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    M15x CPU Upgrade

    Discussion in 'Alienware M15x' started by Deg12k, Jul 22, 2013.

  1. Deg12k

    Deg12k Notebook Guru

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    So I've decided its time to upgrade the CPU in my lappy as its pretty much the last thing I can at the mo (save for larger storage). Looking around on Ebay and I have found these 2 versions of the 920XM.

    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/INTEL-i7-...0?pt=UK_Motherboards_CPUs&hash=item1e71e9b4e0 (£268)

    Intel Core i7-920XM Extreme Processor ES 2.0GHz 8M Q388 CPU | eBay (£199)

    The 1st one is a 3.2GHz but £70ish more than the 2nd 2.0GHz one. Worth the price increase? I will most likely be running it at stock to start off with until I find a good power / heat balance.

    Alternatively if I am unlikely to notice any huge upgrade from my current CPU is it worth it?

    Thanks in advance guys!
     
    Deg12k, Jul 22, 2013
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  2. fatboyslimerr

    fatboyslimerr Alienware M15x Fanatic

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    They are both 920xm and so have a speed of 2.13ghz at stock (4 cores) and a turbo speed of 3.2ghz (1 core) so they are the same speed.

    The difference is one is an ES (engineering sample) and the other is a QS (quality sample). The other type is OEM (original something manufacturer something) which is the best but most expensive.

    Not sure the difference between ES and QS but both should work fine so go for the cheapest?
     
    fatboyslimerr, Jul 22, 2013
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  3. MorejaSparda

    MorejaSparda Notebook Guru

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    Deg, you have a PM... lol
    :)
     
    MorejaSparda, Jul 23, 2013
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  4. fatboyslimerr

    fatboyslimerr Alienware M15x Fanatic

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    By the way I forgot to add that the 920 or 940XM will be a significant boost in performance over the 840QM even at stock clocks (1.73Ghz vs 2.13Ghz) not to mention overclocking potential of upto 3.3Ghz on 4 cores (that might run a bit hot).
     
    fatboyslimerr, Jul 23, 2013
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  5. Alienware-L_Porras

    Alienware-L_Porras Company Representative

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    It will be noticeable but no significant difference for games.
     
    Alienware-L_Porras, Jul 26, 2013
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  6. fatboyslimerr

    fatboyslimerr Alienware M15x Fanatic

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    I disagree. Metro Last Light definitely benefits from running at 2.6Ghz+ running 940XM overclocked to 21x multiplier vs the x16 of stock. This would be even more significant against the 1.73Ghz of 840QM.
     
    fatboyslimerr, Jul 26, 2013
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  7. batfinks

    batfinks Notebook Consultant

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    stock clocks for the 840QM are 1.86GHz and with Boost 3.2GHz, clocks for the 920XM are 2.0GHz and with Boost 3.2GHz. there is a noticeable difference in performance but its not what i would call significant, and this only comes down to play when the 920XM is overclocked. as for game play some games use cpu cycles more than gpu whilst others use gpu cycles over cpu. i guess it comes down to a couple of factors, which games you are playing now and in the future and cost of the cpu upgrade.
    eitherway, the 840QM is no slow coach.
    good luck with your decission. :D

    3D Mark 06 (CPU)

    Core i7 920XM = 3,797

    Core i7 840QM = 3,531.5
     
    batfinks, Jul 26, 2013
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  8. Deg12k

    Deg12k Notebook Guru

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    Thanks for all the help / opinions. I'm looking basically into making my m15 as good as I can. I am unlikely to buy any newer laptop model in the next 18 months. Obviously as time goes buy existing component prices drop but i am conscious that new chips only have a certain manufacturing lifespan. Then prices start to go up!

    As for games wise? Currently FFXIV, Diablo 3, Overlord, SC2. I do run a lot of stuff simultaneously though. Aside from that its mostly older games TA, AoE2 etc and GOG's back catalogue. Nothing too demanding.

    As a side note as I know a few people here play, FFXIV with an undervolted 7970 runs 1080p on max (- slight server lag). Stock voltage reaches 85c in about 2 mins though that was also due to a bad paste job. I recommend the upgrade :)
     
    Deg12k, Jul 26, 2013
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