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    M15X upgrade options?

    Discussion in 'Alienware M15x' started by alex holgate, Jul 18, 2016.

  1. alex holgate

    alex holgate Newbie

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    Hi!
    I just bought a used m15x on ebay for a bargain.

    running i3 M370 cpu and a GTX 460M

    unfortunately it cant run rust (the game i play most)

    what gpu upgrade can i perform?
     
    alex holgate, Jul 18, 2016
    #1
  2. Jdpurvis

    Jdpurvis Notebook Evangelist

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    Your CPU may be a bigger problem. You could upgrade to a 920 xm for a reasonable cost - that would give you quad core and 8 thread capability - and it is unlocked in the M15x. Lots of info on this site. Best (though expensive) video upgrade would be Nvidial 970m. The 980 runs hot and takes too much power. Installation is not very hard - you will have to modify the Nvidia inf for the driver - again, lots of help here.
    Good luck,
    Joe
     
    Jdpurvis, Jul 18, 2016
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  3. Zenobia K'eal

    Zenobia K'eal Notebook Consultant

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    the 980m takes to much power? what do you mean?
     
    Zenobia K'eal, Jul 18, 2016
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  4. Mobius 1

    Mobius 1 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    too much heat output to be dealt with the m15x's cooling system
     
    Mobius 1, Jul 18, 2016
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  5. Jdpurvis

    Jdpurvis Notebook Evangelist

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    Mobius is right - it is mostly the heat. Cooling system simply cannot handle it, unless you want to go to extreme measures, like removing the entire bottom of the case and adding much larger fans. Power is also an issue, but there are ways around it. However, a 970m, with an overclockable 920 xm is pretty fast, especially at 900 x 1600 or 1080p resolution. You should be able to find some benchmarks for this combination - it's fairly common on this forum.
    Best,

    Joe
     
    Jdpurvis, Jul 18, 2016
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