Alienware M15x 2008 - FINALLY UPGRADING

So I have my old baby that is way over due for some upgrades, I will show current specs and then what I am planning on doing to upgrade, any and all advice would be awesome!

I used to do a lot of gaming and now recently thinking about setting my PC up for some casual gaming. The laptop is mainly used for video editing and school work now.

Current Specs
Intel i3 CPU M330
4GB RAM
Nvidia GT240M

Upgrades
So this is what I want to have
Intel i7-740qm
16GB Ram - I was looking at Patriot Signature DDR3 16GB(2x8gb) 1333MHz
Crucial M4 256GB SSD - Bought
Nvidia GTX 460m
Updrade my Optical drive also but no clue on where to start looking.
I also need a new battery as well, any suggestions or does it matter what I get? I wont be doing any overclocking.


That's about it so far? Help is appreciated

 

Core i7 920xm $150
GTX 970m $450
is best upgrade and final upgrade.

Power 240watts... $80

 

^^ This.... If nothing else for a video card option look at the 680 or 7970

 

i have a 720qm on my desk. shoot me a PM if you want it

 

I can do $150 for the CPU but no way I want to spend $450 on my gfx card. In total I think I want to keep the upgrades under $500.

 

if you want to stay nvidia the best way is a 770m, 765m, 680m

i also have a 770m if you want it. pm me? haha

 

If I get the i7 920xm will I have to do the GPU at the same time?

 

Nope. I am upgrading right now. Got my 7970M installed, from the 5850M.... Going from my 740Qm to a 920XM when I got the funds.

 

Ok, I plan on going processor first, then upgrade gpu the next month. Well looks like I'm looking for a 920xm

 

@OP
Do you really need your optical drive? Mine conked out on me around 2 years ago and i have a cheap USB plugin one for "emergencies."
My suggestion is to find a OD caddy (pretty cheap maybe $25 )and plug in that old HDD in the SATA port for your OD.
In the last 72h I bought:
920xm for $146 shipped
6970m for $139 shipped
500Gb SSD Samsung EVO for $209 shipped
8Gb RAM for $74 shipped
so around $570 for all.

 

Good suggestion, I think I will probably just get the OD Caddy, I already have an USB plugin one to replace it for now lol.

 

Where can I find a battery with 240 watts??

 

I tossed my optical drive as well for a caddy that accepts 2.5" drives... You can find them on eBay in China for $10. SSD is my primary with the OS and the caddy contains my 1TB HDD.

You unfortunately will never find a battery to fit these systems, or any system that can deliver proper power. Our systems come with a six cell battery, you can opt for the nine cell which props the system up at the rear. You will see better performance from the higher cell battery, but it will NEVER be able to deliver 100% power.

As for a 240Watt power supply, well eBay has lots... I believe the one you want is a Delta... It's on my list for purchase too!

 

Nice, looks like I will be ordering a 2.5" caddy told hold my HDD once the SSD comes in.