There is a possibility as the website you linked to shows. But if you put non-Dell memory in there and brick the motherboard, our warranty would not cover this damage. Also, they lied on their website when they stated, "WARRANTY: 1 Year Alienware Basic Service, includes In Home Service after Remote Diagnosis in U.S.".
No it won't but any damage caused by replacing parts won't be covered , you also must keep original parts for warranty diagnosing in event parts you put in are cause of unwanted behaviour or any issue that arises you will need original parts for diagnosis reasons
What DDR3L RAM modules can be used with the Alienware 18 laptop? * N2M64 8GB,1600MHz,2RX8,4G,DDR3L,S * NWMX1 4GB,1600MHz,2RX8,4G,DDR3L,S
What is the highest speed RAM that is supported by this model? * 1600MHZ
Are there any considerations that need to be accounted for with regards to dual-channel, triple-channel or quad-channel set-ups (if any are supported)? * Dual channel DDR3L is only supported. See the PDF here: ftp://ftp.dell.com/Manuals/all-products/esuprt_laptop/esuprt_alienware_laptops/alienware-18_Reference%20Guide2_en-us.pdf
Does this mean that there is no possibility for overclocked RAM?
I have read that memory modules of higher frequencies can perform at lower rates (with lower latency).
Meaning a 2133MHz module can perform at 1866MHz and 1600MHz,
and a 1866MHz module can perform at 1600MHz and 1333MHz and so on so forth.
I know Dell/Alienware's official response would be to stick with stock parts, but I am interested in after-market modifications. Any information in this area would be extremely appreciated.
I think that the part of voiding the warranty is just a way for Dell to not cover things.
In the past with computers and motherboards you could try several different rams to find which responds best with the motherboard without having to worry about trashing the board.
However, now I notice there are parts which are designed to fail if tampered with. Half the people that but expensive cars do so with the intent of further modifying it t make it what they want.
Dell would lose some potential dollars so they would rather make something that can't be upgraded much so you have to buy another instead of offering a quality product that can be modified over years of use.
I am glad I bought mine but disappointed in the fact they have crippled some of the modifying.
I guess you could save your memory install the other and if something goes wrong but the old back in.
They would be further ahead just offering the information to allow users to do it safely or offer a reasonably priced service.
actually, modifying almost anything beyond its original configuration with unauthorized OR OEM parts , pretty much voids any warranty if that part you replaced is deemed to cause the issue, this goes for cars, trucks, computers, etc.... so its not a scam, just it says we have no proof it would have failed if you didn't put that part in.
Dell Does provide well detailed documents and teardown, disassembly and reassembly documents , but its online, not everyone knows to look or get it BEFORE they have the issue or mess up something then go looking for it ..
The Thread Already had its answer so were beating a dead horse :(
DELL-Chris M
Community Manager
•
56.9K Posts
0
August 2nd, 2014 14:00
There is a possibility as the website you linked to shows. But if you put non-Dell memory in there and brick the motherboard, our warranty would not cover this damage. Also, they lied on their website when they stated,
"WARRANTY: 1 Year Alienware Basic Service, includes In Home Service after Remote Diagnosis in U.S.".
Once they added 1866MHz ram, we are done.
terrencex
5 Posts
0
July 31st, 2014 11:00
Will opening the case void the warranty?
89fordprobee
1.2K Posts
0
July 31st, 2014 12:00
No it won't but any damage caused by replacing parts won't be covered , you also must keep original parts for warranty diagnosing in event parts you put in are cause of unwanted behaviour or any issue that arises you will need original parts for diagnosis reasons
terrencex
5 Posts
0
July 31st, 2014 15:00
That is quite reasonable but only answers half of my queries.
Thank you.
DELL-Chris M
Community Manager
•
56.9K Posts
0
August 1st, 2014 06:00
What DDR3L RAM modules can be used with the Alienware 18 laptop?
* N2M64 8GB,1600MHz,2RX8,4G,DDR3L,S
* NWMX1 4GB,1600MHz,2RX8,4G,DDR3L,S
What is the highest speed RAM that is supported by this model?
* 1600MHZ
Are there any considerations that need to be accounted for with regards to dual-channel, triple-channel or quad-channel set-ups (if any are supported)?
* Dual channel DDR3L is only supported. See the PDF here:
ftp://ftp.dell.com/Manuals/all-products/esuprt_laptop/esuprt_alienware_laptops/alienware-18_Reference%20Guide2_en-us.pdf
terrencex
5 Posts
0
August 1st, 2014 11:00
Thanks for the informative answer, Chris.
Does this mean that there is no possibility for overclocked RAM?
I have read that memory modules of higher frequencies can perform at lower rates (with lower latency).
Meaning a 2133MHz module can perform at 1866MHz and 1600MHz,
and a 1866MHz module can perform at 1600MHz and 1333MHz and so on so forth.
I know Dell/Alienware's official response would be to stick with stock parts, but I am interested in after-market modifications. Any information in this area would be extremely appreciated.
terrencex
5 Posts
0
August 3rd, 2014 03:00
Thank you Chris for that concise reply.
I will be sticking with stock parts then. After all, the speed difference would be negligible at best.
I would also like the battery life to not suck so thanks.
As for that link, that is pretty bad on the retailers part.
If I purchased new modules from Dell and installed them myself, would the warranty apply or do I need a service technician to do it for me?
xisting4u
3 Posts
1
December 8th, 2014 08:00
I think that the part of voiding the warranty is just a way for Dell to not cover things.
In the past with computers and motherboards you could try several different rams to find which responds best with the motherboard without having to worry about trashing the board.
However, now I notice there are parts which are designed to fail if tampered with. Half the people that but expensive cars do so with the intent of further modifying it t make it what they want.
Dell would lose some potential dollars so they would rather make something that can't be upgraded much so you have to buy another instead of offering a quality product that can be modified over years of use.
I am glad I bought mine but disappointed in the fact they have crippled some of the modifying.
I guess you could save your memory install the other and if something goes wrong but the old back in.
They would be further ahead just offering the information to allow users to do it safely or offer a reasonably priced service.
89fordprobee
1.2K Posts
0
December 8th, 2014 11:00
actually, modifying almost anything beyond its original configuration with unauthorized OR OEM parts , pretty much voids any warranty if that part you replaced is deemed to cause the issue, this goes for cars, trucks, computers, etc.... so its not a scam, just it says we have no proof it would have failed if you didn't put that part in.
Dell Does provide well detailed documents and teardown, disassembly and reassembly documents , but its online, not everyone knows to look or get it BEFORE they have the issue or mess up something then go looking for it ..
The Thread Already had its answer so were beating a dead horse :(