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    Upgrade ability of W860CU/NP8690

    Discussion in 'Sager and Clevo' started by zipfel, Jan 31, 2010.

  1. zipfel

    zipfel Newbie

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    i am wondering in about 2 or 3 years would I be able to get new components and have an up to date laptop?

    How future proof is the core architecture of these laptops? Hardware capable, just need to upgrade to the bios or flash?


    Thank you for your replies
     
  2. Soviet Sunrise

    Soviet Sunrise Notebook Prophet

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    You can replace or upgrade the GPU if the future card is released under the same MXM 3.0 standard, and if the system BIOS supports it. Historically, Clevo's are able to upgrade by one generation before hitting a hardware or software limitation. This means that you are guaranteed compatibility from the GTX 280M/GTX 285M to the GTX 380 and it's architectural shrinks.

    The CPU cannot be upgraded to a future architecture. The highest you can go for the CPU for this notebook is the 920XM. There will be no future mobile Nehalem/Westmere quad core CPU's.
     
  3. johnnyman27

    johnnyman27 Notebook Lover

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    can we upgrade to ati mobility 5870 gpu??
     
  4. Soviet Sunrise

    Soviet Sunrise Notebook Prophet

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    If the microcode is in the system BIOS, then yes.
     
  5. zipfel

    zipfel Newbie

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    Cool. thanks for your replies Soviet Sunrise. Appreciate your help :)

    Think the 920 is worth the price tag? or do you think you could find a 920 cpu cheaper down the road. I am thinking on getting the 820 CPU
     
  6. Soviet Sunrise

    Soviet Sunrise Notebook Prophet

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    The 920XM is reserved for benchmarkers, perfectionists, rich people, or people that are running mission-critical applications. From the 820QM, the 920XM is not worth the upgrade. However, you can pick up an ES 920XM for ~$600 if you want to take the risk. I am currently investigating possible faults with the ES 920XM compared to the OEM 920XM. I have already dug up a few things that may set the two apart other than manufacturing quality. I will resume my research once I get my paperweight W870CU up and running. But if you ask me, $600 for a 920XM is a good deal. http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m38.l1313&_nkw=920xm&_sacat=See-All-Categories

    Keep in mind that having an ES CPU installed will void your warranty if your vendor finds out. You will need to keep your original CPU or have a genuine OEM CPU ready to swap back in if you need to send your notebook in for warranty repair.
     
  7. Blacky

    Blacky Notebook Prophet

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    It all depends on when World War III will start... (in other words, i am pretty sure you will be able to unless something drastic will happen)