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    M14X upgradable CPU?

    Discussion in 'Alienware 14 and M14x' started by EV73, Jul 30, 2011.

  1. EV73

    EV73 Newbie

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    Hey guys new to the forum, just bought an M14X with some cool specs, should be arriving soon. I do have one question though, I made the mistake of ordering the smaller i5 processor for mine when I'd rather have the larger i7 since it's not that much extra. Dell doesn't allow shipment changes and I only know how the parts work and not how to put them together/change them. If you need any other info on the laptop just let me know

    So firstly, is it possible to upgrade the parts inside of the AW M14X?

    secondly, how would I go about doing this? I just want to put a larger processor in since I'm already paying for extra RAM etc...

    (sorry if this is old talk, like I said I just made an account since people seem pretty knowledgeable about the same laptop on here)
     
  2. CASteinman

    CASteinman Notebook Consultant

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    Another thread on M14x future upgrades has a person who has taken their machine apart.. they say the CPU is upgradable but the GPU is soldered to the board.
     
  3. EV73

    EV73 Newbie

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    Okay thanks just read through that but it leaves me with a few questions still

    1. Which CPU's are compatible and where can I buy them?
    2. Where can I learn how to install it?
     
  4. ComputerMD82

    ComputerMD82 NX-74205

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    I have a disassembly guide here:
    http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...-your-stock-thermal-compound.html#post7757216

    The CPU is definitely upgradeable. The following full power i7 Processors are compatible:

    i7-2620M (Dual-Core, 2.7Ghz)
    i7-2630QM (Quad Core, 2.0Ghz)
    i7-2720QM (Quad Core, 2.2Ghz)
    i7-2820QM (Quad Core, 2.3Ghz)
    i7-2920XM (Quad Core, 2.5Ghz)

    [​IMG]


    Once the motherboard and heatsink are removed, the CPU will be visible. there is a latch on the CPU socket. Use a small flathead screwdriver to turn the screw 180 degrees to the open position. This will release the CPU. Remove the CPU from the socket, insert the new one, and turn the screw back into the locked position. Apply thermal paste and reassemble :)