPU upgrade is worth it, as its a simple low-cost bang for buck upgrade. For me, the analogy would be something similar to adding a turbocharger or NOS capability to an older car engine(I've been watching too much Fast And The Furious!!)...the engine is still old tech, but the turbocharger/NOS just gives it that extra bit of kick to let it keep up with the new fangled more efficient new-tech engines coming in Also, throttlestop makes overclocking the CPU safely easy.

I too "love" the R2...and seeing as I usually use my laptops for about 4-5 years before actually retiring them, I like to push them hard, upgrade everything possible.

The new tech ie. new gen chips, are great, don't get me wrong, I built my DIY NAS last year and was amazed at how much power the Sandy Bridge chips were pushing while relatively sipping from the power supply. Just that its a choice you have to make, get a quick upgrade on the CPU(maybe GPU too) now and last maybe a couple more years and be happy, or sell the whole thing, and buy a new ivy bridge based lappy and last 4 years. In my case, as I write off/depreciate the laptop for work tax purposes, continually getting a new laptop rather than just upgrading a current one can be problematic, but thats more of an individual specific problem.

I've not had any problems with the SLI setup on my machine, but that could just be because of the games I'm playing. When I first ordered the machine, I was recommended to get the 5870 SLI setup+the RGDLED 1900x1200 screen, and I can upgrade from there, as its problematic to upgrade the screens or gpu afterwards. I'm not sure if upgrading the 5870 will be cost-effective as you'll have to get another card, the SLI cable AND possibly a new power adapter...

 

'Vacillator: I'll be back. Maybe'.



Last question, now I'm curious. So I gave you £1200/$1900 to spend on a laptop (desktop not an option): what would you buy?

Thanks, that's very helpful. I'm leaning towards the upgrade, I think. I'm sure I'll get another year out of it with a turbo-boost. And it will continue to be good for the older games I still play. Screen/display and build quality also count for a lot. Plus, there is the hassle of buying new and relocating games (many of mine are so heavily modded they'd take hours to reload). If I upgrade now, I can put money aside and save for a new system next year.

 

This:

See:
Samsung NP700G7C-S01CA w/ Core i7-3610QM, 16GB, 1.5TB, 17.3 LED FHD, Blu-ray Combo, GeForce GTX 675, Win 7 Home Premium 64-bit at Memory Express


I would also replace both HDD's with SSD's (256GB or larger...) and max the RAM to 32GB after replacing/upgrading to Windows 7 x64 Ultimate (to fully utilize the extra RAM). Of course, that would blow the $1900 limit you gave me - but it also doesn't have to be done right away either.

As a 'base' system - this is what I would pick and stay within budget (with 5 minutes 'wasted' searching... ).

This system will annihilate any upgrades you can do to your current system (and all you would have to do is Secure Erase and clean install Win7x64 with your current SSD...).


If you don't like this system and still want to upgrade next year - I would be waiting for the Haswell platform to be readily available (roughly a year away...) - but not at this price point (initially...).

Good luck.

 

Thanks.

It's been good talking to you, and I appreciate all your help.

 

@tiller. I'm not trying to bust your chops. You do post like you know what you're talking about.

You speak a lot about productivity, efficiency, and power consumption (Samsung 830 comes to mind). Why choose the Samsung series gamer with the 675m card? Fermi is more or less old news and compared to Kepler, the efficiency is definitely lower. Just curious

Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2

 

A few reasons (some already mentioned...):

1) I'm not a gamer, but do know that that is one of the fastest mobile gpu's available now.

2) Low power consumption requirements are not usually high on the list of (serious) gamers.

3) Price/budget (as given by the OP).

4) First hit I found in ~5 minutes.

5) Also hinted that I would be waiting for Haswell too...


Thanks for the compliment btw.

 

Can't you already get a GTX 680M for the same or possible lower pricing? Why stick with old tech? Is it go with new tech for CPUs, but stick with old for GPUs? Just wondering.

 

You're calling me on a quote from over four months ago???



Does not compute.

 

@ghostdunks, hey man it's 5870's CROSSFIRE NOT SLI..... BTW M17X-R2 FOR LIFE YO!!!!

 

Says who? The 720QM is fast enough to handle up to the 6990M. It scores 10k for the CPU score in Vantage, which is more than fast enough to manage whatever you want.

I say to take a look at what I have in my machine and you'll quickly find a machine that'll do what you want to do. The 920XM can be had for as low as $250 and a 6970M can be had for $200. Easiest upgrade and you'll feel it in games. It's beyond impressive when you snag a GPU that increases your performance 50% just from stock to stock. The 920XM just handles any CPU work that might need doing.

Hard to believe that I thought my old Phenom II 940, from my old desktop, was blazing fast. This 920XM is cookin'.