Are the CPU / GPU user upgradeable on the Precision M4400 / M6600?

Wondering if the the CPU and / or GPU on the Precision M4400 / M6600 are user upgradeable? Both in terms of is it physically possible and how does it affect warranty. If it voids the warranty, how likely is it that they can tell that it was upgraded if you swap the oringinal components back in before sending it in.

 

The GPU is not upgradeable. The CPU is upgradeable, but it will void your warranty. As for disguising the upgrade, you would have to get your hands on a thermal pad or thermal paste and reapply them when you send it to Dell, after you put back the original CPU. If you're comfortable with that, you can probably do it.

 

I believe the M6400 GPU is upgradeable by a user, but the M4400 will require a motherboard change.

 

If it is upgradeable (the M4400's is not...the M6400 might be) then it uses a Dell proprietary version of MXM cards. So it would only be upgradeable if Dell actually choose to come out with another card for the machine.

Don't count on this ever being upgradeable.

 

Very true. You'll have to search for the specific GPU coming from another Dell computer or from Dell themselves.

 

Well, they do have the 2700M and 3700M for the M6400, so if you wanted to swap between those, I'm pretty sure you could do it.
It might be a challenge to get hold of the actual GPU, though.

 

Not to mention probably expensive due to the rarity.

 

im not sure about the m6400 specifically, but spare part dell GPU's normally are in the $300-$500 range, not worth it.