Upgrade from 2.6GHz -> 2.8GHz X9000?

Just getting opinions on whether it's worth it to upgrade a 2.6GHz processor in my m17X to the 2.8GHz X9000 processor.
I'm going to be receiving my repaired Alienware next week and if all goes well I would like to upgrade the RAM and cpu. I just don't know if the performance increase of the Core 2 X9000 is worth the money.
I use the laptop for 3D rendering, photoshop, and gaming. I won't be upgrading until I put this laptop through its paces and test it completely. Yet I'd like to know if upgrading is worth it or should I save up for the newer R2?

 

Edit: just realized this is the area 51 m17x not the dell one. my bad. if it has bios support to change the multiplier i would say get it. if not its not really worth the money.

if this is the dell version,x9000 would be a downgrade since it has the 800mhz fsb not the 1066.

 

Thx for the info. I didn't really think there was that much of a performance difference. Just that the X9000 was an extreme edition. It is still a bit pricey for its age. Well if you add the 8GB Corsair RAM kit at 309.00 to a Core 2 extreme X9000 at about 300-500... then I'm thinking I should just save the money.

 

Even if the BIOS doesn't allow for overclocking by multiplier change, the new throttle stop program allows you to increase voltage and increase the CPU multiplier. I've seen some one who overclocked their X9000 to 3.6GHz. And that was in a computer that had a locked down bios, so no bios overclocked. It was in an inspiron 1720, so you can overclock the X9000, and if your going to do so, then I would say it's worth it. If your not going to overclock, I'd say it's not worth it.

 

would you have the same opinion if this was the last version of the m17? i would get a X9100 if thats the case, and also the bios does support multiplier change, also you could always use the XTU program with it to change the voltage to begin with. i beleive the new throttle stop program only helps the Dell M17x, as they were not able to adjust the voltage until now.

 

I'm 99% sure this is the last Alienware build. Was told too many different things by the sales supervisor to be 100% sure. Bought in March 09. I am guessing that after repairs it will all be the same specs. I am simply unsure of which cpu's the motherboard supports. I do know it will support the X9000 since the FSB is the same and used to be an option for upgrade. If the mobo supports X9100 then that is even better..
I believe the processor I currently have is the T9500, but I'd have to check the original purchase.
Thx for the info... much appreciated.
I just want to get some more life out of this beauty, and after all that I went through recently, I feel I have to do something to justify the original purchase price. (well once I get it back and test it that is)
BTW - anyone else notice a temp. freeze up when you go to post on this area of the forums?

 

i BELIEVE that if it has the 9800gt sli its the older m17x with the light up touch pad and the "alienware" name on the lcd plastic also lights up. i could be wrong though this would be compatible with the 800mhz fsb only. the newer systems the m17,& the m17x from dell support ddr3 & 1066mhz fsb. i think the easiest way to check is to see if you have ddr2 or ddr3.

also did you buy it from dell or from the outlet store? because the outlet store still sells the older m17 area-51, if you can take some pics of it.

 

I bought it brand new from AW/Dell. Dell charged me but AW fulfilled the order. Yeah I believe I'm stuck with the 800mhz fsb and the RAM is DDR2. Ripley case, 4 zone light up keyboard, alienhead power button, but the back of the case has a marking that confused me. M17X R1 in caps not lower case.
Yet I am sure the motherboard is the older version. Like I said I believe I am going to be stuck with X9000 and a RAM upgrade to the 4GB X 2. Just don't think the price tag for the two is worth it, between $600-800.
I'll take pics when I get it back, it's been out of commission for 4months and in AW's hands for over a month now. Started with overheating, then gpu failure, then mobo went. Kept it on a cooler 24/7 and immaculately clean. They supposedly replaced everything except the hard drives. I should finally get it back tomorrow. So, if all goes well and it tests without failure, I am thinking I can extend its life a little longer. Just on the fence about the performance increase between what I have and what I'll get with an upgrade.
I mean, for the price I paid for the beast (5K) I could get an i7 920, 5870cf, rgbled screen, 8gb 1333 Ram and not much else...