Dell Alienware m15x upgrade?

Lee77uk

Lee77uk

Lee77uk

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Joined
16 Dec 2010
Posts
18
Hi guys..

Have just purchased an Alienware m15x from gumtree and although its already pretty good, I realise it could do with some upgrading. I've had a look through this and a couple of other forums, but what I really need is some up to date information.

I've cut and paste in the laptops spec below.. My hope is to get it running even better for gaming, works ok with most games, but the fps could certainly do with improving.

As such what would be the best way of speeding it up?, new gpu, added ram?.. New hard drive, an SSD one?

Basically just need a point in the right direction

I'm based in East Sussex

Thanks in advance

Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (6.1, Build 7600)
(7600.win7_gdr.120830-0334)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Alienware
System Model: M15x
BIOS: Ver A09 1.00
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 CPU Q 820 @ 1.73GHz
(8 CPUs), ~1.7GHz
Memory: 4096MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 4084MB RAM
Page File: 2253MB used, 5913MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 11
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
User DPI Setting: Using System DPI
System DPI Setting: 96 DPI (100 percent)
DWM DPI Scaling: Disabled
DxDiag Version: 6.01.7600.16385 32bit Unicode

Card name: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260M
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce GTX 260M
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0618&SUBSYS_02A21028&REV_A2
Display Memory: 2791 MB
Dedicated Memory: 1005 MB
Shared Memory: 1786 MB
Current Mode: 1920 x 1080 (32 bit) (60Hz)

Disk & DVD/CD-ROM Drives
------------------------
Drive: C:
Free Space: 392.0 GB
Total Space: 476.8 GB
File System: NTFS
Model: ST9500420AS ATA Device

Drive: D:
Model: Optiarc DVDRWBD BC-5600S ATA Device
Driver:
 
If gaming you could get away with just a new gpu. But I would also grab some ram and an ssd whilst its still so cheap and make the whole system a little more responsive.

I recently put a quadro 3000m in a customers m15x (he uses it more for video editing than gaming). Was really easy to swap out but make sure you do a good job on the thermal paste and buy yourself some thermal pads for the memory.

You should be able to add the following without modifying the heatsink:
gtx460/560m
gtx670m

I know people are also putting 6970m and 7970m cards in but may take a little more work (ie some people are having to undervolt to keep the temps and power down
 
where can I find a gtx 670m online?

also would this work? Crucial 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3 PC3-10600 SODIMM 204 Pin Memory Module Kit, £59 a good price? from amazon

finally, what'd be better 256GB Crucial m4 2.5-inch SATA 6Gb/s (SATA III) £123

or

Samsung 256GB 830 SSD SATA 6GBPS 2.5 inch Basic Kit £130
 
not sure on the ram let me take a look.

I have both a m4 and 830, both are amazing SSDs choose which ever is cheaper.

I often pick mxm cards off the bay. I bought a 670m for about £220 recently (mxm cards are a lot more expensive than desktop counterparts). If you live anywhere near dorset can help you fit it if you have never done an mxm before
 
Yes it's compatible, I wouldn't bother with that though, just get the 7970m, it's about 70% faster than the 6970m.

Make sure it's a Dell model though and not Clevo, as the fans run at full speed with the Clevo version, but you can use HWinfo32 to manually adjust the fans.

*No linking to competitors please*
 
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