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    Power requirements: GTX460M + 920XM?

    Discussion in 'Alienware M15x' started by nkarno, Apr 23, 2014.

  1. nkarno

    nkarno Notebook Guru

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    I have an r2 currently with a 740qm and a gtx460m.
    I am considering upgrading the processor to the 920xm but the system is currently using the power adapter: DA150PM100-00

    The graphics card is not overclocked-

    If I swap processors do I have to get a bigger power brick? (I know there was one size bigger. not too sure of the part number). I really don't have to have power issues after such an operation!
     
    nkarno, Apr 23, 2014
    #1
  2. fatboyslimerr

    fatboyslimerr Alienware M15x Fanatic

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    As long as you don't intend to overclock your GTX 460m you should be fine running an overclocked 920xm at 3Ghz+ on the 150W adapter. The CPU does not throttle in the same manner as the GPU does in the M15x (without some sort of modded PSU to prevent throttling).

    Obviously a bigger brick i.e. the 210W PSU I use will run cooler and will support an upgrade to a better GPU in the future but they are much bigger and heavier.

    Also...upgrading the CPU will be the best upgrade you can make imo as the 920/940xm are such beasts! Obviously GPU is closely behind that if you're a gamer.
     
    fatboyslimerr, Apr 24, 2014
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  3. chopsy

    chopsy Notebook Consultant

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    A medium 920xm overclock tripped my pin modded 150W adapter, but I had a gtx 780m in there too. That being said, you MAY find a limit to how much you can OC the cpu, but I don't think it will happen considering you have a gtx 460m. Worst case scenario your gpu will sometimes throttle(then just pin mod your adapter).
     
    chopsy, Apr 24, 2014
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  4. Alienware-L_Porras

    Alienware-L_Porras Company Representative

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    It should run fine at stock clocks.
     
    Alienware-L_Porras, Apr 24, 2014
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  5. nkarno

    nkarno Notebook Guru

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    awesome! thanks guys!
     
    nkarno, Apr 24, 2014
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  6. nkarno

    nkarno Notebook Guru

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    Just want to add funny enough- dell only sells the 150w power adapter now for the m15x. I know once upon a time the larger brick was an option but I don't see that nor batteries offered anymore. I do have a m17x 220watt but it throws an incorrect adapter error when booting the m15x. From what I read it will still charge the battery but this was after the fact research and I did not boot all the way up to see if that were the case.
     
    nkarno, Apr 24, 2014
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  7. chopsy

    chopsy Notebook Consultant

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    It charges the battery fine. You can disable the incorrect adapter warning from bios.
     
    chopsy, Apr 25, 2014
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