Upgrade Dell Alienware m18 R2 CPU options
Upgrade Dell Alienware m18 R2 CPU options
My processor is nearly maxed out because it's outdated and limiting my gaming speed to 1.20 ghz, so I need a replacement. Based on what I've looked into, I'm planning to upgrade to the top model for my setup—Intel Core i7-3940XM. If I make this change, will I need a new cooling solution such as a different heatsink or fan? Also, should I replace my GPU? Fortunately, they're quite affordable, which is good news. Your specs are: CPU Intel Core i7-3630QM 2.4ghz, GPU NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660M, PSU 240w, battery 6600mAh, BIOS Alienware A14 Bit, 64-bit HDD, Kingston SSD, 24GB RAM, OS Windows 10 Enterprise.
This link refers to an upgrade guide for the Alienware M18X R2, specifically covering a CPU upgrade from Intel Core i7-3630QM to a newer version. It provides instructions and compatibility details for users looking to enhance their gaming or performance setup.
You're wondering if you can upgrade your system. It seems some people suggest using a triple heat sink for that specific CPU model, which can be costly. You might need to consider a different fan setup or check if your current one is sufficient. Regarding the GPU, it's important to verify whether it matches the performance needs of the Intel Core i7-3940XM. If you're unsure, it's best to research compatibility before making changes.
It's really outdated, and I wouldn't put more money into it. That laptop is huge, probably makes a lot of noise, and drains the battery quickly. You could buy a Walmart Motile for $400. This new setup has a significantly faster CPU, and its built-in graphics will outperform anything at 660M. Plus, it's portable and not a bulky desktop.
It's probably feasible to improve the GPU, but doing so would likely cost a lot of money. Mobile laptop GPUs aren't commonly sold as replaceable parts, and finding tutorials is becoming harder. (I remember seeing Nvidia 840 to 850M on some forums, but it’s not easy anymore.) You might not need the GPU upgrade at all—just a CPU improvement could work. It seems simpler and more affordable, so why not give it a shot? P.S. @Coolmaster makes a valid argument too; sometimes it’s not worth it anymore.
I’m focusing more on the laptop now. https://www.amazon.com/alienware-am18xr2...b00ang3vxy It’s quite bulky—about 17 pounds and 8 inches thick. With a 35W CPU and a 50W GPU, the battery will drain quickly. You might want to consider a desktop instead.
Hey, thanks for sharing. It seems like things are back to normal again. I mean, not running at 1.20 GHz (which is typical around 2-3 GHz). Anyone have a clue why it dropped to that speed yesterday? I think it might have been a few hours after I had it on all day, but I wasn’t playing much until late in the evening around 8 PM when I noticed the slowdown. I’m not sure what to expect later today.
The M18x R2 supports i7 3920XM or 3940XM processors. You'll also need to replace the heatsink with a 3-pipe model to handle the extra heat from these chips. I've got mine at 4.2GHz without voltage adjustments, but it can reach higher speeds if you adjust it. I'm also running a GTX 1070 and have an MXM to NVMe adapter in the slave GPU slot with a 970 Evo drive.