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    M15x upgrade help

    Discussion in 'Alienware M15x' started by lazroun, Mar 28, 2017.

  1. lazroun

    lazroun Notebook Enthusiast

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    I am looking to upgrade my m15x to its highest capabilities without overclocking. I just upgraded the hdd to a 256 ssd. Any ideas/help would be amazing.

    Processor
    Ram
    Gpu
    Power supply


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    lazroun, Mar 28, 2017
    #1
  2. Jdpurvis

    Jdpurvis Notebook Evangelist

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    It might help to know where you are starting. Be sure you are starting with most recent bios.
    Best processors are 920mx and 940mx - functionally equivalent.
    Ram can be upgraded to 16GB (8GB x 2) - bios won't see it, but Windows will.
    There is a long thread about graphics options. Nvidia 970m is very fast, and doesn't produce a lot of heat - but there are many other options depending on your budget and how aggressive you want to be.
    Optical drive can be swapped for a second hard disk or SSD.
    If you do upgrade processor and graphics card, you may need larger power supply even if not overclocking.
    Throttlestop is your friend (Thanks UncleWebb). Factory settings underclock these laptops substantially.
    Don't hesitate to ask questions. And have fun!

    Best,
    J
     
    Jdpurvis, Mar 28, 2017
    #2
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  3. Raidriar

    Raidriar ლ(ಠ益ಠლ)

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    920XM
    16GB DDR3-1333
    GTX 970M
    240W Slim adapter

    Done
     
    Raidriar, Mar 28, 2017
    #3
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  4. lazroun

    lazroun Notebook Enthusiast

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    ThAnks guys. I have a m620 i7, 4gb ram and mobility Radeon 5800.


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    lazroun, Mar 29, 2017
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  5. deadsmiley

    deadsmiley Notebook Deity

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    Technically, the 940XM is faster if you aren't overclocking. (For those OCD types...)

    EDIT:
    i7-840QM is a better deal if you aren't overclocking . It tops out at 3.2GHZ just like the i7-920XM.

    Can be had for $50 on ebay. 920XM is $82, 940XM is $130.
     
    Last edited: Mar 29, 2017
    deadsmiley, Mar 29, 2017
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  6. kosti

    kosti Notebook Virtuoso

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    The 920XM has a slight edge on the 840QM in multi-core benchmarks, but also has a 10W higher TDP. For single core performance, they are more or less identical. I agree that if no overclocking is intended, the 840QM will be a better value.

    Also keep in mind that for 16GB RAM, you need one of the quad core i7s (720/740QM, 820/840QM. 920/940XM).
     
    kosti, Mar 29, 2017
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  7. deadsmiley

    deadsmiley Notebook Deity

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    The Force is strong in this one. :D
     
    deadsmiley, Mar 29, 2017
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  8. lazroun

    lazroun Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks! Now I just need to buy it all and install!


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    lazroun, Mar 29, 2017
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  9. Alienware-Wasserman

    Alienware-Wasserman Company Representative

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    Sorry I'm late for the party, I would also go with @ Raidriar 's suggestion. That will definitely keep your computer at top-notch conditions
     
    Alienware-Wasserman, Mar 31, 2017
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  10. lazroun

    lazroun Notebook Enthusiast

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    Wife just capped my gpu at $100 any ideas? Currently have the ati mobility 5800


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    lazroun, Apr 2, 2017
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  11. deadsmiley

    deadsmiley Notebook Deity

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    M6000 is under $100

    However, if you have a 5870 you won't gain much over what you have now.
     
    deadsmiley, Apr 2, 2017
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  12. lazroun

    lazroun Notebook Enthusiast

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    Dang it's so laggy gaming. Any ideas on a new power supply?


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    lazroun, Apr 3, 2017
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  13. kosti

    kosti Notebook Virtuoso

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    Firepro m6000 (Radeon Mobility 7870) is the best card in that price range. Overclocked via the vbios will reach GTX 765M levels in synthetic benchmarks. Check the m6000 thread for lots of info.
     
    kosti, Apr 5, 2017
    #13
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