M15X Question

First of all I would like to thank everyone for all the good info on this site. I just found this site, although I have owned several AWs over the years. This site was a HUGE help when I needed to repair my broken hinges.

Now on to my question. I see lots of people posting they have an M15X R2 or R3, but how can you tell which one you have and what are the differences? Thanks in advance!

Wag

 

m15x was the laptop that came out before dell took over alienware. M15x came out after dell took over alienware. m15x supported core 2 duo, 8800gt etc. M15x supports i3, i5, i7 and came with GTX 260M, 460M, HD 5850, 5730 etc.

 

Ok, so it sounds like I have an m15x. I bought it mid 2008. Here are my computer stats:

m15x Silver
4GB RAM
256GB Samsung PM810 SSD (Upgraded)
Intel Core2 Duo T9300 2.50GHz
NVIDIA GeForce 8700M GT 512MB

So for the m15x there is no R2 or R3 then?

 

There really isn't, but because the "m15x" vs "M15x" distinction is pretty subtle, people sometimes refer to the M15x, the newest version, as the R2 solely for the purpose of distinguishing it from the earlier m15x. So, it's technically an improper (or at least unofficial) usage, but everyone understands what is meant.

Yep, you have the original m15x.

 

So is the original m15x worth upgrading, or should i just buy a new computer? I already had to repair the hinges and I really don't trust them anymore. So I would at least look at a new case and when the hinges fell apart I think it messed up the GPU cooling fan because it makes a ratteling sound now. So a new fan would be needed too. If I wanted to upgrade the CPU or the graphics, would this be worth it?

 

I would upgrade. The M15x with the i series processors are already outdated.

 

Ok, so are the upgrade parts the same for the m15x and the M15x, I mean do I need to worry about the difference when I start looking at things like cases and fans? Also, are their any places you would recommend for upgrade parts?

 

Sorry my post was intended to suggest to buy a new system.

 

B.Wagner the best you can do if investing in a computer of similar size and upgradable performance is a base M17x R3. It is a single GPU system (not a dual like the M17x R2) with the newest i7 processors and is about 3 of 4% bigger than the M15x R2. You can also raid the Dell outlet store for a cheap refurbished Alienware.

If you want to go the route with updating your current m15x here's the list of options:
upgrade the ram to 8GB, get a SSD, buy the GPU heatsink meant for the 8800m GTX (the 8700m is a bit small) and get a 9800m/260m/280m/285m GTX in MXM 2.1 form factor.

 

Thanks for the reply. I made a few posts over in the legacy systems section as well. I already upgraded to a SSD, but that can be moved over to a new system easy enough. I’m still weighing my options. I still have a good while before I get back to the states anyway.