Upgrades for my Alienware 17-R1

Question

Afternoon All,

Was wondering if i am able to upgrade my GPU and CPU? and if so, can anyone tell me which ones are compatible.

Processor = Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4900MQ CPU @ 2.80GHz
Graphics card = NVIDIA GeForce GTX 770m
Ram = 16GB

I would also like to know is it worth it to set my SSD 52GB as my primary drive with the O/S on it. Would a notice a difference in gaming?

I am struggling to even run Fallout 4 / dead island on minimum to medium settings without getting constant lag spikes where the fps drops huge. (even in small areas).

Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks,

Adam

Meowland · Accepted Answer

I think your CPU is great as is. The i7 you have is basically as good as its going to get for that.

However, your GPU can be upgraded. Assuming you have a 240W PSU then you can upgrade the GPU to the following.

GTX 780m / GTX 880m

GTX 860m (Kelper)

GTX 870m

GTX 965m

GTX 970m (recommended)

GTX 980m (best)

It looks like the 17 r1 does not support the Alienware Graphics Amp, but you can upgrade the GPU to one of the above and you should get better FPS and be able to use better settings.

DELL-Chris M · Answer

The ones above could work. Below are the Dell tested items with Dell part numbers =

C8HRG i7-4930MX 3.00GHz

CXC7W Nvidia GeForce GTX880m N15E-GX, 8GB GDDR5
0X79J AMD R9 M290X Neptune, 4GB GDDR5
3YMNY Nvidia GeForce GTX780m N14E-GTX, 4GB GDDR5

Yes, starting over and installing the operating system on the SSD would speed things up. The 750GB sata drive would hold all of your data and installed software. But remember, you must change the installation path to the sata drive.

Meowland · Answer

I also see the SSD questions now.  I would not recommend putting the OS on a 54GB SSD.  However, I will recommend to upgrade to a 240GB SSD if possible and migrate the OS to that using the migration software that Samsung offers.  I don't think you have to buy a Samsung SSD to use their migration software.  Basically, the migration software will move the OS from a hard drive to the new SSD.

AdamAndo · Answer

Thank you meowland, Just compared the 780M and the 880m and i think i will go with the 780m as they look roughly the same but cheaper in price.

AdamAndo · Answer

Hi Chris, Thank you for the reply. Can you confirm what my psu is? ref: ADP-240AB D model: GA240PE1-00 Dell P/N FWCRC

DELL-Chris M · Answer

240w

AdamAndo · Answer

Hi guys,

I have found a 780M on ebay pulled from a alienware 18. He says the following:

nvidia GeForce 780m nv14-e GTX.

The picture he is showing is still attached to the heat sink. is there any way to tell from the back of the gpu chip or will i need to see the front?

Am i allowed to post links here? if not you can remove it. (thats the link to the GPU)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Geforce-GTX-780m-4gb-laptop-graphics-card-/172262330718?hash=item281ba2915e:g:JlYAAOSweWVXeV6Y

AdamAndo · Answer

Hi Chris or Anyone,

I was advised from Dell on technical support when ringing that i would need a new heatsink? part #G2YP2

He confirmed the 780M i was looking at would be fine but would require a new heat sink but he was not 100% sure on it

Can you please advise?

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Upgrades for my Alienware 17-R1

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