Hey guys, I'm currently sick of the performance of my processor. Due to the current workload i'm currently handling, it's just not enough. I'm thinking of upgrading my laptop current i7 720-QM to a Extreme class cpu.
My questions is :
1. Does my laptop support the I7-920/940XM?
2. Does it require me to change the motherboard?
3. What other powerful cpus are avaible for the M15x.
I really need help, because my laptop is practically my portable desktop. Only ONE computer to run EVERY single thing. Work/Games/Movies/Photo-editing
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1. yes
2. no
3. 940xm is the current max cpu M15x can take. -
Thanks alot! That's a fast reply that i really needed!
One last question tho, probally the most important.
Do I need to reinstall windows? Or reinstall anything at all?
Or just changing the cpu's enough and done.
Thanks ;D -
stevenxowens792 Notebook Virtuoso
It's literally a disassemble the notebook, remove current cpu, clean heatsync and then install new cpu. Apply new thermal paste, seal up notebook, and then test. No reinstall of OS required.
Good Luck, StevenX -
It more like a 10 min job. Couple of youtube videos out there as well. Just take the necessary precautions and you should be fine. After overclock, you will get a massive performance boost from the XMs.
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I'd say for someone like the OP who's never done this before it would be more like a 30 minute job at least.
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swapped out exactly the same cpu to the 920, it is a 1/2 hour job.
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What does the XM stand for? This version doesn't have it.
StarMicro Inc. - Intel Core i7 Processor i7-940 2.93GHz 8MB LGA1366 OEM CPU SLBCK in INTEL CORE I7 PROCESSORS -
That version is a desktop cpu not a laptop cpu.
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There are some good deals around for about 400$ from good sellers.
Just search for intel 920xm on ebay. -
This is the way to read a processor:
First read i7 which states what kind it is, obviously.
Second if it is a 3 digit number then it is a first gen i7, 4 digit means it is Sandy Bridge and we can't use them.
Third if there is a "M" it means it is mobile, so it is for laptops/notebooks
Lastly if there isn't a letter before the "M" it is dual-core, if there is a "U" it is low voltage usually for netbooks etc, if it is "Q" then it is quad and if it is "X" it stands for extreme, so the cream-of-the-crop basically and also it usually highlights overclockability (all "X" version i7's have unlocked multi's).
Hope this helps. -
One question, the 4 digit ones are better/newer than the 720/920/940? -
Yes, newer, faster and more efficient, but they won't work in the M15x. If you get a 920xm and use Throttlestop to adjust the multis, TDP and TDC values you will still beat most of the newer CPUs (possibly all except for the 2920xm) The 920xm / 940xm CPUs are really powerful!!
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Wow this is making me really consider upping the CPU.
Throttlestop is a software, does that make the overclocking dependent on the software or is it stored in some other memory. Basically what I'm trying to ask is, if I reformat my laptop in future, will I have to re-overclock? -
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Ah oops that was a typo and it should have said "can't"
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you can make some pre set setting, then all you have to do is turn it on and choose one of them.
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Yeah you set it in throttlestop and it saves it. Then add a throttlestop shortcut to the startup folder in your startmenu and it will be automatic.
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^ I guess you need to disable UAC that it works when you put it in the autostart folder... I may be wrong though.
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Am too thinking of getting a 940xm upgrade,but i read somewhere that the 9 cell battery is compulsory if we were to use the 940xm.Currently i only have the normal 6 cell battery.Can anyone clarify,thanks?
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I have both. Doesn't make any difference (apart from the battery life) if you have a 6 cell. Plus if you are still worried with throttlestop you can adjust and lower the TDP of the XM to lower levels and save some battery. But the 9 cell is not compulsary.
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Yes, widezu is right, you don't need the 9cell battery, it will only give you a bit more battery life, but the processor will work perfectly with the 6cell too. I only have the standard battery and it works perfectly.
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Ok,thanks for the info guys! will be fishing around for some cheap 940XM
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The Revelator Notebook Prophet
A 920XM will serve you as well as a 940XM and will usually be a $100 +/- cheaper. It's the same chip for all practical purposes and will deliver the same performance.
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Was in the same sitution as u last dec, upgraded from 720qm to 920xm. Never look back...i big jump i experience was the PCSX PS2 emulator and GTAIV.... only managed to push 2.6ghz across all cores as cooling was a limiting factor in a hot country of mine~
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Haha,ordered a 920XM from ebay,price is USD 398 plus free shipping.The wait is killing me!
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Ya the 9X0xm processors are awesome, I only use Extreme processors now, nothing competes.
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I have two upgrades left to get my machine maxed out, and that is the XM processor and an SSD. I think the SSD will be next and the Processor may wait a bit.
I have been eying they 920's on ebay, they are about 400 whilst the 940s are about 650+ -
Go for the SSD first,they make a significant overall impact.The 920XM i just ordered is the last piece of upgrade for my M15x.(drooling...)
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How big of a boost are we talking here for gaming?
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Really depends on the game, if it's a CPU intese game you will notice quite a difference, otherwise it's not that huge at all.
But for photo merging tasks, video editing, encoding and similar it rocks and makes a 720qm almost obsolete -
Ah yes,finally settled down my new 920XM,temp is 50 degrees at idle after apply MX-3,did a PCMark Vantage test,score 11805,wonder how it compares to other benchmarks? (too lazy to search )
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Already used Throttlestop? If not, time to check it out!!
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Tried out for a while,not really sure how to fully utilise it.Can only set multipliers to 16,wonder how much clock & chipset percentage should i modify?i think may have to reapply MX-3,a bit fussy about my temps.
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Read the first posts of this thread: http://forum.notebookreview.com/hardware-components-aftermarket-upgrades/531329-throttlestop-guide.html
This will answer a lot of your questions about Throttlestop. You can change the turbo ratio as well as the TDP/TDC values and release the beast, hehe... you can't see all options from the main window... try a right click *hint hint* -
*slaps forehead* the often overlooked right-click,thanks for the hint! Will try it out later.Just re-done paste,now idle temp for both GPU & CPU is a more comfy looking 47-48 degrees. phew...
Upgrading from i7 720qm to 920/940xm?
Discussion in 'Alienware M15x' started by Unbreakables, Mar 9, 2011.